Advice, where to eat, hotels
A quick guide to Papua New Guinea, from catching a taxi to making a phone call.
CLIMATE
With the exception of the Highlands, Papua New Guinea has a warm tropical climate. The wet season in Port Moresby is from December to April.
COMMUNICATIONS
Internet: Web access in Port Moresby has improved immensely in recent years. In other urban centres, you may still be relying on dial-up. For those staying longer, wireless internet, via a USB modem, is available. Complimentary Wi-Fi is becoming more common at hotels, and is also available at Jacksons International Airport.
Phone: International mobile phone roaming is possible in PNG but it can be costly. A cheaper option is to buy a local SIM card and pre-paid credit (including data packs for smartphones).
ELECTRICITY
The current in PNG is 240V AC 50Hz, using Australian-style plugs.
GETTING AROUND
Airport transfers: Domestic flights: Travelling within PNG often means taking an internal flight (for instance, you cannot drive between Port Moresby and Lae). Air Niugini offers passengers the chance to book (and for some flights, also to check in) online, but make sure you print out a copy of your receipt to show at check-in. Aircraft and helicopter charters are available for travel to remote locations.
HEALTH
in PNG and there have been cases of measles and tuberculosis.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
For St John Ambulance phone 111 or 7111 1234. St John provides 24-hour ambulance service in Port Moresby.
MONEY SAFETY TIME ZONE EATING OUT PORT MORESBY
Airways Hotel: Port Moresby’s ritziest hotel has several places to eat. If you’re after fine dining, Bacchus is the place to go. For something more casual, go poolside to Deli KC. The Vue Restaurant, which has a buffet each morning and evening, as well as an a la carte menu, has stunning views. See airways.com.pg.
Asia Aromas: Offering Chinese and Thai food by the water at Harbourside, this eatery has consistently good reviews on social media. Outdoor seating is available. A good spot for sunset drinks. Tel. +675 321 4780. Aviat Club: The club is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Home-style meals include stirfries, toasted sandwiches and ➤ 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.
For arrival/ departure in Port Moresby, any of the hotels listed in this guide will provide a complimentary transfer.
Car hire: Deal with one of the international names and ask them to provide a driver (PGK450+ per day). With the poor state of roads, especially in Lae, 4WDs/SUVs are recommended. Taxis: Recommended firms are City Loop (1800 000), Comfort (325 3046), and Scarlet (7220 7000). While the situation is not as bad as portrayed by some international media, you should always take precautions, especially at night. PNG has a single time zone, 10 hours ahead of UTC/GMT. Serious medical conditions can be treated in Port Moresby at Pacific International Hospital and the Government Hospital, which have 24x7 emergency and critical care services Some conditions may require treatment outside the country. Travellers should ensure they have adequate health cover (the cost of medical evacuation can reach $US30,000). Visitors should also note that malaria is prevalent