Oceania · Melanesia

Papua New Guinea

Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Flag of Papua New Guinea
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+10:00
🏛️ Capital
Port Moresby
👥 Population
11,781,559
📐 Area
462,840 km²
💱 Currency
Papua New Guinean kina (K)
🗣️ Languages
English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin
📞 Calling Code
+675
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+10:00
🌐 Region
Oceania / Melanesia

About Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is one of the last great frontiers of human travel — a vast, wild, and extraordinary island nation where over 800 distinct languages are spoken and ancient traditions endure in ways that exist almost nowhere else on Earth. The island of New Guinea, divided between Papua New Guinea and Indonesian West Papua, contains some of the world's most biologically diverse rainforests, snow-capped mountains rising to nearly 4,500 meters, and coastal reefs teeming with spectacular marine life. If you are seeking an adventure that takes you genuinely off the beaten path, this is one of the most rewarding destinations on the planet.

The Highlands region is the cultural heartland of Papua New Guinea, home to dozens of distinct tribal groups who maintain elaborate ceremonial traditions of song, dance, body decoration, and featherwork. The annual Goroka Show and Mount Hagen Cultural Show draw tribal groups from across the country to share their sing-sing performances in an explosion of color, drumming, and ancestral pride that is unlike any festival you have experienced before. Villages throughout the Highlands welcome visitors with a warmth and curiosity that transforms a trip into a genuine exchange between worlds.

The coastal and island regions offer a completely different face of Papua New Guinea. The waters around Milne Bay, Kimbe Bay, and the Bismarck Archipelago are considered among the finest scuba diving destinations on Earth, with walls of coral, WWII wrecks, and marine biodiversity that routinely leaves experienced divers speechless. Port Moresby, the capital, serves as your gateway and hub, with improving infrastructure and growing cultural institutions that offer an accessible entry point into this breathtakingly complex country.

History & Background

The first humans arrived in New Guinea at least 50,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth outside of Africa. Agricultural practices in the Papua New Guinea Highlands, including irrigation systems for taro and yam cultivation, have been dated to at least 7,000 years ago — among the earliest in the world. These early farming communities developed complex social systems, exchange networks, and ceremonial traditions that have survived in remarkably intact forms into the modern era. Contact between Highland communities and the outside world was extremely limited until the 1930s, when Australian explorers flew over the densely populated valleys and discovered hundreds of thousands of people previously unknown to the colonial administration.

European contact began in the 1500s on the coast, and the country was eventually divided between British and German colonial administrations in the late nineteenth century. Australia administered the territory through both World Wars, and Papua New Guinea became the site of brutal and strategically critical fighting in the Pacific War from 1942 to 1945. Full independence was achieved on September 16, 1975, a date celebrated as Independence Day with national sing-sing festivals across the country. The legacy of over 800 indigenous languages reflects the depth of cultural independence that was maintained throughout the colonial period.

Culture & People

Papua New Guinea is home to one of the most extraordinary concentrations of cultural diversity on Earth, with over 800 languages and hundreds of distinct ethnic groups spread across its rugged terrain. The geographic isolation created by mountain ranges, rivers, and dense jungle allowed these cultures to develop largely independently, producing an astonishing variety of art forms, spiritual practices, agricultural systems, and social structures. Ancestral spirits (known as masalai) play a central role in daily life across many communities, and elaborate rituals of exchange, initiation, mourning, and celebration continue to structure social relationships in the Highlands and coastal regions.

Traditional arts in Papua New Guinea are among the most sophisticated in the world. Carved spirit boards from the Sepik River region are collected by major international museums; bilum woven bags are functional masterpieces used by women throughout the country; and the elaborate wigs, painted faces, and bird-of-paradise feather headdresses of Highland groups represent hundreds of hours of skilled preparation. The practice of bride price exchange, community garden cultivation, and the moiety system of kinship organization bind together social life in villages that in many ways operate as they have for thousands of years.

Food & Cuisine

Papua New Guinean food is earthy, nourishing, and rooted in the agricultural and foraging traditions of a country where the jungle and the garden are the primary sources of sustenance. Mumu is the most iconic cooking method — a traditional earth oven in which pork, sweet potato (kaukau), taro, banana, and greens are layered between hot stones and steamed underground for hours, producing incredibly tender, smoky, and flavorful results. Kaukau (sweet potato) is the staple crop of the Highlands and eaten at virtually every meal in some form. Sago palm starch, extracted from the pith of sago palms in coastal and lowland areas, forms the dietary base in many communities where it is used to make thick porridge, dumplings, and flatbreads.

In Port Moresby and larger towns, you will find a range of restaurants serving Chinese, Indian, Australian, and contemporary Pacific cuisine alongside local dishes. Fresh seafood — including grilled barramundi, lobster, crayfish, and coconut crab — is exceptional in coastal towns and island resorts. Markets everywhere sell vibrant displays of tropical fruits including pineapple, pawpaw (papaya), watermelon, and passion fruit. Local street food like pies, BBQ chicken, and roti sold from roadside stalls reflect the multicultural influences that have shaped urban Papua New Guinean cooking.

Top Attractions

  • Goroka Show — Witness hundreds of tribal groups from across the Highlands gather in full ceremonial dress for this spectacular annual sing-sing festival held every September during Independence celebrations.
  • Sepik River — Journey by dugout canoe through remote jungle to visit village communities renowned for their extraordinary carved spirit boards, masks, and ceremonial houses.
  • Milne Bay Diving — Explore what many divers consider the world's finest tropical marine biodiversity, including pygmy seahorses, walking sharks, and pristine coral walls.
  • Mount Wilhelm — Hike Papua New Guinea's highest peak (4,509 m) for sweeping views over the Highlands and the extraordinary experience of standing above the clouds.
  • Kokoda Track — Trek the historically significant and physically challenging jungle trail along which Australian and Papua New Guinean forces fought Japanese troops in 1942.
  • Rabaul Volcanic Landscape — Visit the dramatic caldera harbor town surrounded by active volcanoes, with WWII Japanese tunnels and shipwrecks adding historical depth to spectacular scenery.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Book all internal flights well in advance — air travel is the primary means of reaching remote Highlands and island destinations, and seats fill quickly.
  • Always travel with a reputable local guide or tour operator; independent travel outside Port Moresby and major towns requires local knowledge and connections.
  • Carry US dollars or Australian dollars for exchange — the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK) is available at local banks and exchange offices on arrival.
  • Malaria is prevalent throughout the country; consult your doctor about prophylaxis and bring DEET-based insect repellent and a mosquito net.
  • Respect local customs around photography — always ask permission before photographing people, ceremonies, or sacred sites, and accept refusals graciously.
  • Attend a sing-sing or cultural show if timing permits — these festivals are the most accessible and spectacular window into Papua New Guinea's extraordinary cultural heritage.
  • Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is not optional here — medical facilities are limited outside the capital.

Visa Overview

Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport, valid for up to 60 days. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, most Pacific Island nations, and ASEAN countries are typically granted visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. A tourist visa fee applies on arrival. Travelers should ensure their passport has at least six months of validity beyond their intended departure date. It is advisable to confirm current visa requirements with the Papua New Guinea High Commission before travel, as regulations can change.

Getting Around

Air Niugini and PNG Air operate domestic routes connecting Port Moresby to major regional centers including Goroka, Mount Hagen, Madang, Lae, and the island provinces. Road travel between major Highland towns is possible by PMV (public motor vehicle — essentially a bus or truck), though roads can be rough and journey times long. In Port Moresby, hire vehicles come with drivers for security reasons, and this is strongly recommended for all visitors. Water taxis and small ferries serve the island provinces and coastal communities.

Safety Notes

Papua New Guinea has a high crime rate, particularly in Port Moresby and Lae, where petty theft and occasionally more serious incidents affect travelers. Travel after dark in cities is strongly discouraged. Use only recommended tour operators and accommodations, stay in contact with your hotel or guide at all times, and avoid displaying valuables publicly. Highland regions and island areas accessible via organized tours are generally safer. Always check current government travel advisories before departure and register with your embassy on arrival.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinean kina (PGK) K
Updated: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 3.171110
AAVE 0.002572
ADA 1.210908
AED 0.834794
AFN 14.452096
AGIX 2.913487
AKT 0.362419
ALGO 2.539271
ALL 18.632904
AMD 83.643119
AMP 509.615649
ANG 0.409917
AOA 208.759730
APE 1.621513
APT 0.363461
AR 0.113874
ARB 2.841913
ARS 339.273985
ATOM 0.143750
ATS 2.735887
AUD 0.328135
AVAX 0.032924
AWG 0.406884
AXS 0.225109
AZM 1,932.130329
AZN 0.386426
BAKE 302.516107
BAM 0.388867
BAT 2.581021
BBD 0.454619
BCH 0.000942
BDT 28.021234
BEF 8.020567
BGN 0.388867
BHD 0.085468
BIF 676.701879
BMD 0.227309
BNB 0.000389
BND 0.293799
BOB 1.574609
BRL 1.174755
BSD 0.227309
BSV 0.015396
BSW 679.154433
BTC 0.000004
BTCB 4.289347
BTG 0.787750
BTN 21.656875
BTT 857,089.064963
BUSD 0.227116
BWP 3.067935
BYN 0.660089
BYR 4,455.696226
BZD 0.457816
CAD 0.323002
CAKE 0.156969
CDF 524.458193
CELO 3.383392
CFX 5.080771
CHF 0.182857
CHZ 12.590967
CLP 209.397433
CNH 1.543744
CNY 1.543132
COMP 0.013563
COP 759.788852
CRC 103.581916
CRO 3.802930
CRV 1.063299
CSPR 117.041751
CUC 0.227331
CUP 6.024283
CVE 21.924397
CVX 0.188997
CYP 0.116367
CZK 4.808823
DAI 0.227417
DASH 0.006462
DCR 0.020478
DEM 0.388867
DFI 273.599229
DJF 40.482201
DKK 1.486198
DOGE 2.941442
DOP 13.471793
DOT 0.260575
DYDX 1.721214
DZD 30.230788
EEK 3.110938
EGLD 0.082243
EGP 11.165890
ENJ 7.854342
EOS 3.138247
ERN 3.409642
ESP 33.081642
ETB 36.359408
ETC 0.032005
ETH 0.000128
EUR 0.198825
EURC 0.198969
FEI 0.227390
FIL 0.287883
FIM 1.182158
FJD 0.510425
FKP 0.170363
FLOW 8.111168
FLR 32.702094
FRAX 0.229784
FRF 1.304204
FTT 0.954295
GALA 99.222097
GBP 0.170363
GEL 0.597039
GGP 0.170363
GHC 25,824.578485
GHS 2.582458
GIP 0.170363
GMD 16.762785
GMX 0.038358
GNF 1,992.944664
GNO 0.002162
GRD 67.749507
GRT 11.980976
GT 0.033529
GTQ 1.735064
GUSD 0.227610
GYD 47.579352
HBAR 3.010329
HKD 1.782797
HNL 6.085581
HNT 0.948551
HOT 629.907119
HRK 1.498045
HT 6.344324
HTG 29.753594
HUF 70.305015
ICP 0.103116
IDR 4,089.865163
IEP 0.156587
ILS 0.682761
IMP 0.170363
IMX 1.645222
INJ 0.046527
INR 21.656875
IQD 298.046801
IRR 312,796.694924
ISK 28.631060
ITL 384.978249
JEP 0.170363
JMD 36.010955
JOD 0.161162
JPY 36.789981
KAS 7.410166
KAVA 5.038017
KCS 0.031485
KDA 39.000027
KES 29.389032
KGS 19.881449
KHR 911.472688
KMF 97.815327
KNC 2.039218
KPW 204.598376
KRW 348.433572
KSM 0.064508
KWD 0.070534
KYD 0.189104
KZT 107.458974
LAK 5,139.250624
LBP 20,413.167163
LDO 0.841475
LEO 0.024286
LINK 0.028467
LKR 76.124840
LRC 18.500648
LRD 41.284850
LSL 3.694640
LTC 0.005036
LTL 0.686502
LUF 8.020567
LUNA 4.628682
LUNC 3,702.400172
LVL 0.139734
LYD 1.458046
MAD 2.128445
MANA 3.266747
MBX 9.038295
MDL 4.000903
MGA 964.593974
MGF 4,822.969872
MINA 4.794676
MKD 12.247946
MKR 0.000159
MMK 477.196844
MNT 814.708670
MOP 1.836281
MRO 90.780661
MRU 9.078066
MTL 0.085355
MUR 10.685063
MVR 3.514065
MWK 394.299280
MXN 3.973215
MXV 0.450526
MYR 0.926800
MZM 14,517.461950
MZN 14.517462
NAD 3.694640
NEAR 0.114084
NEO 0.114918
NEXO 0.295476
NFT 857,706.030804
NGN 311.477462
NIO 8.367459
NLG 0.438152
NOK 2.235913
NPR 34.667242
NZD 0.399531
OKB 0.002850
OMR 0.087487
ONE 181.859395
OP 2.114362
ORDI 0.070024
PAB 0.227309
PAXG 0.000055
PEN 0.774053
PEPE 83,338.119765
PHP 13.982466
PI 2.009391
PKR 63.239712
PLN 0.853487
POL 3.090868
PTE 39.860768
PYG 1,382.638888
QAR 0.827407
QNT 0.003395
QTUM 0.319774
ROL 10,390.596444
RON 1.039060
RPL 0.112269
RSD 23.320538
RUB 17.515939
RUNE 0.549639
RVN 59.643899
RWF 333.206358
SAND 4.555901
SAR 0.852411
SBD 1.839402
SCR 3.248206
SDD 13,644.142880
SDG 136.441429
SEK 2.194181
SGD 0.293799
SHIB 51,917.517158
SHP 0.170363
SIT 47.646345
SKK 5.989792
SLE 5.191737
SLL 5,191.737273
SNX 0.992676
SOL 0.002817
SOS 129.802973
SPL 0.037885
SRD 8.556979
SRG 8,556.978544
SSP 1,079.534994
STD 4,907.351144
STN 4.907351
STX 1.329328
SUI 0.304258
SVC 1.988958
SYP 25.127421
SZL 3.694640
THB 7.555830
THETA 1.620337
TJS 2.106996
TMM 3,988.361167
TMT 0.797672
TND 0.670094
TOP 0.547431
TRL 10,641,594.918899
TRX 0.692166
TRY 10.641595
TTD 1.540246
TUSD 0.227786
TVD 0.328135
TWD 7.294416
TWT 0.661224
TZS 597.280432
UAH 10.130181
UGX 830.706029
UNI 0.071923
USD 0.227309
USDC 0.227380
USDD 0.227540
USDP 0.227997
USDT 0.227555
UYU 9.148994
UZS 2,720.393822
VAL 384.978249
VEB 14,648,698,840.5536
VED 146.473947
VEF 14,647,394.670447
VES 146.473947
VET 48.184674
VND 5,978.287268
VUV 27.320765
WAVES 0.855417
WEMIX 0.877992
WOO 19.197479
WST 0.628695
XAF 130.420436
XAG 0.003681
XAU 0.000055
XAUT 0.000055
XBT 0.000004
XCD 0.615298
XCG 0.409917
XCH 0.144233
XDC 8.089743
XDR 0.167661
XEC 42,792.429098
XEM 530.982969
XLM 1.138605
XMR 0.000702
XOF 130.420436
XPD 0.000179
XPF 23.726095
XPT 0.000139
XRP 0.198563
XTZ 0.913530
YER 53.870856
ZAR 3.694640
ZEC 0.000499
ZIL 73.686926
ZMK 4,170.972031
ZMW 4.170972
ZWD 82.263301
ZWG 6.097254
ZWL 15,235.355217

No currencies match your search.

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Papua New Guinea needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Papua New Guinea?
The capital of Papua New Guinea is Port Moresby.
What currency does Papua New Guinea use?
Papua New Guinea uses the Papua New Guinean kina (K) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Papua New Guinea?
The official language(s) of Papua New Guinea include English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin.
What is the population of Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a population of approximately 11,781,559 people.
What region is Papua New Guinea in?
Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania, specifically in the Melanesia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Papua New Guinea?
The international dialing code for Papua New Guinea is +675.
What time zones does Papua New Guinea observe?
Papua New Guinea observes the following time zone(s): UTC+10:00.
What is the current time in Papua New Guinea?
The local time in Papua New Guinea is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea covers a total area of 462,840 km².
How many states or provinces does Papua New Guinea have?
Papua New Guinea is divided into 24 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Papua New Guinea in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Papua New Guinea in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Papua New Guinea?
Visa requirements for citizens of Papua New Guinea vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.