PNG Tours - what you need to know
Safety and Security
We care about making your travel with us a fun-filled experience and worth the money you spend to visit Papua New Guinea. That is why our team makes its highest priority your safety and security.
In many ways Papua New Guinea is just like any other country around the world, where safety and security issues are heightened in specific areas within the country - but everywhere else you travel is mostly safe, secure and full of happy Papua New Guineans.
Crime rates are much higher in the big cities and tends to be opportunistic and petty, but with some simple precautions you will avoid becoming a target.
1. Travel with a local.
2. Don't wear or carry expensive jewellery, gadgets or large amounts of cash.
3. Be aware of your surroundings, pickpockets operate in the larger cities.
4. If you want to walk out of your hotel/resort, always tell the staff where you are going and ask if it is safe.
While it is always advisable to take safety precautions, the destination is usually filled with smiles all around and friendly people. For all of our visitors, we advise that common sense should be used at all times when visiting areas around Papua New Guinea.
Guides & Safety
It is advisable to use a local guide when exploring. They know the tok ples (local language), and will know the places you can safely visit. Common sense should always prevail- try to avoid secluded areas, always stay with your possessions and don't walk alone at night.
More information can be found here: http://www.papuanewguinea.travel/safety.
Health
Malaria is the only serious health risk in Papua New Guinea and visitors are advised to consult their local doctor or tropical disease clinic before arrival in PNG.
Use of personal insect repellents is advised.
Water quality is within World Health Organisation standards in most towns, however bottled water is available and in rural areas it is advisable to boil water at all times.
Dental, doctor and hospital services are available in all major centres.
Certification or vaccination against yellow fever or cholera is required for travellers coming from or through infected areas, over one year of age.
Another health risk is the HIV virus, which is a worldwide concern. Please look after yourself.
Emergencies
Medivac Pacific Services provides emergency medical services: Port Moresby Ph: +675 323 5626. For 24-hour emergency Ph: +675 76835227 or +675 76831818.
Port Moresby only: Police 112, fire 110/002 and St John Ambulance 111
What to Pack
The Papua New Guinea climate is tropical with generally warm to hot temperatures and high humidity.
Clothes
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pack a lightweight, casual wardrobe of loose-fitting, natural fabrics e.g. linen, silk or cotton, that will keep you cool and are easier to wash and dry.
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We also advise that you wear casual, comfortable and conservative clothes. Short, tight or revealing clothes should be avoided.
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Bring plenty of sunscreen ( for up to 10 hours protection), sunglasses and a sunhat.
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Mosquito and insect bites are prevalent in Papua New Guinea. We also advise that you bring plenty of insect or mosquito repellent.
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Bring long sleeves and pants that you can wear in the evenings to avoid being bitten.
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A lightweight raincoat and/or umbrella if rain is expected (December to March).
Shoes
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For serious or general walking pack light weight walking shoes or sneakers.
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Sandals or flip flops are ok for the beachside resort locations.
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If you wish to explore the reefs especially at low tide, a dive shoe would be great for protecting your feet.
Dress tips for women
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Respect the local customs: while it is fine to wear bikinis and brief swim wear in resorts/hotels, it is not ok elsewhere. At such times please cover up.
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Also note that topless sun-bathing is unacceptable.
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Your best valuables and jewelleries should be left at home. You do not really need them. Instead bring selected pieces that you can easily wear with any of your outfit.
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Bring a scarf to keep your hair protected from the humidity and heat.
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Bring a sarong or pashmina that you can easily use as modesty cover or to shield you from the tropical sun.
Electrical gadgets
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Pack a travel adapter plug to use for your devices that are not designed for the local voltage(240V).
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Look after your mobile phones, tablets, cameras etc. If you do bring them on the trip, use a sturdy case for their protection and always keep them in your pocket or bag.
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A portable power bank or solar charger might be useful during village guesthouse stays.
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A headlamp or small torch might also be useful for the more remote areas.
Other things to pack
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In major cities and towns in Papua New Guinea tap water is easily accessible. It can be trusted for drinking.
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However, in rural areas clean and safe water to drink is not accessible. In the case where you are making a trip to a local village, it’s always a sensible precaution to boil, filter or chemically disinfect water.
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Alternatively, bottled water can be purchased for your use.
Money
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PNG Kina is the most appropriate currency to carry and use.
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Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of the major shopping centres, hotels/resorts and banks.
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Consult with your bank to find out whether your ATM card will work overseas.
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Currency exchange is available at Jackson’s International terminal for your convenience.
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In the case where you are visiting local villages you are encouraged to carry enough PNG Kina cash for your stay as there are no ATM machines.
The weather can be unpredictable so it’s always best to keep informed of the daily or weekly weather forecast while you are in Papua New Guinea.
Here are some links to check local weather conditions:
https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/papua-new-guinea/port-moresby
http://www.accuweather.com/en/pg/rabaul/257842/hourly-weather-forecast/257842
Shopping
If you want to grab some last-minute things in Port Moresby the following are shopping centres that we recommend.
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Vision city shopping mall.
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Water-front shopping centre.
You can speak to our team for assistance.
Of course you will want to buy something unique to take home and remember your PNG experience by.
The common crafts you will come across include the following.
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Billums (Local hand-bags) hand made by local women. They come in different sizes, colours and patterns.
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Patterned baskets from the Southern Highlands
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Wooden bowls from the trobriands
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Wooden masks from Sepik
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Paintings by local artists depicting PNG culture and heritage.
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Tapa cloth design artifacts e.g. hats, fan, bags.
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Traditional weapons of various types.
Speak to our team to assist you on where to find the best bargain.
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Gifts
If you are planning on visiting a remote village during your trip, it is encouraged but not required, to bring gifts to give to the villagers or schools. Some suggested things are clothes, pens/pencils, reading and writing books, fishing line.
Additional Information
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General information about Papua New Guinea
Go to this link for more information:
http://www.papuanewguinea.travel/papua-new-guinea-culture
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Papua New Guinea Quarantine and Customs
On arrival in Papua New Guinea, all goods are subject to customs and quarantine control. All travellers are advised to do a thorough Declaration of Customs and Quarantine.
Go to this link for more information:
http://www.papuanewguinea.travel/customs
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Getting in and around Papua New Guinea
Go to this link for more information: http://www.papuanewguinea.travel/gettingaround
Checklist
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Check your passport status -Is it valid for 6 months from the time of travel (date of departure from Papua New Guinea back to country of origin
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Do you need a visa? Check with the nearest Papua New Guinea consulate for more information or go to this link. http://www.papuanewguinea.travel/passportvisainfo
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We highly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance
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Have you consulted your doctor for anti-malaria preparation before arrival in PNG?
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Have you received your tour itinerary from our team?
