In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for Papua New Guinea - any experiences?
I stayed in Port Moresby and Mt. Hagen, and daily costs surprised me. Meals in local spots were $6, but restaurants were $20. PMVs were cheap at $2, yet I avoided them at times for safety and used taxis at $15 each ride. Tips were 10%. My average was $75 daily. Days with guides or cultural shows cost over $100. PNG isn’t cheap, but it’s unique. For planning, $70-80 per day is safe for meals, transport, and tips, with extra for tours.
Meals: $6-8 local, $15-20 restaurants. Transport: $2 minibuses, $20 taxis. Tips: 10%. Safe daily budget: $70-80 for meals, transport, and tips. Add more for tours, as guided trips cost $100+. PNG is not a classic budget destination - infrastructure is limited and you often pay for safety and access. For a month, $2,400 is a realistic base.
I spent about $85 daily in PNG. Restaurant meals were $15-20, casual meals $7-8, and taxis $15-20 each ride. Tips were 10%. Security and logistics made me spend more - using guides or arranged transport isn’t cheap. At this budget, I felt safe, had proper meals, and could see cultural shows or markets. PNG is expensive compared to Southeast Asia, so $80-90 daily is realistic.
Papua New Guinea isn’t cheap despite being less touristy. Local meals cost $5-8, while restaurants in Port Moresby are $15-20. Transport is tricky - PMVs (minibuses) are $1-2, but most travellers rely on taxis or arranged drivers, $15-30 per ride. Tips are 10%. On a budget, you can get by on $40-50 daily if you eat local and use PMVs, but most areas are not set up for budget travel. Tours and guides are essential in many regions, which raise costs a lot.