Know Before You Go PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Introduction The anticipation of your holiday should give you enormous pleasure. In order to ensure you are fully prepared for your next trip we have put together this document which contains essential information about the country you are soon to visit. We know that visa requirements and electrical currents are not the most scintillating of topics but we also know that being forewarned is forearmed and we would hate for you to come back from your holiday, thinking “if only Steppes had told me that!” Travelling should be inspirational but above anything else it should be fun. We hope this information takes care of the more mundane matters of planning a trip so that you can then focus on building up excitement levels pre-travel, safe in the knowledge you’ve got everything covered.
DID YOU KNOW? “Because many missionaries also use helicopters to get around harderto-access areas of the Sepik river basin, Tok Pisin for "helicopter" is "mix master bilong Jesus Christ".
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long are the flights to Papua New Guinea?
Is it safe to be out in the sun?
The flight time from London to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea via Singapore typically takes approxiamately 22 hours.
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Papua New Guinea is known for its extremely hot summers and it can take only 15 minutes in the sun for skin to burn. Even on cloudy days the suns rays are still very strong and protection will be needed. Make sure you bring a high factor, waterresistent sun cream, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and some form of cover-up. We always advise avoiding the sun during the middle of the day when it is at its most intense, and making sure you drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated.
Can I use my mobile phone in Papua New Guinea?
Do I need any immunisations or malaria tablets?
The local PNG mobile network is surprisingly extensive, however in remoter parts including parts of the Sepik there are obvious black spots. International network coverage can be sporadic (Blackberry for some reason doesn’t work at all) and tends to be unreliable.
The best person to speak to is your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner as the advice can change. Lowland PNG is very much a malarial area and taking prophylactics are strongly advised, however prevention against bites in the first instance is the best form of protection. A strong Deet-based insect repellent and wearing long sleeved tops and trousers, particularly at dawn and dusk.
What is the time Zone in Papua New Guinea? +10 hours ahead of GMT and doesn’t observe Daylight Saving time.
What is the International dialling code for Papua New Guinea?
How much luggage can I take? International airlines mostly work on an allowance of 23kg for checked bags and 1 piece of hand luggage. Singapore Flights: 23kg (Economy) International Air Niugini flights: 23kg Domestic Air Niugini flights: 16kg + 5kg hand luggage Tufi flights: 23kg Helicopter: Estimated uplift weight of only 280-300kg due to the extra fuel it will be carrying, so you need to keep your Sepik baggage to a minimum.
Is it safe to swim in Papua New Guinea? You cannot swim in the Sepik (due to crocs), but do pack swimwear for snorkelling/ diving and use in pools when abluting in the Sepik, where a bucket of water is provided.
Will I have one guide in Papua New Guinea throughout my holiday? As a result of the extreme topography of PNG, huge diversity of languages and cultural differences between areas you will have different local guides in each place, rather than a single guide accompanying you throughout. The benefit of this is that you get a local guide in each place who is fully versed with regards to the local area, language and cultural mores.
Are there laundry facilities? Laundry facilities are available at all hotels, typically with a 24hour turnaround time.
What should I see? Dive in the fjords of Tufi, a virtually unexplored underwater world or explore the Sepik River by dug out canoe, spotting crocodiles and bird of paradise and tree kangaroos. Meet the Huli Wigmen and Asaro Mudmen in the highlands, flying over the uninterrupted jungle below. The ‘cultural shows’ in both the Sepik and Highlands around Goroka are a particular highlight, though they may seem somewhat artificial, please be aware that they are helping to keep cultural traditions alive at a time of profound change in PNG.
What are the rules on tipping? PNG is not a tipping based society and even with your guides and when visiting local villages our local ground agent strongly advises that tips are not required and you are not encouraged to.
Where can I find updates on the weather before my trip? Worldwide weather information is available: www.onlineweather.com or www.bbc.co.uk/weather
LANGUAGE Even though English is widely spoken we feel that it is important to try to learn a little ‘Tok Pisin’, even if it is only the words for hello and goodbye, not forgetting thank you.
English
Tok Pisin
Hello How are you? I am fine, thank you Goodbye Please Thank you Yes/No What is your name? My name is... I don’t understand.
Gude Yu stap gut? Mi stap gut Gutbai Plis Tenkyu Yes/Nogat Husat nem bilong yu? Nem bilong mi emi ______ Mi no harim tok bilong yu.
FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE In association with the 'Know Before You Go’ campaign Steppes Travel are working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Please visit the Foreign Office website for any updates: www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
VISA REQUIREMENTS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Visas are required for British Nationals to Papua New Guinea and can be obtained on arrival to Port Moresby at no charge, for more information talk to your consultant.
For your safety and peace of mind, comprehensive travel insurance is required when travelling with Steppes Travel. We suggest the specialist travel insurance brokers Campbell Irvine. To arrange cover you can speak to our specialists or call Campbell Irvine on 020 7938 1734.
Other nationals please check with the respective embassies or representatives. Please note that it remains your responsibility to organise visas when required (unless otherwise specified by your consultant) although we are more than happy to advise, help and provide the relevant supporting documentation where necessary.
If you already have travel insurance then we require confirmation that your policy provides adequate cover for the duration of your trip, covers the full value of your invoice, is sufficient for the destination(s) you are visiting and includes medical, evacuation and repatriation cover. Please send your travel consultant the insurers name, policy number and emergency contact number.
VACCINATIONS
HEALTH & SAFETY
We advise you to either check online at the Fit for Travel website www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or with your local GP/ travel clinic regarding ‘boosters’ for standard immunisations such as Japanese Encephalitis and Tetanus. A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from an infected area.
Travelling with Steppes Travel is a wonderful chance to experience a stunning array of cultures, landscapes, ecosystems and activities. At the heart of this experience are the differences between our respective ways of life. You should understand that this means that standards of health and safety will not be the same as in the UK and may often be lower. Please refer to our full health and safety information on our website, under Travellers Code.
Pre-existing conditions If you have specific medical requirements, please consult your doctor prior to departure to obtain adequate supplies of any necessary medication that may be required whilst on holiday. Please carry personal medication with you in your hand luggage (in line with current airline regulations), remembering to keep a copy of your prescription or the usage guidelines with you as well.
AIRPORT & FLIGHT INFORMATION • • • • • •
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While travelling, please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months. Have appropriate visa for your destination and transit points. Please note the date, time of your flight and also the time to arrive at the airport. Please be on time. Please advise if you have special meal requests (fasting, vegetarian, medical, Muslim, baby food, etc…), while booking your flight. Food items are not allowed to be carried in the cabin or inside hand baggage. Please affix your name and address label on the baggage. It is also recommended to put the label in side of your checked in baggage to help us identify the bag in case the baggage tag/label attached outside is detached & lost. Please do not put valuable items such as money, jewellery, cameras and other expensive electronic items in your check-in baggage. If hand baggage is collected at the check-in counter or at the gate due to its size being above the allowed limit, the airline will not be liable for the damage and loss of valuable items in the baggage. Do not carry liquids or gels of over 100ml, toy or replica guns, razor blades, household cutlery, knives, scissors, knitting needles etc. in your
hand baggage. For your own and the flight's safety and security, please do not accept any item from anyone as you will be held responsible & accountable for the contents of any of the items found in your custody.
Do bear in mind that flight departures times on domestic flights in PNG are little more than nominal and will also be dependent on weather, particularly in the Highlands when clouds tend to build up as the day progresses. Packing a good book and a sense of humour when flying around in PNG are highly recommended.
SHELF IMPROVEMENT We have put together a small list of books that are set around Papua New Guinea. Both fiction and non-fiction, they will help you establish an understanding and feel for the country.
Author
Title
Michael Moran Edward Marriott Kira Salek Tim Flannery Benedict Allen Mark Shand
Beyond the Coral Sea The Lost Tribe Four Corners Throwim way Leg Into the Crocodile’s Nest Skulduggery
ELECTRICITY The electric current in Papua New Guinea is 240V. Most electrical outlets require three flat pin prongs. Blackouts are frequent so a torch will come in handy unless you are staying in a hotel with a backup generator.
ETIQUETTE & CULTURE
Exploring Please be aware that walking around on your own in PNG is generally not advisable. Unlike almost everywhere else in the world in PNG you can’t just wander around and in some places it would be considered downright dangerous. Your best bet is to take local advice from your guides. On a lighter note, most visitors are surprised by the warmth of the welcome they receive when travelling around PNG.
Photography When it comes to photography, permission should be obtained to photograph local people beforehand out of politeness. Some religious sites will not permit photography and are usually clearly signposted.
Expect the unexpected ‘Expect the unexpected’ used to be the marketing tagline for PNG, but it stands as true now as it ever was and is a very good mantra to pack with your bags. Tourism is still fairly fledgling out there, service levels may be mixed, flight timings flexible and in places it does still have something of the ‘wild frontier’ feel about it. Patience, a good book in case of flight delays and a sense of humour will stand you in good stead.
Possible change of Itinerary During the Sepik Canoe Safari, visiting villages and its order may be changed by unforeseeable reasons, i.e. tribal fight, death in the village, flooding, drought, etc. beyond the control of the agent and local guides. In that case, we will offer an alternative itinerary however we may not be able compensate or refund for the change of the itinerary.
CLIMATE
FOOD & DRINK It’s fair to say that any trip to PNG isn’t going to be gastronomic. Traditional local food relies heavily on sweet potatoes, particularly in the Highlands, and is heavily starch-based, with pork on festival occasions and fish on the coast. As such the type of fare you can expect is rather bland international-style and not terribly cheap due to the fact that much is imported.
PNG has one of the most variable climates, which can confound the best of travel planning. On average temperatures in Papua New Guinea are always high, the warmest month being January. The Highlands can be surprisingly chilly for the tropics, particularly at night, while the Sepik will be hot and humid.
While you are in the Sepik your guide will be preparing food for you, a typical day’s menu is likely to consist of: • Breakfast: Bread, Egg & Bacon, Coffee/Tea • Lunch : Maybe on the canoe or river bank – simple sandwich /dry food /fresh fruit (as there is no time for cooking while moving) • Dinner: Soup, Meat & Rice It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. Bottled water is readily available. It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and can actually contribute to dehydration.
We want your holiday to be unspoilt by food and drink related health problems, please….. • • • •
Avoid buffets in warm climates, and stick to dishes that have been freshly cooked and served, and not left hanging around in the warm. Do not buy food from roadside stalls unless you have seen it cooked in front of you. Stick to bottled water and make sure the seal is unbroken. Make sure that all fruit and vegetables eaten raw, are washed in boiled or bottled water before eating.
MONEY The local currency is kina (approx. 4.7 kina = £1) and the best ways to get hold of it on arrival into Port Moresby are either using the ATM or taking cash to exchange at the airports currency exchange. All major foreign currencies are taken with no difference in the rate that you get. Australian and US dollars are the most recognised, but sterling or euros are also fine to take. Once outside the capital ATM’s are few and far between and shouldn’t be relied upon. Most hotels accept credit cards but shouldn’t be relied upon to exchange foreign currency for kina. Particularly when you are in the Sepik you need to ensure that you have adequate cash with you, including for any artefacts which you may like to purchase. The other important point is that kina cannot be exchanged back into a foreign currency if you have any left at the end of your visit. To find the present, up to date currency rate of conversion (please note exchange rates go up and down over time) for where you are travelling to, log on to: www.xe.com/ucc or use the XE app.
Tipping PNG is not a tipping based society and even with your guides and when visiting local villages our local ground agent strongly advises that tips are not required and you are not encouraged to.
Giving money Whilst the giving of money is a matter of personal preference or conscience, Steppes Travel feels that it is best to give a donation to a proper charitable entity, as opposed to freely giving cash to individuals.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Just because we believe travel should be of benefit to both traveller and the host country, that doesn’t mean having fun is frowned upon. On the contrary, it is positively encouraged and because you’ll feel like you’re giving something back to the local people, wildlife and environment, you’ll have even more to smile about. Our policy is that we endeavour:
In return we ask you:
To work with privately owned companies and hotels rather than state owned or foreign companies in the countries that you visit. • To support a number of charities which promote a wide range of education programmes together with environmental and community projects in the countries we visit. When possible, we encourage you to visit these initiatives. • To encourage travellers to visit unspoilt areas of the world where low impact tourism can have a hugely beneficial effect. • To take you beyond the ordinary, to local markets or community craft schemes rather than large corporation tourist shops so that your money benefits those who need it most. Our ‘responsible policy’ is not just limited to the destinations in which we operate. Responsible practice is exercised in our office with various measures put in place aimed at reducing, re-using and recycling resources where possible.
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To be sympathetic to local customs, traditions and idiosyncrasies, which to us might seem strange. To be aware of local resources, particularly water and its purity, and treat them with care. To be generous in relation to local monetary values, but do not over tip To give money where it is needed and not to hordes of children. Handing out gifts creates an air of expectancy and exacerbates the problem. Far better to give items such as pens to teachers. To not buy goods that will have a detrimental effect on either wildlife or the environment however beautiful or plentiful they may seem. It only encourages others. You are encouraged to report back on your experience and on the behaviour and awareness of our agents and local guides on your return. Only in this way can we improve and ensure our demands are being met.
We are committed to developing our Policy of Responsible Practice even further in the future. Our aim is to continually incorporate new responsible practices into our business at all levels and encourage our suppliers to do the same.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
British High Commission Sec 411 Lot 1 & 2, Kiroki Street Waigani National Capital District Port Moresby Papua New Guinea
(+675) 325 1677
uk.inpng@fco.gov.uk
0845 8502829
www.malariahotspots.co.uk www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
The Visa Service
0870 8900185
www.cibtvisas.co.uk
Identity and Passport Service
0870 210410
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office
Heathrow Airport
0870 0002468
www.heathrowairport.com
Gatwick Airport
0870 0002468
www.gatwickairport.com
Health and Vaccinations Malaria Hotspots Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice Fit for travel
Passport and Visa requirements
Airports
Flights Airline information
www.airlinequality.com
Currency Currency converter
www.xe.com/ucc/
WHAT TO PACK You will have your own ideas from past experiences regarding your personal list of ‘utterly indispensables’ and favourite items, so the following are our suggestions to supplement your own packing list.
Important Stuff • • • • • •
Passport and photocopy (keep photocopies separate) Itinerary & Airline reference number Copy of insurance policy Credit cards/cash Emergency contact numbers International vaccination card where relevant (i.e Yellow Fever Certificate)
Essentials • • • • • • • • • • •
*Please keep your photocopies separate from your originals.
Clothing • • • • • • • • •
Base-layer: T-shirts and vests Outer-layer: wind/waterproof jacket Comfortable walking boots or trainers Long trousers suitable for walking. Pockets helpful 2/3 Long-sleeved shirts Wide-brimmed sun hat Socks / underwear Scarf or shawl Flipflops
Soft bag between 45-70 litres 20-litre daypack, for keeping everyday items handy Field Guides/pocket language guide Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarised Camera, memory cards, cleaning materials, spare batteries Diary, note pad, pens, reading material Torch with spare batteries and bulb Waterbottle – 1 ltr Camera Bag, waterproof bag Wash-kit Sandals for the Sepik River canoe
Medical equipment • • • • • • •
Personal medical travel kit Personal prescription medicines Insect repellent Lip salve Spare prescription glasses Contact lens & cleaners Sunscreen
USEFUL TRAVEL APPS
XE Currency Know how much you’re spending with live updates.
Google translate Translates between 64 languages, with audio too.
Evernote Food Document recipes you love as you travel.
Map My Walk Calculate your duration, distance, pace and speed.
Weather Pro
Pin Drop
Weather reports for up to two million locations.
Pin on a map to record locations you’ve discovered.
Flight Track
Travel Smart
Follow detailed paths of thousands of flights.
Access to emergency services & health advice.
Prizmo
Trip Journal
A pocket scanner for all your important
Tipulator Nifty tip calculator, also helps to split bills easily.
Flashlight Simple gadget, always handy for travelling.
Virtual scrapbook, geotagging pictures & videos.
WhatsApp Messenger Free to send pictures, videos & sound clips over wifi
Viber International calls and messaging for free.
Packing Pro
Triposo
Packing suggestions based on your destination.
Pocket Wikitravel, internet connection not
THE STEPPES TRAVEL GROUP 51 CASTLE STREET CIRENCESTER GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL7 1QD
T +44 (0)1285 880 980 F +44 (0)1285 885 888 ENQUIRY@STEPPESTRAVEL.COM WWW.STEPPESTRAVEL.COM