RSS
English is the official and widely spoken language. It is commonly used in business and government circles and Pidgin English and Hiri Motu are more commonly used. There are around 742 other languages and dialects spoken here.
Papua New Guinea is 10 hours ahead of GMT.
Electricity is supplied at 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-style 3-pin plugs are in use. Some hotels provide 110-volt outlets in guest-rooms.
The coastal areas have a hot, tropical climate while it cooler towards the highlands. Rainy season is between December and March due to the northwest monsoon, although Port Moresby enjoys a dry season at this time. Frost and occasional snowfalls are recorded on the highest mountain peaks.
Tropical, lightweights and cottons are recommended while traveling to Papua New Guinea. In the highlands, warmer clothing is required. It is advisable to carry rainwear for the monsoon season (December to March).
Casual and informal dressing is accepted. Shorts are quite acceptable though beachwear is best confined to the beach. The evenings require men to wear long trousers at some hotels but ties are rare. A long dress is appropriate for women on formal occasions.
Tipping is not customary and usually discouraged.
Money and Currency
The official currency used is Kina. Kina is divided into 100 toea. Notes are in denominations of Kina 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Kina1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 toea.
Exchange facilities are available through trade banks.
American Express is the most widely accepted credit card. Holders of this and other cards should check with their credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques are accepted by most shops and hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Australian Dollars.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local currency. The import and export of foreign currency is subject to Government permission.
Banking hours are from 0900-1500 Monday to Thursday; 0900-1700 on Friday, and 0800-1200 on Saturday.
