The medical care is far below the European level with often inadequate equipment and hygiene. There is often a lack of European-trained English/French-speaking doctors. In the event of an acute illness / accident, the following hospitals can be visited in Port Moresby: – General Hospital, Taurama Road, Tel: (00675) 324 82 00; – Pacific International Hospital, Stores Road, Tel: (00675) 32 34 40; – St Mary’s Hospital, Sir Hubert Murray Highway, Tel: (00675) 323 22 66; and – The Private Hospital, Taurama Road, Tel: (00675) 325 60 22. There are other hospitals and numerous medical dispensaries throughout the country, as well as private practices in the bigger cities. Limited treatment options are also available in the Christian missions. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way. Taking out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance is strongly recommended.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against cholera is not an entry requirement, but the risk of infection cannot be ruled out. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. There is a risk of cholera in various regions across the country, which primarily affects the local population. The risk of infection among tourists is low. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Vaccination is only recommended in rare cases. [2] A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for all travelers who want to enter within six days of staying in the infection areas designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. Exceptions are transit travelers who do not leave the airport in Papua New Guinea. [3] Due to the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. eating pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. [4] Malaria risk exists all year round nationwide below 1800 m and is highest in East Sepik in the north of the country. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is said to be sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine and highly chloroquine resistant. Plasmodium vivax is said to be chloroquine resistant. [5] Poliomyelitis occurs. The WHO requires Papua New Guinea to ensure that all those leaving the country with a stay of at least 4 weeks in Papua New Guinea certify a valid vaccination against poliomyelitis, which must have taken place four weeks to 12 months before departure. For shorter stays, a vaccination should be given upon departure. The country can prevent the exit of unvaccinated people.
Other risks
Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis caused by insects occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Typhus also occurs nationwide. The fever is caused by clothes lice. To protect yourself, you should practice regular body and clothing hygiene. Vaccination should only be considered in rare cases. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/Aids is a major problem in Papua New Guinea and a danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a considerable life-threatening risk. There is an increased risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis all year round in rural and suburban areas, especially Western and Gulf Provinces and Milne Bay Province. Vaccination should be considered for simple travel, long-term stays and close contact with the local population.
Health certificate
A health certificate with a negative HIV test in English is required for work and long-term residence permits. A negative HIV test may be required for all travelers over the age of 16.
Money
Currency
1 kina = 100 toea. Currency code: K, PGK (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2K; Coins are in denominations of 1K.
Credit cards
American Express in particular, but also Mastercard and Visa are accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car companies and travel agencies (ask when booking). Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbols in major cities. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks are accepted in Papua New Guinea at Port Moresby by Westpac Bank. Travelers Checks should be made out in US Dollars or Australian Dollars.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Thu 09.00-15.00, Fri 09.00-17.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unlimited import and export of foreign and local currency. An obligation to declare exists from a value of 5,000 K (with the exception of traveler’s cheques).
Currency Exchange
US Dollars and Australian Dollars, which can be exchanged in banks, are recommended.
