Madang Province Travel Information

To make your travel to and within Madang Province, and the rest of Papua New Guinea a hassle-free and memorable experience, please take note of the following general information.

Climate

In Madang, like the rest of PNG, it’s either wet or dry with the wettest months in most places between November – May.  Temperature ranges between 20 – 35 degrees Celsius and it can be cooler in the Highlands where warm clothing is recommended.

Time

PNG is 10 hours ahead of GMT in the same time zone as Eastern Australia.  Daylight saving is unheard of.

Currency

Papua New Guinea (PNG) unit of currency is the Kina (K) (Kee-nah), which is divided into 100 toea (t).  International currency can be exchanged at Port Moresby’s Jacksons Airport but it is recommended that you exchange some of your currency at your departing international airport to save time when connecting flights in Port Moresby.  Major hotels in PNG offer money exchange services.  Banks open from 8:45am – 3pm Monday to Thursday and until 4pm on Friday.  Credit cards are accepted at major hotels

Driving

Drivers licences issued in other countries are valid for 3 months after arrival.  Vehicles travel on the left side of the road; speed limits are 60 kph in built-up areas and 80kph out of town

Shopping

Large department stores, supermarkets and artifact shops offer a variety of goods for sale.  Shops open for half a day on Saturdays and trading on Sundays is limited to supermarkets.  Artisans sell their crafts beside the roads, along shop pathways and local markets.  Local markets sell a wide variety of local exotic fruits, vegetables, fish and other sea delicacies

Export Rules

Many artifacts, historical, cultural objects, bird feathers and plant and animal products are prohibited exports.  Others require a permit from the National Museum & Art Gallery.  Export permits for wildlife are available through the Nature Conservation Division of the Department of Environment and Conservation in Port Moresby.

Dress Code

Please be culturally aware when traveling within Bougainville and throughout PNG.  Women should be modestly dressed.  Very short skirts or shorts, bikinis or brief swimmers are not appropriate in public and locals can take offence.

Health

Water quality is within WHO standards in most towns.  Bottled water is readily available.  In rural areas, it is advisable to boil water.  As malaria continues to be a health risk in the country, anti-malaria tablets should be taken two weeks before arrival in PNG, during your stay and for four weeks after your departure.  Use insect repellent and wear long sleeved shirts, trousers and shoes in the evening.  Major towns have the services of a professionally staffed private hospital or clinic apart from government run hospitals.  Private dentists, doctors and pharmacies are also available.  Rural areas have health centers and aid posts staffed by trained health workers.