PNG travel guide
Most business travellers to PNG require a business visa. Unfortunately, these can be time-consuming to obtain and generally cost around A$250. Consult with the company you are visiting about this well in advance of your trip.
Getting to PNG. There are direct flights to PNG from Cairns and Brisbane with Air Niugini (Qantas codeshare), with connecting flights from Sydney. Costs are high but the service is good. A Business Class service is offered. Getting Around Port MoreSby Upon your arrival/departure, any of
the hotels listed below will provide a complimentary transfer.
Taxis: Normal taxis are dirty and not considered particularly safe. You are much better off calling one of these two premium services: Red Dot (tel 311 3257) or Scarlet Taxis (tel 323 4266). If you do catch a
regular cab, make sure you negotiate the fare before you depart. Car hire: This is your best bet, though costly. Deal with one of the international names and ask them to provide a driver. With the poor state of roads, 4WDs are commonplace.
Avis tel +675 324 9400
Hertz tel +675 302 6822
Thrifty tel +675 325 5550
GettInG Around PnG
Leaving Port Moresby on business usually means taking an expensive internal flight. There are regular services to Lae, the other major industrial centre (around A$400 return). You must ensure you check in at least an hour before departure to avoid losing your seat.
CLIMAte
With the exception of the Highlands, PNG has a tropical climate. The wet season in Port Moresby is from December to March. tIMe/buSIneSS hourS
PNG has a single time zone, which corresponds with Australian Eastern
Standard Time throughout the year. Typically, business hours are 8am to
4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Money
PNG’s currency is the kina. It is currently trading at about K2.10 to the Australian dollar. Although there are no ATMs at Jackson’s International Airport, there is a Bureau de Change and you can obtain local currency using your credit card. There are, however, ATMs located around Port
Moresby and their location is given on the websites of the various banks.
eLeCtrICIty
The power in PNG is 240V AC 50Hz using Australian-style plugs. Be wary of
power cuts if you’re using a laptop.
SAFety
PNG does have a fearful reputation but things are nothing like as bad as portrayed in the overseas media. If you take sensible precautions, you are unlikely to experience trouble. During the day, you can walk around the CBD and Boroko but stay alert, and don’t walk anywhere after dusk.
Keep vehicle doors locked while you are driving around. Check the DFAT travel advisory site www.smartraveller.gov.au before you travel.
heALth
If visiting PNG, it is imperative that you ensure you have comprehensive health and travel insurance cover. In theory, there is a malaria risk in Port Moresby though most expats based there do not take anti-malarial medication. If you are leaving urban areas, however, you should seek medical advice on this. In any case, bring tropical-strength insect repellent and use liberally if outdoors at night. Port Moresby Medical Centre, Boroko: +675 325 6633
CoMMunICAtIonS
Internet: Connectivity in PNG is particularly bad and there is currently
no broadband. Things are improving a bit though; the hotels listed below were all in the process of introducing wireless internet at the time of writing. There is a Business Centre offering internet upstairs in the Steamships arcade in the CBD. Many larger companies use satellite communications, especially outside the main cities.
Mobile: Your overseas mobile will not work in PNG but it is possible to buy a local SIM card (about A$35) and pre-paid credit. The mobile network is highly unreliable, however (apparently due to the rapidly rising uptake of mobile services), especially on Fridays!
Landlines: Services are improving in this area and domestic calls at least are not prohibitively priced.
Food And drInK
Asian Aromas: In the Steamships arcade, CBD. Excellent Thai and Chinese food, washed down with Australian wines. You will need to make a reservation at lunchtime.
Ichizen: In the Steamships arcade, CBD.
Japanese restaurant serving excellent local sushi and teppanyaki. Royal Papua Yacht Club: Relaxed, spacious and open to non-members.
Identical bistro-style menu available in the bar or restaurant.
Café/snacks: One striking feature of the Port Moresby CBD is the lack of street cafés—a symptom of the security situation. However, there is an espresso bar hidden away behind the foyer of the eye-catching Deloitte
building in Douglas St. It is handy for a snack lunch if you are in the CBD, as is the café at the Crowne Plaza hotel.
Supermarket: Andersons is a well-stocked supermarket just outside the
CBD. You can get a local SIM card for your phone there, there’s an ATM and takeaway snacks.
Where to StAy
Airways Hotel (tel +675 324 5200) Considered by many to be the best hotel in PNG, Airways Hotel is contained within a large secure compound next to the main airport, 15 minutes from the CBD. There are three levels of hotel accommodation, including the luxurious Orchid Rooms, and a wide range of facilities, including excellent
dining options.
Crowne Plaza (tel +675 309 3329,www.crowneplaza.com)
Offers luxury rooms and suites in the heart of the CBD. Modern gym, undercover parking, café and Mediterranean restaurant. There is a well-appointed executive lounge. Holiday Inn (tel +675 303 2000)
The likely third option for business travellers, this one is located in the Government district of Waigani. Its Junction Bar is popular with expats.
bArS/nIGhtLIFe
Among the expat community, a lot of socialising is done at people’s houses and at private clubs. However, popular bars include Pondo Tavern at the Crowne Plaza, the Aussie Bar at the Ela Beach Hotel, and the Junction Tavern at the Holiday Inn. The Balus Bar at Airways Hotel is a good place to play pool and watch cable TV on the big screen. It even has a mini casino. The place to go at the weekend is the slick Gold Club, at Lamana Hotel. When Business Advantage paid it a visit one Saturday evening, even the Prime Minister was in the house!
thInGS to do Around
Port MoreSby Botanical Gardens, Waigani These are worth a visit even if you only have an hour to spare. Follow the boardwalk trail though the jungle and see wild orchids and wildlife including the iconic tree kangaroos and cassowaries. Loloata Island Resort (tel +675 3258590) An upscale resort in Bootless Bay, 20 km from Port Moresby. A comfortable day trip (transfers provided), or you can stay overnight. Offers diving, snorkelling and fishing. Port Moresby Golf Club, Waigani A round of this well-maintained course, next to Parliament Haus, costs about A$40 and clubs can be hired.