Papua New Guinea lies entirely within the tropics, just south of the Equator and 100 miles to the north of Australia. With a total landmass of about 183,000 square miles, the country encompasses the eastern part of New Guinea Island - the second largest island in the world, plus some 600 other islands, atolls and coral reefs.
The actual flying time from Los Angeles to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea via Australia takes about 18 ½ hours.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
Jackson's International Airport is the gateway of Papua New Guinea, situated about 5 miles away from the main town center of Port Moresby. Mt Hagen Provincial Airport has been declared the International Port of entry because of the mining activities in the Highlands provinces.
VISITOR VISAS
We recommend that you obtain a tourist visa from the Papua New Guinea embassy in Washington, DC. You will also need travel documents, sufficient funds for your entire stay in the country and an airline ticket with confirmed outbound flights prior to the expiry date of your Visa.
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE
Apart from their own personal effects, each traveler over the age of 18 is allowed to bring the following into Papua New Guinea. These allowances are a guide only and are subject to change.
| Item |
Limit |
| Cigarettes |
200 |
| Tobacco |
250 grams |
| Cigars |
50 |
| Liquor/Wine |
1 liter |
CLIMATE
Since Papua New Guinea lies entirely within the tropics the weather is warm to hot and humid throughout the year. There is a rainy season, which varies from province to province. In general however, it is driest from May to December.
POPULATION
Papua New Guinea is a country of 5.5 million people comprised of 85% indigenous Melanesians and 15% of other cultures.
With more than 800 different languages, Papua New Guinea cannot be compared with any other country for its rich cultural diversity. There is no such thing as a typical Papua New Guinean. More than 1000 cultures, each with different traditions, have been identified.
LANGUAGE
There are more than 800 distinct languages. Melanesian Pidgin and Hiri Motu are the two most widely used, but English is the official language in education, businesses and government circles.
CURRENCY
Papua New Guinea's unit of currency is the Kina, which is divided into 100 toea. Money can be exchanged at Jackson's Airport or in banks, which are open from 9.00am to 3.00pm Monday - Thursdays and 9.00 to 4.00pm on Fridays. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are accepted in leading hotels and shops.
BUSINESS HOURS
| Monday to Friday |
8.00am to 4.30pm |
| Saturday |
8.00am to 12.00noon |
SHOPPING
From modern department complexes to quaint little stores, there are plenty of places to spend your money. In artifact shops you may try your hand at bargaining but be gentle! Remember that Saturday is a half-day for most shops and virtually every shop is closed on Sunday.
Papua New Guinea's art forms are as diverse as they are distinctive. In a country where language varies from village to village, it can be expected that artistic expression will differ in style just as dramatically. Pottery, weapons, carvings, basketwork, musical instruments are produced by different people in different places, according to their traditional skills.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2008
| Date |
Holiday |
| January 1 |
New Year's Day |
| March 21 |
Good Friday |
| March 24 |
Easter Monday |
| June 13 |
Queen's Birthday |
| July 21 |
Remembrance Day |
| September 16 |
Independence Day |
| December 25 &n 26 |
Christmas |
ELECTRICITY
Electrical current on the national grid is 240 volts. Some hotels provide 110-volt outlets in guest rooms for shavers and hair dryers.
DRIVING
Driving is on the left hand side of the road and your personal drivers license is valid for up to three months. Major car rental companies (Avis, Thrifty and Hertz) are found in most main centers, however, organized tours pre-planned and pre-booked prior to your departure, remain the safest means of exploring and visiting attractions in Papua New Guinea.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Transportation across Papua New Guinea is mostly by air. There is a good network of roads connecting the Northern zone and the Highlands region. Rental cars, local boats and ferries, taxis in larger towns, plus local buses are all available. There is no road link between the Northern zone and the capital, Port Moresby, because of the rugged nature of the terrain.
Most hotels will provide transfers and can arrange day tours and car rentals.
DRINKING WATER
Water quality is within World Health Organization standards in most towns. Bottled water is available. In rural areas it is advisable to boil water at all times.
HEALTH
Certification or vaccination against yellow fever or cholera is required for travelers over one year of age coming from or through infected areas. Malaria is the only serious health risk. Vaccinations against Malaria are strongly advised.
Dental, doctors and hospital services are available in all major centers. Medical clinics and aid posts are found in remote areas and several hospitals are privately owned.
NIGHTLIFE
Nightlife, though usually quiet, can vary depending on the location. Larger hotels have bars and nightclubs and provide their own entertainment. Hotels or the local tourist authority can assist you with the location of bars and nightclubs.
DINING OUT
Western cuisine is available in hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, lodges and village resorts. Port Moresby has many Asian and European restaurants and for something different, try a traditional 'mumu' of roast pork, sweet potatoes, rice and greens.
TIPPING
Visitors to the country are guests and hospitality is an honor in Melanesian culture. Tips are neither expected nor encouraged.
The above information has been derived from various sources and Travel Arrangements Ltd is not responsible for the accuracy of the content.
