Out and about
A quick guide to Papua New Guinea, from catching a taxi to making a phone call.
CLIMATE
With the exception of the Highlands, PNG has a warm tropical climate. The wet season in Port Moresby is from December to April.
COMMUNICATIONS
Internet: is to buy a local SIM card and pre-paid credit (including data packs for smartphones).
It is much cheaper to make international calls from PNG than vice versa. Car hire: Deal with one of the international names and ask them to provide a driver (around PGK400 per day). With the poor state of roads, especially in Lae, 4WDs/ SUVs are recommended.
Airport transfers:
HEALTH
Serious medical conditions typically require treatment outside the country. Travellers should ensure they have adequate health cover (the cost of medical evacuation alone can reach $US30,000). Visitors should also note that malaria is prevalent in PNG and there have been cases of measles and tuberculosis in some parts of the country.
MONEY
PNG’s currency is the kina (PGK). ANZ and Bank of South Pacific (BSP) have branches at Port Moresby’s international airport. ATMs are located around Port Moresby, Lae and other urban centres.
SAFETY
While the situation is not as bad as portrayed by some international media, you should always take precautions, especially at night.
TIME ZONE