Papua New Guinea’s rugged landscapes, tribal cultures, and raw beauty make it a destination like no other – but managing money in Papua New Guinea and understanding how currency works is vital for a smooth trip. Whether you’re trekking through the highlands, exploring local markets, or paying for remote tours, knowing how to handle payments is essential. This guide covers what currency to bring, how to get money and currency in Papua New Guinea (Papua New Guinean Kina – PGK), cash safety tips, and key dos and don’ts. With these insights, you can travel with confidence and avoid unexpected fees.
How to pay in Papua New Guinea – cash or card?
In Papua New Guinea (PNG), cash is the dominant payment method. Card acceptance is mostly limited to hotels, larger businessesand urban centers, cards and cash both are widely accepted. The Papua New Guinean kina (PGK) is the official currency.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation: PMVs (public motor vehicles), water taxis, and local buses are cash-only.
- Street Vendors and Markets: All open-air markets and roadside stalls operate on cash.
- Small Businesses: Local shops, snack stands, and cafés generally prefer cash.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Budget stays and rural lodgings almost always require cash.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tips are appreciated for drivers, porters, and guides.
- Rural Areas: Card facilities are rare or non-existent outside cities.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: Most mid- to high-end hotels in Port Moresby and major towns accept cards.
- Restaurants: Some urban restaurants take cards, but confirm beforehand.
- Retail Stores: Larger supermarkets and stores in cities may accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tours: Established operators in main cities often take cards.
- Online Bookings: Flights and certain hotels can be booked in advance by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Papua New Guinea?
The Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) is the official and only accepted currency in Papua New Guinea. It’s the best currency to bring or withdraw locally for all purchases.
Foreign currencies like USD, AUD, or EUR are not accepted for direct transactions. While some upscale hotels or tour companies might quote prices in foreign currencies, you’ll end up paying more due to unfavorable exchange rates.
Where to get currency in Papua New Guinea?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Papua New Guinea. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Papua New Guinea
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Papua New Guinea
If you’re withdrawing money in Papua New Guinea from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, CUP, JCB, Maestro cards. Only some of them accept others like American Express, Diners, and Discover cards.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Papua New Guinea?
It’s smart to bring a small amount of Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) before traveling, but PGK is not commonly available outside the country. A better option is to carry USD or AUD, which are easily exchanged upon arrival.
ATMs are available in Port Moresby, Lae, and other main cities, and most accept Visa and Mastercard. However, ATMs may be unreliable, especially in rural areas, so withdraw cash early and plan ahead. Check with your bank for international fees.
Currency exchange is best done at banks or licensed forex bureaus in major cities. Avoid exchanging cash at airports or hotels, which often have less favorable rates.
Where to withdraw money in Papua New Guinea
You can withdraw money in Papua New Guinea at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Papua New Guinea are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Westpac,
- BSP, and
- Kina Bank.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Papua New Guinea.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Papua New Guinea.
Where to exchange currency in Papua New Guinea
Common places to exchange currency in Papua New Guinea are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency Exchange centres (or Money changers) in Port Moresby: Look for shops like Moni Plus or National Finance Limited in places like Vision City Mall and Waigani Drive. These private bureaux offer more flexible hours and often better rates than banks.
Banks: The Bank South Pacific (BSP) and the Bank of Papua New Guinea have branches downtown and in the airport, offering official and reliable exchange services during standard weekday hours. But with slightly higher rates.
Pro Tip: Bring USD or EUR in crisp notes. Always compare the exchange margin, and avoid the airport or hotel desks – they typically offer worse rates.
You can find good currency exchanges in Papua New Guinea using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Papua New Guinea. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Papua New Guinea safe?
Carrying cash in Papua New Guinea requires extreme caution, especially in Port Moresby and other urban centers where petty crime, including bag-snatching and muggings, is relatively common. While many areas still operate on cash, it’s important to minimize how much you carry.
To carry cash safely in Papua New Guinea:
- Carry only small amounts and leave the rest securely locked up at your accommodation.
- Use a money belt or concealed pouch instead of a handbag or back pocket.
- Avoid displaying cash when paying, especially in markets or public transport areas.
- Use ATMs inside hotels or banks – avoid using machines in public spaces.
- Travel in groups and avoid walking alone when carrying money, especially at night.
- Keep small denominations for local shops and transport, as change may be limited.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Papua New Guinea
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
