Capital city in National Capital District, Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea's capital and gateway to Kokoda, and one of the Pacific's higher-risk cities. Visit with a local contact or a vetted tour; do not expect independent travel, cheap prices or easy walking.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Monthly budget$2,230–3,580Comfortable, one person · K10,000–16,000Details
- Value for money4/100Better value than 3% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–OctWarmest: Dec, 30°CDetails
- Internet68 MbpsFixed broadband, Papua New Guinea medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; the tap supply is unreliable and not recommended for visitors.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–78Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundHotel or company carYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards at hotels and larger shops; cash for markets, PMVs and small suppliers.Details
Where to stay in Port Moresby
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Waigani | Government and business district with secure hotels |
| Town | Hotels, restaurants and the harbour; take taxis only |
| Boroko | Shopping hub and some guesthouses; take care |
| Touaguba–Konedobu | Expats and secured compounds near the center |
Apps that work in Port Moresby
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Messenger
- Taxis: No ride apps. Use hotel-arranged drivers or a vetted taxi firm; never hail a cab on the street.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Papua New Guinea.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards at hotels and larger shops; cash for markets, PMVs and small suppliers. ATMs inside secure hotels or malls are safest.
- Currency: Kina (PGK). US$1 ≈ K4.47 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside hotels or guarded shopping centres in Port Moresby and big towns; they are often out of order.
- Tipping: Not expected or customary.
- Paying by phone: Cards work in hotels and bigger shops; local mobile money needs a local account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Nearly all visitors need a visa: apply online through the ICSA eVisa portal; visa on arrival covers only some travelers.
- Since October 2025 everyone must submit the free online Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival.
- Fake eVisa websites exist; use only ica.gov.pg. Working on a tourist visa is illegal.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 111 · Fire 110
Plugs
Type I · 240 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Digicel has the widest coverage; buy at Port Moresby airport or Digicel shops and register with your passport. Coverage is patchy outside towns. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Port Moresby solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Port Moresby meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.