Jackson's International Airport in Port Moresby is the main entry point for visitors to Papua New Guinea. After clearing customs, visitors can arrange transport to hotels either through pre-arranged shuttles or by taking taxis or public buses in the city. It is recommended to book accommodations like the Gateway, Airways, Ela Beach, or Lamana hotels prior to arrival. For safety, visitors should avoid going out alone at night or to crowded areas, and should keep a positive attitude. Key attractions in Port Moresby include the National Museum and Botanic Gardens, but the best option is to explore other areas of PNG beyond the capital city.

1. How to NavigatePapua New Guinea Part 1 - Arrival

2. Jackson’s International Airport (POM) Most visitors enter PNG at Jackson’s Int. Airport in Port Moresby. The airport is located outside of the city. After clearing customs, visitors will need walk to the domestic terminal or arrange for transport to a hotel or guesthouse. Leaving the airport grounds on foot is not encouraged. Most services, including currency exchange, are available onsite.

3. Transport -Hotel or Guest Lodge Shuttles are the safest way to leave the airport. Arrangements are best made prior to arrival, however airport staff can assist in contacting a hotel. -Taxi and For-Hire cars patrol the airport and can be a good second option. Destination and price should be negotiated prior to you, or any of your stuff, entering the vehicle. -Public Motor Vehicles or PMVs service the entire city and are fairly safe and reliable for the adventurous traveler. It is best to only ride PMVs with a camera, light load and little cash. -Rental vehicles are available at the airport. Driving in PNG is not encouraged. Drivers will need a PNG drivers license and insurance.

4. Hotels and Guest Lodges Gateway Hotel Airways Hotel Ela Beach Hotel Lamana Hotel Crown Plaza Hotel Comfort Inn (Ambers) Kohai Lodge All lodging in POM is expensive relative to the rest of PNG. From airport transfers to booking tours, the listed facilities can help make any stay in the capital safer and more enjoyable. If you are on a budget, try to book your onward flight for the same day and never leave the airport.

6. Have a plan and stick to it

7. Blend in as much as possible

8. Do not go out at night

9. Avoid large crowds

10. Keep moving, be alert, wear a smilePort Moresby is a rough city with high unemployment, unpredictable street crime and it’s fair share of problems. With that said, spending a day exploring Moresby with a couple of friends can be very memorable.

11. Port Moresby’s Main Attractions National Museum National Botanic Gardens Parliament House PNG ART Downtown Moresby Boroko Bomana War Cemetery Port Moresby Yacht Club Loloata Island Trips to all of these locations can be arranged through a Hotel or Guesthouse. Downtime in Moresby does not have to be a bad thing.

12. Doing Business in Port Moresby ANZ, Westpac and Bank South Pacific are the major financial institutions in PNG. All offer a full range of services and have locations in most parts of PNG. The national currency is the Kina. 1 Kina = 100 toea. Visitors will have little need for bills larger than K20. Credit/ATM cards are useful in Moresby but few other places in PNG. The US Embassy is located on Douglas St. in downtown Port Moresby. The facility is not much to see but it is good to know where it is. US citizens can get help with consular issues. The best Post Offices for visitors are located in Boroko and Downtown Moresby. Post PNG is known all over the world for it’s amazing philatelic collections. The large hotels can also assist with many basic postal needs.

13. Best Bet Port Moresby? Get in, Get out, Get on to the best of Papua New Guinea “The Land of the Unexpected”

14. Friends of Pacifica, 2010 How to Navigate Papua New Guinea, Part 1 www.friendsofpacifica.org