Prior to your arrival or when in the country take heed of these vital guidelines for a better and enjoyable stay.

Climate
PNG climate is typically monsoonal – hot, humid and wet year – round. The wet seasons are between December and March whilst dry seasons are between May and October but is unpredictable at times due to regional variation. Rainfall varies much from place to place; for instances annual rainfall in Port Moresby is 1000 mm while Lae is 4500 mm but in other extreme rainfall areas like Rabaul it exceeds 6 meters. In the coast it is fairly hot and humid with temperature reasonably stable at 25’C but Highlands region temperature drop at high altitude, and it can be very chilly.

Language
Given the cultural and ethnic differences, there are more than 800 languages spoken in this country. However, English is the preferred language of communication in the areas of commerce and education. Tok Pisin is widely spoken with some mixture of English, and Hiri Motu is common around Papua.

Currency
The currency unit is Kina which is comprised of 100 toea (K1.00 =100 toea). Other Legal Tender denominations comes in the form of K2.00, K5.00, K10.00, K20.00, ,K50.00 and K100.00. You can exchange money at Jackson’s Airport upon arrival, or in other commercial banks. For the purpose of arts & souvenir purchases it’s appropriate to carry reasonable amount of cash in small denominations.

Time & Electricity
Papua New Guinea is 10 hours ahead of GMT, in the same time zone as Eastern Australia. The power supply is 240 volts AC 50 Hz accessed using three point (Australian style) plugs. 110 volts outlet for shavers and dryers.

Health
In most towns and cities, water quality conforms with the standard of World Health Organization (WHO). Bottled water is available in supermarkets and stores. Especially in rural areas it is advised that the water is boiled. Since malaria is a health risk in the country, anti-malaria tablets should be taken two weeks prior to arrival, during your stay, and four weeks after departure. In the evening wear clothes that covers the whole body, shoes on, and use insect repellent. Hospitals in major centers provide ranges of medical services, so as in rural areas with health centers, aid posts with qualified staffs.

Dress Code
In most occasion dress is informal but it depends sometimes. Some of the bars, restaurants, and night club do not allow thongs and shorts. In the Highlands sweater or jacket is required, but in coastal areas lightweight clothing is suitable. On tour or away from hotel or beach resort, please dress in manners that respects the local standards.

Shopping
There are variety of stores available from large supermarkets to artifact shops, offering ranges of products. From Monday to Friday all shops operate within the normal business hour (8:00am to 4:06pm). Most shops operate half a day on Saturday and nearly all are closed on Sunday. Local artisans sell their crafts beside roads, in front of hotel gates, airport terminals, and markets. Fruits and vegetables of different varieties are found in all markets.

Visas and Airport Fees
Upon arrival in Port Moresby a 30 days tourist visa is available, but for 60 days can be purchased with K25.00. An amount of K60.00 is paid for airport service fee on departure.

Export Rules
Most products of historical and cultural significance, or artifacts are prohibited exports. For some a permit is required from the National Museum. Nature Conservation Division of the Department of Environment and Conservation issues export permits for wildlife and animal products of that nature.

Driving
Driving licenses issued in other countries can not be used three months after arrival. Vehicles take only left side of the lane (road), and are required to drive at speed limit of 60kph within towns and cities, 80kph in the outback.

Luggage
Baggage allowance for Air Niugini domestic flight is 16 kg per passenger. For Third level airlines and charter flight is strictly 10kg per passenger. Those with excess baggage can repack into overnight bags, leaving main luggage behind for your return or forwarded to your next destination.

Air Transport
Air Niugini flies to Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney (Australia Ports), Singapore, Nagoya (Japan), Nadi (Fiji) and Honiara. Port Moresby is linked to rest of the country by air transport only. Air Niugini fly to most major (provincial headquarters) parts of Papua New Guinea and third level airlines operate from the major centers to the remote regions.

Car Hire
For car hires contact:

Executive Hire Cars
P.O. Box 2154
Port Moresby
National Capital District
Papua New Guinea

Phone: (675) 323 6490
Fax: (675) 323 6195
Email: gotell@daltron.com.pg

Safety & Security
Criminal activities and other form of dangers are inevitable in all countries, therefore safety is of high priority here as well. Ensure to leave valuable items in hotel for safekeeping while walking around or sightseeing. These includes, airline tickets, passports, credit cards, jewelry, large sums of money and other valuables. Not even leaving them in hotel rooms or coach unattended. Take necessary precautions at all times and avoid disturbing or inappropriate attention/confrontation.

Photography
Intrusion of privacy may be an insult to some people in this country. However there are exceptional cases in planned events like the Goroka Cultural Show and Mt. Hagen Cultural Show, but remember to ask before taking photograph of a person. Sometimes the person may agree on the condition that a payment is made, thus it is advised that do not pay nor take the photo. Still there a lot privilege in photographing at no cost at all. Generally, Papua New Guinea is a photographers paradise and a living gallery, providing a lot of opportunities to photograph.

Banking & Postal Services
There are commercial banks in all major cities and towns in the country. Operating from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, between Monday and Friday, offering services including electronic banking. Automatic Teller Machines are conveniently located and available at all times. Postal services are also available in major centers, operates from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, between Monday and Friday. Adequate cash in small denominations is needed during tours to rural and remote areas as there are no banking and postal serves.

Communication System
Modern communication facilities are only found in major centers, including ISD and STD telephone, facsimiles and e-mail. Battery operated two way and VHF radio are serviced in rural areas, especially government and mission station.