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Practical Information

Practical Information

Island Provinces, Papua New Guinea

Local SIM Cards

Digicel and Vodafone function as the main mobile network operators in Papua New Guinea. You can purchase SIM cards at airports in Port Moresby or in major towns like Kokopo and Kimbe. Your passport aids registration.

Connectivity Options

  • Purchase a local SIM card. Airalo eSIMs are an option.
  • Passport for registration.
  • Data packages are available.

Internet & Wi-Fi Access

Internet access appears at most hotels and resorts, but it proves slow and expensive. Free Wi-Fi is not widespread in public areas.

Staying Online

  • Hotel Wi-Fi is available.
  • Mobile data, via a local SIM, frequently becomes the most dependable connection method.
  • Coverage remains limited outside urban areas. Portable WiFi devices are an alternative.

Language Barriers

Tok Pisin serves as the lingua franca of Papua New Guinea. English is widely understood in government, business, and tourism sectors, specifically in hotels and by guides.

Tongues

  • Tok Pisin for daily interaction.
  • English for official and tourist settings.
  • English and Tok Pisin bridge communication between various language groups. Learn basic phrases.

Essential Tok Pisin Phrases

A few basic phrases are a recommended learning and gain local appreciation.

Everyday Tok Pisin

  • Hello / Good morning: "Gud morning"
  • How are you?: "Yu orait?"
  • I am fine: "Mi orait."

Business Hours & Schedules

Typical Hours

  • Banks: Generally Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
  • Shops: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM/9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Saturday mornings are common. Shops typically close on Sundays.
  • ATMs are in Kokopo, Rabaul, and Kimbe. They may possess limited cash or be out of service.
  • Withdrawing cash in Port Moresby or carrying smaller denominations constitutes an useful strategy.

Market & Holiday Impact

  • Markets: Often open from early morning until mid-afternoon, operating daily but busier on specific market days.
  • Government Offices: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
  • Papua New Guinea observes numerous public holidays. Businesses and services may close or have reduced hours during these times. Itinerary planning around these periods is advised.
  • Some smaller guesthouses or tour operators might operate with reduced services during the wet season (December to March).

Travel Preparedness

Careful planning for communication, finances, and airport procedures simplifies your journey through New Britain.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Navigate social interactions with respect for local customs and traditions.

Greeting Customs

A handshake is common. Saying "Gud morning/apunun/nais" (good morning/afternoon/night) in Tok Pisin garners appreciation.

Appropriate Attire

Covered knees and shoulders for women are generally respectful, especially when visiting villages and outside resorts. Men avoid going shirtless in public areas.

Dining Practices

Tipping is not customary. Accept food offered with thanks. Eating in public, outside designated dining areas, is sometimes frowned upon.

Photography Ethics

Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially children. Some cultural ceremonies or sensitive sites may possess restrictions. Be respectful of privacy.

Guidelines

  • Seek permission for photos.
  • Exercise caution with children.
  • Respect site restrictions.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Do not discuss politics or tribal matters unless you possess deep understanding. Avoid public displays of affection. Do not openly consume alcohol in public places outside licensed venues.

Social Awareness

  • Avoid sensitive discussions.
  • Limit public displays of affection.
  • Private alcohol consumption.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Conservative Society

  • Papua New Guinea is a conservative society.
  • Public displays of affection, especially same-sex, are not common or accepted.
  • Women traveling alone consider extra caution and dress modestly.

Religious Site Etiquette

  • Maintain quiet and respectful behavior in churches or spiritual sites.
  • Remove hats before entering a church.
  • Follow specific instructions from local guides or community members.

Local Language

A few basic Tok Pisin phrases are a recommended learning and gain local appreciation. This opens doors to more authentic interactions.

Accessibility Information

New Britain presents challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Infrastructure Limitations

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges remains very limited. Sidewalks, ramps, and accessible transport are generally not available.

Movement Challenges

  • Most historical sites, natural attractions, and local transport options are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Uneven terrain.
  • Lack of ramps.

Services & Resources

No specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are widely available.

Information Sources

  • Very few specific resources exist for accessibility in New Britain.
  • Direct communication with high-end resorts about their specific capabilities becomes the best approach for travelers with mobility issues.
  • Resorts can confirm their accessibility features.

Airport Lounge Access

Gain access to independent airport lounges globally, enhancing your travel comfort.

Priority Pass Perks

  • Global lounge network.
  • Comfort and amenities.
  • Special offers available.

Flight Compensation Services

A service assists customers in receiving compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.

Claim Assistance

  • Support for delays and cancellations.
  • Assistance for denied boarding.
  • Claim processing support.

Important Accessibility Note

Limited Infrastructure

  • Expect very limited accessible infrastructure.
  • Sidewalks and ramps are rare.
  • Direct communication with high-end resorts is the best approach for specific needs.

No Specialized Services

  • No specialized services for hearing impairments.
  • No specialized services for visual impairments.
  • Anticipate challenges in public spaces.

Accessibility Inquiries

Direct communication with high-end resorts about their specific capabilities becomes the best approach for travelers with mobility issues.