BANKS

 

Normal banking hours are 9.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Thursday and from 9.00am to 4.00pm Friday.  

Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted in leading hotels, restaurants and shops.

Visa or Mastercards can also be used to withdraw local currency from ATMs which are located at the airport, major hotels and shopping centers in Port Moresby and all major towns. Some of the larger supermarkets also accept credit cards for purchase of groceries.

 

 

 

CURRENCY

 

The unit of currency is the PNG Kina.

USD1 is roughly equivalent to 2.78 Kina using mid April 2008 conversion rates.

 

 

 

  

CLIMATE

 

Warm to hot - humid throughout the year. There is a rainy season, which varies from province to province; however, in general, it's driest from May to December. The air is clean; so visitors should watch out for sunburn, particularly in the highlands, even on overcast days.

 

 

   

DEPARTURE TAX

 

An international departure tax of approximately 30 Kina is applied and often included the ticket price.

Please check with your airline or ticketing agent for details. If not included in the price of the ticket, it is normally payable upon check-in for your flight home.

 

 

   

DRINKING WATER

 

The water quality in Port Moresby and other major towns is variable and although the residents drink the water all the time it would be advisable for visitors to drink bottled or boiled water in the towns. Water supplies in village areas are usually drawn from underground springs and are generally clean and safe as long as they are not polluted by storm-water.

 

 

   

DRIVER’S LICENSE

 

If intending to drive a car while you are in PNG you should bring your drivers license from your home country. You do not need to have an international driving permit. You can drive with a foreign license in PNG for up to three months.

 

 

      

ELECTRICITY

Power supply is usually 240 volts. The type of plug that electrical appliance use in PNG, is TYPE I (flat prongs, inverted "V" positioned, with earth connector).

Some hotels provide 110 volt outlets in guest rooms for shavers and hair dryers. However, it is advisable to check electricity supplies before using any appliances.

 

 

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS  

 

A 60-day Tourist Visa is available on arrival in Port Moresby at a fee of K100.00. To obtain a visa before you enter the country costs K75.00. You will need a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining, sufficient funds for your stay in the country and airline ticket with confirmed outbound flights before expiry date of your Visa.

As some restrictions apply to several Asian, Eastern European and African countries, please check with the nearest Papua New Guinea Mission or the nearest Australian mission, which is allocated in each country for visa requirements before traveling to the country.

 

 

    

TOURISM SEASON

 

Diving is possible all year round, the optimal season generally being from mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-December.

 

 

    

VACCINATIONS

 

Recommended vaccines are largely dependent upon your destination within PNG and the length of stay. We therefore suggest that you speak to your family physician or specialized travel clinic for a personal recommendation.

As most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they are given, allow sufficient time for consultation before departure.

Malaria tablets are recommended – again consult your doctor or travel clinic.

 

   

WATER TEMPERATURES AND WETSUITS

 

Water temperature ranges from 77°F along the edge of the Coral Sea and up to 86°F in the Bismarck Sea, with visibility from 50 to 150 feet. Most divers are comfortable in a skin – 3 mm suit.