(Last updated: 3 Dec 2012)
Visiting
Business hours
Commercial enterprises are open between 8.00am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 8.00am-12 noon, Saturday.
Government offices are open between 7.45am-4.05pm, Monday to Friday.
Shops are generally open normal business hours with Saturday being a half day. Some supermarkets are open on Sunday but as a rule most shops are closed. However, service stations are usually open normal business hours, seven days a week.
A common term used in the Pacific areas is ‘Melanesian time’. This means that meetings may not necessarily start on time and many guests may also arrive late. For some invitations, you may find guests turn up with one or more friends unannounced. A general rule of thumb is to invite two-three more than you wish to attend to get the number that is required.
Public Holidays 2013
March 29 – Good Friday
April 1 – Easter Monday
June 10 – Queen's Birthday
July 23 – National Remembrance Day
September 16 – Independence Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day
Climate
The climate throughout Papua New Guinea (except for the Highlands) is tropical. The altitude of the Highlands tempers the heat of the tropics and provides a stable warm climate throughout the year (13ºC-26ºC). Port Moresby differs from most of PNG in that it is located in a ‘rain shadow’ and is consequently much less humid. There are two main seasons in Port Moresby: wet and dry. The average temperature is from 22ºC-31ºC. The wet season is between December and April with February being the wettest month. The dry season starts roughly from April to October or November.
For weather details in Papua New Guinea, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The monetary units are Kina and Toea (1 Kina = 100 Toea).
Banks
Australian banks, ANZ and Westpac are both well represented in PNG.
Time zones and time differences
Papua New Guinea has one time zone, which is the same as Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Port Moresby, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Papua New Guinea's country code is 675.
For calls to Papua New Guinea from Australia dial: 0011 + 675 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Papua New Guinea to Australia dial: 05 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Papua New Guinea’s power supply is 240 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. The Australian three-prong plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority - www.pngtourism.org.pg
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.