About Papua New Guinea

Getting Around

At Jackson's airport which is 11km from the centre of Port Moresby, there are rental car counters, a bank and duty free shops. Major hotels have a courtesy bus to and from the airport. Taxis have metres. Within the city, PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles) cost 70toea per journey. Elsewhere, PMVs, Taxis and hire cars are available.

Useful Phone Numbers

Currency

Papua New Guinea unit of currency is the Kina which is divided into 100 toea. Exchange your money at the Jackson's Airport or in banks which are open from 8:45am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday and until 4pm on Fridays. Exchange rate (01.02.05) K1.00 = AUD $0.39, US $0.31. Credit cards are excepted in leading hotels and shops.

Customs and Quarantine

Adults over 18 have a general allowance of new goods to the value of K250 and are allowed duty free:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250grammes of tobacco
• Two litres of alcohol
• A reasonable amount of perfume
• Drugs, pornographic, literature or video tapes firearms and weapons are prohibited. Food items, seeds, spices, live or dry plants, animal products and biological specimens such as cultures and blood need special import approval.

Languages

Although over 800 languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea, English is the language of education and commerce. Tok Pisin is widely spoken and Polis Motu is common in the Southern Region.

Time

Papua New Guinea is 10 hours ahead of GMT, in the same time zone as Eastern Australia. There is no daylight saving.

Communication

ISD, STD, Facsimile, Digital Mobile phone services are available in most centres. Phone cards, Telikads and Digicel's flex cards can be accessed and used in most major centres. Most rural areas are now connected to the digicel mobile network which has reliable, crystal clear coverage. Some rural areas also have radio phones whilst others use high frequency radios.

Driving

Drivers licenses issued in other countries are valid for 3 months after arrival. Vehicles travel on the left side of the road. Speed limits are 60kmh in built-up areas and 80km out of town.

Electricity

Electricity supply is 240 volts AC 50Hz. Some hotels have 110 volt outlets for shavers and hair dryers.

Climate

Tropical with average temperature of 30˚C during the day and 22˚C in the evening.

Health

Water quality is within WHO standards in most towns. Bottled water is available. In rural areas, it is advisable to boil water. As malaria continues to be a health risk in some parts of the country, anti malaria tablets should be taken two weeks before arrival, during your stay and 4 weeks after departure. Port Moresby is relatively Malaria free; however you may choose to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers and shoes in the evening. Dentist, doctors and hospitals are located in all major centres. Rural areas have health centres and aid posts staffed by trained health workers.

Dress

For most occasions, dress is tropical informal. Lightweight clothing is suitable for coastal areas but a sweater or jacket will be needed in the Highlands. Rubber thongs and shorts are not allowed in some bars and restaurants.

Restaurants

Western cuisine is available in hotels, restaurants, guest houses and lodges. Port Moresby has several very good Asian restaurants. Most hotels may serve a variety of local foods and some hotels especially in the provinces serve potato, taro, yam, pumpkin, banana and greens cooked in coconut milk.

Tipping

Tips are neither expected nor encouraged.

Shopping

Large stores and artifact shops offer a variety of goods for sale. Saturday is half day for most shops and nearly all are closed on Sundays. Artesians sell their craft beside the roads or markets. All local markets sell a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Cultural Events

Celebrations of traditional culture include:

• September - Hiri Moale Festival, Port Moresby
• September - Goroka Show, Goroka
• October - Morobe Show, Lae
• November - Canoe Festival, Alotau

Export Rules

Many artifacts, historical and cultural objects are prohibited exports. Others require a permit from the National Museum. Export permits for wildlife and animal products are issued by the nature conservation Division of the department of Environment and Conservation.

Airline Schedule