The climate in Papua New Guinea is tropical and pleasant. You will experience two distinct types of climate in PNG. The first is in the lowland and coastal areas being hot and having a temperature range of 24-35 degrees C (75-95 F) with high humidity. The second is the highlands regions being cooler, having a temperature range of 12-28 degrees (54-82F) and with less humidity. In both areas, the days are generally fine, but often there are clouds in the afternoon resulting in rain late afternoon and evening.

Although there are said to be dry and wet seasons in various areas of PNG, it is often difficult to distinguish between these seasons. On the one hand, it can rain for several consecutive days during the dry season and on the other, there may occur lengthy dry spells during the wet season. Although it may be locally dry in the Sepik region, if it is raining heavily in the highlands, the river levels in the Sepik will rise. Weather in PNG is generally very localized and PNG does not experience frontal weather as in common in more temperate areas.   

All visitors to Papua New Guinea are required to have a valid passport, proof of onward passage and adequate financial means of supporting stay. A visa is required for all visitors to PNG, this can be obtained on arrival at Jackson’s airport, Port Moresby however, we recommend this is obtained in advance from the PNG Embassy in Washington DC. The fee for the visa is approx $10 if obtained in the US or 100 kina

Payable in local currency only if obtained in PNG on arrival. The visa is valid for a stay of up to 60 days, extensions are available if required.

There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.

There is an estimate of 800 traditional languages in PNG. The official national language is English. The two most commonly used languages are Hiri Motu and Melanesian Pidgin.

PNG is +15 EST/+18PST and currently does not operate daylight saving at this time

The unit of currency is the Kina, pronounced "kee-nah", and sub-units of 100 are called Toea, pronounced "toy-ya". Note denominations are available in K2, K5, K10, K20 and K50.

Travelers Checks and international credit cards are accepted at most major hotels. American Express, Diners Club, Master Cars and Visa credit cards are accepted at the Wilderness Lodges, and the MV Sepik Spirit.

Kina cash can be acquired at the banks of most international ports of departure to PNG such as Sydney and Cairns. It is strongly recommended you acquire your Kina cash at these banks prior to departing for PNG. Although there is a bank at the Port Moresby international airport, it keeps normal banking hours. Thus if you are arriving in PNG outside of normal banking hours or if your connection time in Port Moresby to your next domestic flight is short, it is highly recommended you obtain your Kina cash outside the country. There are also banks in most major centers in PNG, but tour schedules do not usually allow time for banking. Most hotels and the Wilderness Lodges have some cash but this is greatly limited and exchange rates are not as good as the banks. Banking hours in PNG are generally from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday through to Friday.

Any applicable taxes are included in the cost of your trip

It is not expected nor the custom to tip in Papua New Guinea. However, if for example, you would particularly like to show your appreciation for a job well done at the Lodges, there is a general staff fund which acknowledges the `behind the scenes' efforts of all staff who contribute to the overall success of your visit. It is best to consult the Lodge or Hotel Manager before giving gifts or tips.

Please do not give gifts to individuals in villages. If you wish to do so, ask your driver/guide to help you contact the Headman and leave your gifts with him or alternatively with the Lodge Managers who in turn will distribute same evenly amongst the people. Your understanding of this will help prevent turning the people and in particular the children of PNG into annoying beggars who are often found in other spoiled countries.

The electrical voltage system in PNG is 240 volts, AC, 50hzs. Some hotels provide 110 volt outlets in guest rooms. PNG uses the same electrical plug outlets as Australia.

Before your visit you should arrange sufficient medical and travel insurance. Ensure the policy is adequate to cover costs for ambulance or helicopter rescue, emergency surgery, or transportation home. We offer travel insurance policies – ask your Aspire Down Under consultant for more details.

For questions regarding COVID vaccination speak with an Aspire agent.

The only health requirement is a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever or cholera if arriving from or traveling through infected areas prior to arrival in PNG. Visitors are advised to take malaria precautions, but only your doctor can recommend and prescribe the appropriate medication for you. As a precaution, most travelers keep their tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis, and polio inoculations current. Although the problem of diarrhea and dysentery does not seem to be nearly as severe in PNG as in some of the neighboring Asian countries, it is possible you will get some kind of diarrhea at some stage of your trip. This is normal for travelers whose bodies are adapting to strange food and water. In most cases the problem is short term, not severe and is easily treated.

In most major centers, the public water supply is treated and is comparable to World Organization standards; however we recommend boiling water before drinking or only using bottled water.

Sun hat, insect repellent, flashlight (power is turned off at night at some lodges), sun screen lotion, rain jacket, extra pair comfortable walking shoes (the first pair may get wet or muddy at some point in your PNG travels), malaria medication prescribed by your physician is recommended.

Not recommended due to possible dangers and roads are very scarce.