Port Moresby Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Port Moresby.
Healthcare System
Port Moresby's healthcare system is significantly under-resourced with limited facilities, equipment, and trained medical personnel. Public hospitals face chronic shortages of supplies and medications. Private clinics offer better standards but are still basic by international standards.
Hospitals
Port Moresby General Hospital is the main public facility but is not recommended for foreign travelers. Private facilities include Pacific International Hospital (the best option for foreigners), Paradise Private Hospital, and various smaller clinics. Many expatriates and visitors travel to Australia for anything beyond basic care.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in major shopping areas like Vision City and Harbourside, but medication availability is inconsistent. Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions. Over-the-counter medications may be limited or unavailable.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential and should include coverage up to $500,000 USD for medical evacuation to Australia.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications you might need for your entire stay plus extra
- Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers Papua New Guinea and includes emergency medical evacuation
- Register with your embassy upon arrival so they can assist in medical emergencies
- Pacific International Hospital is the preferred facility for foreign nationals; save their contact number (+675 323 4400)
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended; consult a travel medicine specialist before departure
- Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Armed robberies occur frequently, including carjackings at traffic lights, roadblocks set up by criminals, and home invasions. Criminals often operate in groups and may be armed with guns or bush knives (machetes).
Bag snatching, pickpocketing, and theft of unattended items are extremely common, especially in crowded areas, markets, and public spaces.
Violent crime including assault, sexual assault, and gang-related violence occurs regularly. Disputes can escalate quickly and unpredictably.
Sexual assault rates are concerning, affecting both local women and foreign visitors. Incidents can occur in various settings including hotels, taxis, and public areas.
Tribal disputes and gang-related violence can erupt suddenly, sometimes affecting areas where foreigners travel. These conflicts can involve roadblocks and violence.
Road conditions are poor, vehicles are often poorly maintained, and driving standards are erratic. Pedestrians and animals on roads create additional hazards.
'Raskol' gangs operate throughout Port Moresby, engaging in various criminal activities including robbery, carjacking, and extortion. They can be highly organized and violent.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Criminals pose as taxi drivers or offer cheap transportation, then rob passengers or take them to isolated areas where accomplices are waiting.
One person creates a distraction (asking for directions, bumping into you, spilling something) while accomplices steal bags, wallets, or phones.
Fake online listings for accommodations that don't exist or aren't as described, or criminals impersonating hotel staff to gain access to rooms.
Individuals approach with elaborate stories of emergencies, needing money for medical care, or being stranded, which may be setups for robbery.
Vendors, particularly in markets or informal settings, charge inflated prices to foreigners, sometimes aggressively.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation
- Never use public transportation (PMV buses); they are dangerous and frequently targeted by criminals
- Arrange all transportation through your hotel or reputable companies before traveling
- Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times when driving
- Avoid travel after dark under all circumstances
- If driving, don't stop at traffic lights after dark; slow down and proceed with caution if safe
- Have a driver who knows the area well; don't attempt to drive yourself unless experienced with local conditions
- Keep fuel tank above half-full in case you need to take alternate routes
- Airport transfers should be pre-arranged with a known, reputable company
Accommodation
- Stay only in hotels with 24-hour security, high walls/fences, and security guards
- Choose hotels in secure areas like Waigani, Korobosea, or near the airport
- Keep your room locked at all times, even when inside
- Don't open your door without verifying who is there
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passports, and excess cash
- Know the location of emergency exits
- Keep hotel contact numbers saved in your phone
Personal Security
- Maintain a low profile; don't display wealth, jewelry, cameras, or expensive phones
- Carry only minimal cash and a copy of your passport, not the original
- Don't walk anywhere; always use secured transportation
- Travel in groups whenever possible, never alone
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts
- If confronted by criminals, comply with demands; don't resist
- Keep emergency contact numbers readily accessible
- Inform someone of your itinerary and check in regularly
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Keep your phone charged and carry a power bank
- Save emergency numbers and your hotel/embassy contacts
- Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival
- Have a communication plan with family/colleagues
- Be cautious using phones in public as they're theft targets
- Consider a backup phone or communication device
Health
- Drink only bottled or boiled water; avoid ice in drinks
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food; avoid street food
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Take malaria prophylaxis as prescribed
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit with prescription medications
- Avoid contact with animals to prevent rabies risk
- Be aware that HIV/AIDS rates are high; take appropriate precautions
- Ensure tetanus vaccination is current due to poor wound care facilities
Money
- Use ATMs only in secure locations like hotels or major shopping centers during daylight
- Carry minimal cash; divide money between different locations on your person
- Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some shops but not widely
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash separate from daily spending money
- Be discreet when handling money; never count cash in public
- Exchange money at banks or hotels, not on the street
Cultural Awareness
- Dress conservatively; avoid revealing clothing
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Respect local customs and tribal traditions
- Be aware that public displays of affection are frowned upon
- Learn a few words of Tok Pisin (local lingua franca) to show respect
- Avoid discussing politics or tribal issues
- Be patient; service standards differ from Western expectations
- Understand that 'PNG time' means schedules are flexible
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers face significant additional risks in Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea has serious issues with gender-based violence, and foreign women are not immune to these risks. Sexual assault rates are concerning, and women should not travel alone under any circumstances. However, women can visit Port Moresby safely with proper precautions, security arrangements, and by traveling with trusted companions or groups.
- Never travel alone; always be accompanied by trusted companions, preferably including men
- Dress conservatively; wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees
- Avoid drawing attention to yourself; maintain a low profile
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
- Use only pre-arranged, vetted transportation; never accept rides from strangers
- Stay in secured accommodations with 24-hour security
- Keep your room locked and don't open the door without verifying who is there
- Don't walk anywhere, even short distances; always use secured transport
- Be aware that gender-based violence is common; take all safety warnings seriously
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm, though prevention is better than response
- Have emergency contacts readily accessible including your embassy
- Consider hiring a reputable local guide or security escort for activities outside your hotel
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels unsafe, leave immediately
- Be particularly cautious in bars, nightclubs, or social settings
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Papua New Guinea under colonial-era laws, with potential penalties including imprisonment. While enforcement is rare, the laws remain on the books and create a hostile legal environment.
- Exercise extreme discretion; do not display any public affection with same-sex partners
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with locals
- Be aware that LGBTQ+ venues do not exist in Port Moresby
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations carefully before booking
- Consider traveling as 'friends' or 'colleagues' rather than as a couple
- Don't rely on legal protections; laws criminalize rather than protect LGBTQ+ individuals
- Have a safety plan and emergency contacts including your embassy
- Be prepared for potential discrimination even in tourist settings
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel resources for updated safety information
- Consider whether travel to Port Moresby is necessary given the significant risks
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for Port Moresby due to the high crime rates, limited medical facilities, and potential need for emergency medical evacuation. The cost of medical evacuation to Australia can exceed $100,000 USD. Without adequate insurance, travelers face catastrophic financial and health risks.