(Last updated: 8 May 2011)

Visas

There are varying categories of business visas depending on entry and work requirements. To obtain a business visa it is usual to have a sponsorship letter from the company that you will be visiting.

Business visas usually cost around A$220 and are valid for multiple entries.

Intending visitors are advised to check with a PNG Consulate on prices and conditions of each category of visa prior to departure. In Australia, visas normally take four working days to process (be aware of public holidays). It also should be noted that PNG Consulates will not take personal cheques. They will only accept cash or company cheques and, in some cases, credit cards.

Further details are available on the PNG High Commission website at www.pngcanberra.org/visas/business.htm.

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.

Airports

Travel around Papua New Guinea (PNG) is limited mostly to air transport. Port Moresby is not connected to the rest of the country by road, and highways in other parts of the country are in very poor condition. The Highlands Highway links the coastal city-port of Lae with Goroka, Mt Hagen, Mendi and Porgera, and provides a vital goods artery. Although open and well-used most of the time, it is advisable to fly to the Highlands due to the substantial travelling time incurred if travelling by road.

Qantas and Air Niugini have regular flights to Port Moresby from Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. Departure tax is K30.00 and must be paid after check in and prior to immigration clearance. Check-in time for international flights is two hours prior to departure. You should consult each airline directly for information on their schedules and terminal locations.

Although stipulated check-in time for domestic flights is one hour prior to departure, due to chronic overbooking and long queues, it is advisable to check luggage in and obtain boarding passes as early as possible. A confirmed booking is no guarantee of a seat.

International Airport (Jacksons) is located to the north of the main city area, about 11 kilometres from the centre of Port Moresby. From the city centre the journey usually takes 20 minutes to reach the airport, and about 12 minutes from Waigani where the Australian High Commission and Austrade are located.

The major hotels supply free courtesy bus transfers to and from the Port Moresby airport. The local hotel can make arrangements for transfers at other regional airports in Papua New Guinea. It is advisable to confirm your transfer requirements with the hotel when booking.

Ground transport

While taxis are available, they can be unreliable, expensive and unsafe and are not recommended. If you do have to use a taxi, make sure the fare is negotiated before entering the vehicle.

Avoid using public buses commonly referred to as PMVs (public motor vehicles).

Recommended methods of transport are a car and driver or a self drive rent-a-car.

Hotels

Hotel standards vary greatly in PNG.  Business travellers should bear this in mind and qualify the standard before travelling.

Occupancy rates, particularly in Port Moresby have been around 80-90 per cent, and as such tariff rates have risen dramatically. Travellers should book well in advance and re-confirm their booking and rate in writing.

In Port Moresby business travellers use the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ela Beach Hotel, Holiday Inn Hotel, Airways Hotel and Gateway Hotel.

Likewise in Lae the Lae International Hotel and the Melanesian Hotel are the most frequented.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Papua New Guinea. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

It is advisable to observe the following:

• Don’t walk around by yourself at night.
• Avoid any display of wealth.
• Lock car doors.
• Don’t leave briefcases and valuables unattended.
• If you have a car accident (even if the accident involves an animal or is minor in nature), proceed to the nearest police station or the High Commission. Do not stop or remain at the accident site.
• If you get a flat tyre it is suggested that you proceed slowly to the nearest service station to get assistance. Don’t stop to repair it on the side of the road.

Health

Water quality in Papua New Guinea is within World Health Organisation standards in most towns, and bottled water is available. However, in rural areas, it's advisable to boil water at all times.

Certifications of vaccination against yellow fever or cholera are required from travellers over one year of age coming from or through infected areas.

Malaria is a serious health risk in Papua New Guinea, and visitors should consult their medical adviser for suitable anti-malarial medications. It is recommended that you use insect repellent and wear light, long sleeved clothes and trousers at night, especially at outdoor functions.

Tipping

Tips are neither expected nor encouraged. Visitors to the country are guests, and hospitality is an honour in the Melanesian culture.

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.

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

April 10 – Good Friday
April 13 – Easter Monday
June 8 – Queen's Birthday
July 23 – National Remembrance Day
September 16 – Independence Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day

Banks

Australian banks, ANZ and Westpac are both well represented in PNG.

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The monetary units are Kina and Toea (1 Kina = 100 Toea).

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.