Port Moresby - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Many employees purchase themed, patterned polo shirts with the logo of their employer. Depending on the position, a business suit is still required for U.S. embassy personnel engaging with host country high-level meetings. Bula shirts (Hawaiian aloha/tropical patterned button-up collared shirts) are common for "tropical formal" situations. Local women wear meri blaus, which are loose, brightly colored/patterned, and simply stitched dresses. Like the Hawaiian muumuu, it is a descendant of the Mother Hubbard Victorian gown introduced by Christian missionaries in Polynesia and Melanesia to “civilize” the natives and is now considered formal local attire, often worn to church. The Marine Ball and the Australian/New Zealand balls are two of the very few properly formal events, but even “black tie” here might mean a cocktail dress for women. It is too hot year-round for heavy clothing; even jeans are rarely worn here in the tropics. Expat women wear shorts out in public far more frequently now than in the past, but flowy, loose cotton or linen pants are still helpful for sun protection and modesty, especially when visiting local markets. - Aug 2025
Tropical work wear. - May 2019
Casual. No Marine Ball. Some formal charitable events. - Jun 2016
At the office, business casual (shorts or jeans are not worn to work by professionals in government or other offices). PNG women usually wear short sleeves to work but expat women can wear sleeveless tops; the tops are not an issue as much as covering legs to at least the knee. Straight or full skirts to knee or mid-calf are worn for work, as are pants. Shirt or shirt and tie (no coat), or women's equivalent, if you are giving a presentation or being interviewed. Ambassadors or visiting heads of state will wear coat and tie, and accompanying staff follows suit on those occasions. For non-work situations, casual clothes, bermuda or board shorts, dresses, sandals, crocs. - Jun 2008
