Port Moresby - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
This is a right-hand drive (drive on the left side of the road) country. Four-wheel drive SUVs are the most common vehicles for expats. Many diplomatic and military personnel buy their vehicles from departing expats, or buy vehicles from used car dealers in Japan and have them shipped. There are also new car dealers (Ford, Toyota, etc) in the city. Availability of parts is inconsistent; bringing spare parts with you is recommended. Large potholes, especially after the rainy season, make low-clearance vehicles impractical. Public electric vehicle charging infrastructure is virtually nonexistent. Gasoline shortages are frequent; people are advised to always keep their petrol tanks above half in case of prolonged outages. Both unleaded and diesel are available at most service stations but there is only one standard grade available, supposedly 95 octane. Several expats also own boats and marine fuel is available at the Yacht Club. High crime rates make motorbikes and scooters impractical. - Aug 2025
