• Mozzie

Papua New Guinea

Emergency

Dial 111 for police, fire, or ambulance as coverage may vary in remote areas, smaller islands, mountainous regions, or during severe weather conditions.

Betel

Chewing betel nut is a common custom in PNG, often with lime and wrapped in a leaf. It’s a social activity and is believed to have medicinal properties.

Next holiday

The next public holiday in Papua New Guinea is New Year's Day on January 1, 2025, celebrated with gatherings, cultural events, and traditional festivities.

Tap Water

Tap water is not considered safe to drink, and it’s advised to drink bottled water instead, as it’s the safer option for consumption.

Local Stay

Vrbo offers vacation rentals, including homes and villas, in popular PNG destinations, providing a comfortable stay for travelers and families.

Toilet

Toilet paper is commonly used in PNG, but in some areas, it's advised to dispose of it in a bin rather than flushing, due to plumbing limitations.

Safety

PNG requires caution due to higher crime rates in some areas. Visitors should avoid isolated locations, stay alert, and use reliable transport. Be mindful of cultural differences and hazards.

Cuisine

Papua New Guinea's cuisine is diverse, featuring dishes like mumu (meat and vegetables cooked in an earth oven), taro, sweet potatoes, fish, and coconut, all prepared using traditional methods.

Humor

Tourist: “What’s the best way to travel around Papua New Guinea?” Local: “Simple! Just wait for the rain, and when the roads turn into rivers, you know it’s time to go!”

Port Moresby

In Port Moresby, public transport is mainly provided by buses and taxis. Contactless payment is not widely accepted, and most people use cash for fare payments, especially for local travel.

Port Moresby Transport

Bus

In PNG, public transport includes buses, minibuses, and shared taxis, with cash payments made directly to the driver. Credit cards are rarely accepted, so carry local currency (kina).

PNG Transport

Volunteering

Be The Change Volunteers supports schools by improving educational infrastructure and providing community assistance. Volunteers help build schools and support local education projects​.

Be The Change Volunteers

Reefs

Tufi, a village on the northeast coast, is famous for world-class diving, pristine reefs, shipwrecks, and dramatic underwater landscapes, making it a top dive spot.

Traditions

Many tribes practice body painting, wear masks and accessories made from shells and feathers, and preserve ancient dances and rituals passed down for centuries.

Birds

The country is home to several species of the stunning Bird of Paradise, the national symbol, known for its vibrant plumage and cultural significance in local traditions.

Tree Kangaroos

The region features a remarkable variety of wildlife, including rare species like tree kangaroos, and one of the world's most diverse ecosystems.

Languages

With over 800 languages, it's the most linguistically diverse country, with many tribes having unique cultures, making it a fascinating place for cultural exploration.

No Roads

Many remote areas of PNG are accessible only by air or boat, as the rugged terrain prevents construction, making travel challenging.