A practical currency and money guide to travel, living and doing business in Papua New Guinea and the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK).
What's in this Papua New Guinea currency guide:
The official currency of Papua New Guinea (country code: PG) is the Papua New Guinean kina, with symbol K and currency code PGK.
The Papua New Guinean kina (PGK) is the official currency of Papua New Guinea, a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Here are a few things to know about the Papua New Guinean kina:
parts of Papua New Guinea are still unexplored and unvisited. Wandering around Papua New Guinea will make you wonder as if there is no civilizations yet discovered. The tropical birds, the vibrant colors, the composite cultures and the tribal traditions will make you fall in love with this place. This country of biological diversity and immense culture is known for its beaches, scuba diving and coral reefs.
Papua New Guinea's currency is the PNG Kina which is divided into 100 toea. K100, K50, K20, K10, K5 and K2 notes and a K1 coin are in circulation. Port Moresby hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car companies, Papua New Guinea tours and cruise operators and travel agents accept most major credit cards including Amex, Diners, Master Cards and Visa Cards. Australian dollars are widely accepted but you may be charged extra as the is a fee at the banks to convert Aussie dollars to PNG Kina.
The airport branch of Bank South Pacific is located in the international terminal at Port Moresby airport just near the exit from the Customs Arrival Hall. its open for all flights and offers normal bank rates. Hands down it is the best place to buy PNG kina. The buying rate here in PNG is always going to be better than the selling rate there in Australia.
About 2000 airstrips have been cut out of the bush or into hill tops and coral islands during the last 80 years or so. Although less than a quarter of these airstrips are regularly used today, PNG is heavily reliant on air transport to connect its isolated and scattered population.
There are no passenger vessels linking the north and south coasts or any running along the south coast. Things are a little better on the northern coast and from the mainland to the island provinces with scheduled services offered by two companies. Chebu Shipping offer a dedicated ferry service (plus cargo), whereas Star Ships (aka Rabaul Shipping) vessels now carry primarily cargo and some passengers. Students are sometimes entitled to discounts.
PMV (public motor vehicle) is the generic term for any type of public transport and wherever there are roads, there will be PMVs. Whether it’s a dilapidated minibus, a truck with two facing wooden benches, a pick-up with no seats whatsoever but space in the tray, or any other means of transport (boats are also referred to as PMVs), the PMV is one of the keys to travelling cheaply in PNG. It’s also one of the best ways to meet local people.
Driving yourself around PNG is not really a viable way of travelling because the country has only a few roads – the Highlands (Okuk), Ramu and Sepik Hwys – that connect two or more places you might want to visit.
More than 800 distinct languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea. Melanesian Pidgin and Hiri Motu are the two most widely used, although English is the official language in education, businesses and government circles.
Vast tracts of the country are wild and undeveloped, with magnificent scenery that ranges from pristine coral atolls to volcanic mountains, dense tropical rainforest and large rivers. The mainland is divided by the Owen Stanley Range, a massive central spike with peaks towering over 4,000m.
Make the most of your trip to Papau New Guinea by the spectacular scuba diving, swimming and snorkeling opportunities at the beautiful beaches of the country. The crystal clear waters of the oceans around Madang, Tufi and many of the other island provinces are brilliantly flawless especially around the coral reefs.
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Papua New Guinea.
The cost of living in Papua New Guinea is relatively low when compared to other countries in the world. Expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation are relatively affordable when compared to Western standards.
Expat life in Papua New Guinea can be quite challenging at times, due to the lack of infrastructure and basic services. However, there is a strong sense of community among expats, and many find the experience to be very rewarding.
There are many laws in Papua New Guinea that foreigners should be aware of. These laws include:
- The Constitution of Papua New Guinea.
- The Papua New Guinea Criminal Code.
- The Papua New Guinea Customs Act.
- The Papua New Guinea Immigration Act.
- The Papua New Guinea Tax Act.
Doing business in Papua New Guinea can be challenging, as the country faces significant infrastructure and economic development challenges. While there are opportunities for business growth, such as in the mining and agriculture sectors, corruption and violence can be major deterrents.
The economy of Papua New Guinea is underdeveloped. The country has a population of over 7 million people, and its GDP per capita was estimated at $2,841 in 2019. The country is rich in natural resources, including gold, copper, oil, and natural gas, but these resources have not been exploited effectively due to a lack of infrastructure and political instability. Papua New Guinea is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in Papua New Guinea:
Understand Papua New Guinean kina currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the PGK exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Papua New Guinean kina bank account: A local PGK bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Papua New Guinea. It may also be more convenient to use a local PGK bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Papua New Guinea. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Papua New Guinea. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Papua New Guinea, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
The exchange rate of Papua New Guinean kina (PGK), or the amount of PGK that can be exchanged for a foreign currency, can fluctuate rapidly based on a number of factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, and political events. Below you can check the latest PGK/USD rate plus recent trend, chart, and historic rates.
Date | PGK/USD | Period |
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14 Mar 2023 | 0.2838 | 2 Week |
28 Dec 2022 | 0.2838 | 3 Month |
28 Mar 2022 | 0.2842 | 1 Year |
29 Mar 2018 | 0.3089 | 5 Year |
30 Mar 2013 | 0.4731 | 10 Year |
02 Apr 2003 | 0.2787 | 20 Year |
The below comparison table makes it easy to find the best exchange rates and lowest fees when you want to make an International Money Transfer to Papua New Guinea or planning a trip or maybe living there, so will need to exchange and spend Papua New Guinean kina.
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It is important to note that the exchange rate of the Papua New Guinean kina can change rapidly and that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. It is advisable to carefully consider the risks and factors that may affect PGK exchange rates before making any financial decisions.