Business Customs
It is common practice for formal meetings to be accompanied by refreshments. This often includes sandwiches and hot and cold beverages.
Formal business attire for men ranges from a business suit, a long-sleeved shirt with a tie, or a formal tropical (Hawaiian) shirt. Formal business wear for women includes a (work) dress or a two-piece outfit of a long-sleeved shirt with long slacks or a knee-length skirt.
The exchanging of business cards during formal gatherings is expected but not mandatory.
It is also common for traditional gifts to be given as a way of welcoming guests or to thank them. Traditional dance and songs are often performed for high level visits and government events.
Travel Advisory
Information can be found on the State Department International Travel.
US citizens travelling to PNG for holidays can obtain a visa on arrival and should apply for business visas for conducting businesses. Information on PNG entry visa requirements
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link(s): State Department Visa Website
Currency
PNG Kina (PGK)
1 Kina (K) = 100 Toea. Major foreign currencies in PNG include the U.S. Dollar, Australian Dollar, New Zealand Dollar, British Pound, European Euro, Japanese Yen, and Chinese Yuan.
PNG’s commercial banking sector comprises four commercial banks. Two are Australian institutions, Westpac and Australian and New Zealand Group (ANZ) banks. Local banks include Bank of South Pacific (BSP) and Kina Bank. BSP is the largest bank in the country, operating 77 branches, 40 sub-branches, 201 agents, 544 ATMs, and 11,033 electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) units.
All four commercial banks accept credit or debit cards, while traveler’s checks are not allowed. Local bank services are available for U.S. ATM networks.
Telecommunications/Electronics
Mobile roaming is possible in PNG, though it is costly. The use of local SIM cards from mobile communication companies, Digicel, Vodafone, and BeMobile, is advisable. Mobile communication network is widely accessible. Internet access in the capital city Port Moresby has improved in recent years but there are still network issues throughout the country. Fast-speed internet service and wireless via a USB modem are now available in the country but occasionally there are connectivity issues.
An adapter to plug in your appliances into PNG’s power sockets is advisable. The adapter required for PNG is a Type 1 Australia plug. The plugs have two flat metal pins, forming an inverted ‘V’ shape, and occasionally a third vertical pin in the center. The electrical current is 220 – 240 volts, AC 50Hz.
Transportation
Public transportation within the country is through buses, taxis, and aircraft. To conduct business meetings, or for personal travel within the country, private hire vehicles are advisable.
Further transportation information is provided at International Travel
Language
Official Languages: English, Pidgin, and Hiri Motu.
Health
Refer to Health Advice from the State Department consular information sheet:
Local time, business hours, and holidays
Papua New Guinea is 10 hours ahead of Universal Coordinated Time (+10 UTC).
Business Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Government business hours: 7:45am – 4:06pm
2023 PNG Public Holidays
Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings
Generally, to be eligible for a business or a short-term employment visa, an applicant must show that the applicant is a genuine person or engaged in approved employment, with the intention of leaving PNG at the end of your stay.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the applicant may be asked to provide Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) with evidence to support your application.
Further entry requirements can be found at the PNG ICA