Rising from the wreckage of World War II occupation, Papua New Guinea has developed an identity of its own that expats have come to recognize. Serene wild life, unperturbed forest sanctuary and scenic mountain views, it’s an expat’s paradise. If you’re relocating to this tropical hideaway, check out our handy guide for a bit of info.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Papua New Guinea and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools
The Ela Murray International School
The Ela Murray International School is a non-profit, private, co-educational day school. TEMIS is owned and operated by the IEA – the International Education Agency of Papua New Guinea (www.iea.ac.pg). The governance of the school rests with a Board composed of parents and professional staff.
Curriculum: IEA Early Childhood Curriculum
Address: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Tel: +675 3252183 or +675 3252833
Mobile: +675 7304 2088 or +675 7685 7321
Fax: +675 3257925
Website: elamurray.com
The International School of Lae
The International School of Lae is an Early Childhood to Grade 6 school in Lae, Papua New Guinea. The school buildings are set amongst tropical gardens with wide expanses of lawn for recreation activities. The school is located in Eriku on Bumbu Road.
Curriculum: IEA Curriculum
Address: Portion 361, Bumbu Road, Eriku, Lae, Morobe, Papua New Guinea
Tel: (+675) 479-1425
Fax: (+675) 472-3485
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tisol.ac.pg
Local News in English
The National
This is an English-language news site that covers national events, sports business with editorials and readers letters.
Website: www.thenational.com.pg
PNG News EMTV
EMTV is the prime source for all PNG News, Papua New Guinea happenings
Website: www.emtv.com.pg
Country Information
Location: Pacific
Capital City: Port Moresby
Currency: Kina
Language: English, Pidgin, Motu
Calling Code: +675
Internet TLD: .pg
Electricity: The country runs on 240V 50Hz. Electricity is generated, transmitted and distributed by PNG Power Limited PPL.
Address: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Tel: +675 324 3200, +675 325 0072
Website: www.pngpower.com.pg
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 000
Fire: 000
Police: 000
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org
Embassy Information
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/papua-new-guinea
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Foreigners need a visa to enter and stay in Papua New Guinea. Applications are coursed through a Papua New Guinea embassy or a consulate. Certain nationals from countries may obtain a visa on arrival. The country’s immigration service site has a list of countries and their corresponding visa regulations>>
There are different types of visas available: visitor, business, student, special exmption, entertainer and working resident. Expats wanting an extended stay in the country will have to get a long-term visa like a working resident visa. This visa applies to business person or investors, short term employment (12 months), employment (3 months to 3 years), consultant specilists, dependent of citizen, and major development project company employee.
Work Resident visas are valid for up to 3 years. Applications, including passport, medical documentation and police certifcate can be lodged at a Papua New Guinea embassy or consulate. The local sponsor then lodges supporting documentation at the immigration services in Papua New Guinea. There are different document requirements for each type of work resident visa, for employment non-governmental:
- Certificate of incorporation;
- IPA certificate permitting a foreign enterprise to conduct business in PNG (if applicable).
- Maintenance Guarantee Bond;
- Letter of approval from DLIR regarding work permit;
- Educational qualifications and CV.
For further information about other types of visas please visit the Papua New Guinea immigration site >>
Accommodation
Port Moresby is the first point of contact in Papua New Guinea especially for expats. The city is a very commercial area; high-rise buildings, modern apartment complexes and luxury homes are found in the city and in residential areas. The residential areas are in Konedobu, Broko and Gordons. However popular surveys named it one of the least livable cities. Security problems and high cost of accommodation are some of the factors plaguing the city. Apartment rentals go as low as $1,300 per month in the city.
An alternative to Port Moresby is the second largest city, Lae. It’s also a buslting city like the capital, however life here isn’t as hectic. Apartment rental is also cheaper, starting from an average of $420 per month for a single bedroom unit.
Driving License
A domestic and international license may be used to drive legally in the country for up to 1 month. Expats may exchange their domestic license for a local license through the Motor Traffic Registry Office. A form should be filled out and a processing fee will be requested. Click here for the link to the form >>
It is important that expats carry their local PNG license all the time as roadblocks are common in the city.
Healthcare
Adequate healthcare for routine and basic cases are available in the country. However, for extreme cases requiring specialist equipment and treatments, patients are evacuated to Australia, which is expensive. Malaria is common in the country, so vaccinations are recommended before travelling to Papua New Guinea. Medication can be scarce; expats are advised to keep a stock of necessary personal and prescription medicines as these can be hard and difficult to obtain.
A comprehensive medical insurance covering and reimbursing costs of treatment including medical evacuation is highly recommended.
Insurance Companies
Capital Insurance Group
Capital Insurance Group (CIG) is the holding company into which both Capital Life Insurance Company Ltd (CLI) and Capital General Insurance Limited (CGI) consolidate. CIG is a PNG wholly owned company providing life and general insurance products to individuals and the corporate market.
Address: Level 2, TISA Haus, Sir John Guise Drive, Waigani NCD
Tel: +675 323 1144, +675 7290 0174
Fax: +675 323 2533
Website: www.cig.com.pg
MSH International ASFE
For twenty years, ASFE has designed and managed international healthcare insurance solutions for all mobile individuals:
- Expatriates living abroad alone or with their families,
- Students, interns and young people with "Working Holiday Visas",
- Self-employed persons or company employees,
- Seniors.
Website: www.asfe-expat.com
Hospitals
Pacific International Hospital
Address: Stpores Road, Four Mile, P.O. Box 6103, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Tel: +675 323 4400
Fax: +675 323 4600
Port Moresby General Hospital
Address: Private Mail BGA No 1, Port Moresby, 111, Papua New Guinea
Tel: +675 324 8200
Fax: +675 325 0342
The Private Hospital
Address: P.O. Box 1421, Taurama Road, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
Tel: +675 325 6022
Fax: +675 325 8212
