Papua New Guinea

Get in

thumb|450px|Countries shown in green can get a visa on arrival in PNG

Get around

thumb|The welcoming party at a Hiro Moale Festival

See

thumb|upright|A Huli Wigman from the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea

Do

thumb|right|Coral reefs in crystal clear waters

Eat

thumb|Making sago flour pancakes The food is largely devoid of spices. A typical way of cooking is a Mumu, an underground oven in which meat and vegetables, such as Kaukau (sweet potatoes), are cooked. In just about every meal, there is rice and another form of starch.

In the lodges that tourists stay in, there is usually a blend between this type of food and a more Westernised menu.

While it may come as a surprise to many, there are no American nor European chains in Papua New Guinea. The only chains you'll find are Big Rooster, a locally operated chicken chain, Eagle Pizzeria, an Australian pizza chain and Hog's Breath Cafe, another Australian steakhouse chain – so all either locally operated, or an Australian chain.

Drink

The main local brew, SP (short for South Pacific) Lager, is owned by Heineken. Binge drinking is a major social problem. Beers and wines are often served fairly warm due to a lack of refrigeration. Also, while the water quality varies from place to place (and in some cases from day to day), it is generally best to stick to bottled water, even in upmarket hotels.

Sleep

Hotels are very expensive (at least US$100/night, and often much more). Guesthouses are the best budget option in the towns but even then still expensive (about US$40/night) The least expensive option is to stay in village guesthouses (about US$15/night), and that is where the fun is, anyhow.

Port Moresby has international hotels including the Crown Plaza and Airways International, mid-range hotels such as Lamana, and guesthouses. The regional areas offer international and budget hotels depending on the size of the town and some provinces have guest houses.

Stay safe

thumb|Tavurvur volcano is very close to Rabaul, in East New Britain

U.S. State Department travel advisory as of January 17, 2024: Reconsider travel to Papua New Guinea due to crime, civil unrest, and piracy. Exercise increased caution due to kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, inconsistent availability of healthcare services, and potential for natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk.

Do not travel to: Central Bougainville, particularly areas near the Panguna mine, due to civil unrest.

The Highlands region, other than the towns of Mt. Hagen and Goroka, due to civil unrest.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port Moresby due to limited transportation infrastructure. U.S. government employees must obtain authorization before traveling to areas of concern, including the central part of Bougainville and the provinces of Southern Highlands, Western Highlands (excluding Mt. Hagen), Eastern Highlands (excluding Goroka), Hela, Enga, Jiwaka, and other areas of Papua New Guinea where one is unable to fly directly.

The country has a reputation as a risky destination in some circles (primarily Australian ones), predominantly because of the activities of criminal gangs (known in Tok Pisin and commonly in English as raskols) in major cities, especially in Port Moresby and Lae.

That is generally a result of unemployment stemming from increased domestic migration from subsistence farming in the hills to the nearest ur…

Stay healthy

Tap water in some regions can be unsafe to drink.

Malaria can be a hazard as well, although many villages, particularly those connected to industry, are regularly treated for mosquitoes. Take the appropriate precautions against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. Malaria medication can be purchased at pharmacies.

Respect

thumb|Ela Beach in Port Moresby As in many Melanesian cultures, greeting people with a friendly handshake is very important. Be aware, however, that it is a sign of respect not to make eye contact. The sight of hotel staff calling you by name, shaking your hand and looking at the floor may seem unusual at first.

Of course, do not take pictures of people without their consent, even if they have the most mindblowing clothing and makeup. Remember that they are real people, not tourist attractions.