Currency in Papua New Guinea

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.

What currency should I take to Papua New Guinea?

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.

How to travel in Papua New Guinea?

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.

Travel tips for Papua New Guinea.

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.