Oceania
Money, cards and tipping in Papua New Guinea
PGKKina
Money in Papua New Guinea
Mostly cash Hotels and some supermarkets take cards; markets, village stays and most smaller places want kina cash. Carry small notes discreetly. US$1 ≈ K4.47 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not expected or customary.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside hotels or guarded shopping centres in Port Moresby and big towns; they are often out of order.
- Paying by phone: Cards work in hotels and bigger shops; local mobile money needs a local account.
- Price level: about 58% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Port Moresby | 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. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Papua New Guinea?
Not expected or customary.
Is Papua New Guinea cashless?
Mostly cash. Hotels and some supermarkets take cards; markets, village stays and most smaller places want kina cash. Carry small notes discreetly.
What currency does Papua New Guinea use?
The Kina (PGK). US$1 ≈ K4.47 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority
- Smartraveller: Papua New Guinea
- UK FCDO travel advice: Papua New Guinea
- Speedtest Global Index: Papua New Guinea
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.