Attire for the Tropics: New Britain

Season-Specific Clothing

Recommendations

Daytime: Shorts, T-shirts, light Long-sleeved shirts (for Sun protection and mosquito deterrence).
Evenings: Light long-sleeved shirts and long pants (for mosquito protection).
Rainy Season: A lightweight, packable Rain jacket or simple Poncho.

Cultural Dress

Papua New Guinea maintains conservative social norms. Modest dress gains appreciation, especially when visiting villages or religious sites.

Modesty Guidelines

For women: Avoid overly revealing clothing. Knees and shoulders should generally remain covered outside of private resorts.
For men: Shorts and T-shirts are generally fine. Long shorts or light trousers offer good choices for village visits.
Religious Site Visits: Wear respectful attire. Shoulders and knees must remain covered.

Footwear Guidance

General Walking

Comfortable sandals (Teva Sandals for example) or sturdy flip-flops work well for town areas.

Urban and casual use.

Excursions & Uneven Terrain

Closed-toe shoes, Walking shoes, or Light hiking boots are beneficial. They offer protection and grip on varied surfaces.

Trails and rough paths.

Water Activities

Water shoes or sturdy sandals are useful for rocky beaches or boat decks.

Beach and boat decks.

Important Documentation

Essential Travel Papers

Careful organization of your documents aids in preventing issues during your trip. Keep both physical and digital copies.

Passport and visa documentation: Passport validity of at least six months beyond stay, printouts of e-Visa or approval.
Return flight tickets: Keep them accessible.
Travel insurance policy: Print and digital copies, including emergency contact numbers.
International driving permit: If car rental is planned (rarely recommended).

Vaccination records: Yellow Fever certificate (if applicable) and general vaccination record.
Doctor's note for prescriptions: Documentation for medications.
Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flight, accommodation, and tour bookings.
Emergency contacts: Family/friends, embassy/consulate, local emergency services.

Tech Essentials

Power & Connectivity

Papua New Guinea uses Type I outlets (Australia/NZ). The voltage is 240V at 50Hz.

Considerations

A Universal travel adapter with surge protection is highly recommended for device safety.
Local SIM cards from Digicel and Vodafone are available.
Coverage is best in urban centers; purchasing a local SIM is advisable for calls and data. Airalo is an e-SIM option.

Device Recommendations

Ensure your devices are prepared for travel conditions.

Items

For diving, a Waterproof action camera (B&H Photo) is good for Kimbe Bay marine life.
Portable chargers and Power banks are useful due to potential power outages.
Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) and translation apps (Google Translate) for offline use.

Data Backup & Security

Backup Solutions

Use cloud storage or an External hard drive for backing up photos and important documents.

VPN Services

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Communication

WhatsApp gains wide use for local communication.

Health & Personal Care

Medical Kit Essentials

A well-stocked health kit aids in addressing common travel ailments and specific regional health concerns.

Contents Checklist

First aid kit: Anti-malarial meds, strong insect repellent, anti-diarrhea meds.
Oral rehydration salts, antiseptic wipes, bandages, blister plasters.
Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites, pain relievers.

Medication & Hygiene

Carry enough prescription medications for your trip, with a doctor's letter. Keep all medications in original packaging.

Personal Care

Over-the-counter for common issues: pain relief, allergy, motion sickness, antacids.
Insect repellent and Sun protection (high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen like Raw Elements, wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing).
Personal hygiene essentials: specific brands may be scarce or expensive locally.

Wellness Considerations

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness medication is useful for boat trips to dive sites or inter-island travel.
Consider it for domestic flights if you are prone to air sickness.
Altitude sickness is not a concern on New Britain.

Water Safety

Portable water filter or Purification tablets are highly recommended.
These aid in safe drinking water if bottled water is unavailable or to reduce plastic waste.
Tap water is generally not safe for direct consumption.

Gear for Adventures

Diving & Snorkeling

Dive resorts like Walindi offer gear rental, but personal items often offer better fit and hygiene.

Consider bringing your own Mask, snorkel, and fins.
Dive computers are good to bring if you have one.
Rental: Dive tanks, weights, BCDs, and regulators are usually high quality.
Bring: Personal masks, snorkels, dive computers, and Rash guards.

Hiking Essentials

For treks and volcano climbs, comfortable gear makes a difference.

A Daypack for water and essentials.
Lightweight Trekking poles (optional but beneficial on slippery terrain).
A Headlamp is useful for early morning or late evening excursions.
Sturdy Hiking shoes with good grip and comfortable Socks.

Specialty Items

Few specific specialty items beyond typical tropical adventure gear are needed for New Britain experiences.

High-quality sunscreens are harder to find locally.
Specific medications may not be available.
Durable outdoor gear can be difficult to purchase.
Specialized camera equipment is best acquired before arrival.

Equipment Acquisition Decisions

Benefits of Bringing Your Own

Familiarity with your own gear.
Guaranteed fit and comfort for personal items.
Hygiene for items like masks and snorkels.
Cost savings for frequent travelers or specialized gear.

Benefits of Renting Locally

Less baggage to transport.
Access to well-maintained and local-specific equipment.
Eco-friendly option by reducing transport emissions.
No concern for gear maintenance or repairs during travel.

General Necessities

Comfort on the Move

These items improve comfort during travel and transitions.

Travel Comfort Aids

A Neck pillow for flights and bumpy rides.
An Eye mask and earplugs for improved rest during travel.
A good book or downloaded entertainment for downtime.
A small, portable fan for personal cooling.

Security Measures

Items that bolster personal and baggage security.

Security Aids

A Money belt or hidden pouch for securing valuables.
TSA-approved luggage locks for added security of your bags.
A small, durable cable lock for securing daypacks in cafes.
A personal safety alarm.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Aids in reducing plastic waste. (Link)

Reusable Shopping Bag

Minimizes reliance on single-use plastics. (Link)

Reusable Utensils

Aids in reducing plastic cutlery waste. (Link)

Solar Charger

For off-grid charging needs.

Items to Purchase Beforehand

Difficult to Find Locally

High-quality sunscreens, especially reef-safe options.
Specific medications or specialized medical supplies.
Durable outdoor gear and clothing from specific brands.

Expensive to Purchase Locally

Specialized camera equipment and accessories.
Premium insect repellents with higher DEET concentrations.
Portable chargers and power banks.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light, but pack smartly. The climate is warm, and hand-washing clothes is an option. Prioritize items that offer multiple uses.

Consider rolling clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.

Attire for the Tropics