Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Report of what it's like to live there - 08/04/25
Personal Experiences from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is our fifth overseas tour and tenth tour with the U.S. State Department. Previous cities include Monterrey, Beijing, Ulaanbaatar, and Wellington as well as domestic assignments in Norfolk, VA, and Washington, DC.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
The United States. The trip to post is between 36 and 59 hours from Washington, DC. The average itinerary takes three days. It is rather difficult to travel to and within this country. While there are many flights connecting the United States to countries with direct connections to Papua New Guinea (Australia, Philippines, Singapore, etc.), an overnight in one of those countries is usually required in either direction to make your connection. And the trans-Pacific flights are long.
3. How long have you lived here?
Ten months.
4. What years did you live here?
2024-present.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. embassy assignment.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most U.S. government employee housing (except for the ambassador) is on a compound adjacent to the embassy called The Peninsula, with a few hires living in another apartment complex (The Edge) that is also walkable to the embassy. TDYs (temporary duty) assignments are generally housed at one of the hotels in town, with embassy shuttles providing transportation to and from work.
Housing within the compound varies from townhouses (3 bedrooms plus a “haus meri” maid’s quarters and private garage) to 2-or 3-bedroom apartments with a shared garage. The Peninsula has a lap pool, a family pool, an air-conditioned gym, basketball, pickleball and tennis courts. A “community center” including a resort-style pool is currently under construction.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are generally expensive and unreliably available. Many items are imported from Australia or neighboring Asian countries. There are local fruits and veggies which you can buy from grocery stores and small markets and strawberries are flown in from the Highlands region once or twice a week, with a price to match the effort. Dairy products are usually restocked at Waterfront on Thursdays; by Monday there may be no yogurt, cottage cheese or fresh milk. Specific products such as unsalted butter may be unavailable for months or close to the expiration date.
Other items may be surprisingly abundant, such as tortillas (often called "wraps") or boxed cake mix (which will cost at least twice the price of the U.S.) Imported frozen salmon is expensive, but in season local, fresh yellowfin tuna can be purchased for $5/pound. Turkeys sometimes appear in the frozen section of Waterfront, for approx $100 USD per bird. Household cleaners are generally available but do not have the brands/fragrances Americans may be used to.
For State Department employees, this is a consumables post, but the consumable shipment may take many months to arrive, and in the process many shorter shelf-life items such as crackers, cookies and cereal will be stale before they arrive. Many foreign government employees have access to their mission’s pouch mail, which for Americans takes on average three weeks to be delivered from Dulles, and is an extremely helpful way to resupply items that are very expensive or very hard to find here. Dishwasher tabs and laundry pods can even be mailed from the U.S., two items that are rarely available locally and cost at least three times the price. Alcohol, including wine, has a high import tax.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
If you get posted here, please reach out to your social sponsor! The list is very long, but in general consider those items that can’t be mailed (specific medicines such as Compound W, specific shampoo/conditioner (liquid restrictions), inspect repellents, sunscreen, glass stovetop cleaner, Costco-sized nut butters, nonstick cooking sprays. Decaf coffee is not a thing here, but the local (regular) coffee is good. Americans who may get a hankering for "pumpkin spice" season should plan well in advance.
Appliances are difficult to buy here, so if you are coming from another 220-V country, bring a vacuum (be careful it doesn’t have a lithium ion battery or it won’t ship) and any small appliances you already have (air purifiers, dehumidifiers). The embassy provides three transformers and three dehumidifiers; bringing more of your own is helpful.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is a good coffee shop/cafe (The Edge) and decent pizza place (MoJo’s) within the Peninsula area, which are safe to walk to. Other popular restaurants include Lucky Lucky (Asian fusion), Duffy’s (coffee/cafe), Euro Haus (Japanese in the Marriott building), Dirty Kitchen (fried chicken sandwiches in the RangeView mall). There are a few people who have managed to download a food delivery app and have had LuckyLucky successfully delivered to The Peninsula, but it is not a widespread practice. If you buy a local phone you can call some restaurants and order takeaway then drive and pick it up.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants are an irritant. Bring ant bait in your shipment. Mosquitoes are prevalent; electric fans, bug spray and long sleeves/pants help. The compound is sometimes sprayed but not on a strict schedule.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
There is a local postal system and we’ve mailed a couple of postcards. Usually we ask folks who are traveling to the U.S. or Australia to hand-carry items that need mailing. Otherwise we bring them in our suitcases when we go on R&R. U.S. embassy direct hires receive mail periodically (usually once a week, often takes a month for mail to arrive) through the unclassified pouch system. FedEx has a station at the airport and DHL has a service in town.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
“Haus meris” are employed by almost everyone to clean and/or look after children. Some families employ live-in nannies while others have someone come once or twice a week. Some people employ chefs also. Help is very affordable.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Use of the gym at the Peninsula and the gym at the Edge are included in the rent. People in hotels generally use their hotel gyms, and these gyms (such as the one at the Holiday Inn) also have monthly memberships available. The Yacht Club also has a gym for members.
4. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Residents walk or job around their compounds or at the Yacht Club. USG personnel are strongly encouraged to leave the compound only in a vehicle with windows up and doors locked. A local hiking club organizes hikes in nearby national parks and hills. Some expats bike, with guards accompanying them and there is a mountain biking group that organizes strenuous long-distance rides at sunrise.
The main form of outdoor exercise is at the pools, tennis and basketball courts, as well as swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving offshore in the Coral Sea. But the ocean in general is recommended to only be accessed via boat to offshore islands, not entered via the local coastline due to pollution. However, many locals enjoy the local beaches and some expats drive long distances out of town to reach beaches away from city runoff and sewage discharge.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards and paying by phone are widely accepted and safe to use. There is an ATM in the embassy, another ATM in the Yacht Club, and a few other ATMS in secure locations, but US embassy folks can also obtain cash from the cashier during limited hours. Cash is useful for paying cleaners and shopping at the local markets. A few local services request direct bank transfers.
Australians are set up with local bank accounts but not U.S. embassy personnel, so Americans generally ask their Aussie friends to do them the favor of the occasional direct transfer in exchange for cash.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
English-language Christian church services are very common. There are expats who attend church services in the city. There is also a mosque that is safe to attend. The country is predominantly Christian but the capital city hosts people from a wide variety of backgrounds and there are likely religious services available that I’m not aware of.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is generally understood by most people who have contact with expats. Tok Pisin, a widely-used pidgin language, is good to learn for the basic respect of greeting locals. That being said, there are well over 850 languages spoken on the island and many elders speak at least 4 languages (their mother’s clan’s language; their father’s clan’s language, Tok Pisin and English).
Wings Education provides excellent training consultants for Tok Pisin and cultural education. The embassy organized one language course early in 2025 and it was well received. Others have hired local language tutors for private lessons. All students at TEMIS international school receive Tok Pisin and cultural studies weekly.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Probably, depending on the severity of the physical disabilities. If you are an expat living on a compound you’re more likely to have an elevator in your apartment building, and the major hotels will have walk-in showers available as an option. There are very few designated handicapped parking spaces except in very formal venues but many places allow someone to be dropped off and picked up right at the front door. However there may be steps at restaurants, hotels, etc. without clearly marked optional ramps.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Local buses and taxis are absolutely prohibited by expat employers for foreign staff and trains do not exist. There are two transportation companies USG folks are allowed to use: TransConnect and Black Swan. They are contacted via WhatsApp and are generally reliable for pickup and drop-off. TransConnect costs less, but late hour requests incur a surcharge.
2. 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.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is more expensive than most countries. Internet speeds vary by carrier/provider and are routinely slower than in the U.S. Connectivity remains an enormous challenge for this island nation. StarLink has been waiting for the official stamp of approval to operate in the country for a long time; nevertheless, many people continue to install satellite dishes. But a clear view of the southern sky is needed for StarLink. There are several local providers, and depending on where you live it may be relatively quick (3 days) to painfully slow to get a connection working. Outages are frequent.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
GoogleFi allows U.S. Embassy employees to retain their U.S. phone numbers, but the employee has to resubmit orders periodically to maintain it. Maintaining a home country cell number is worth it when institutions (financial, medical, etc.) require 2-step authentication via text. Local cell phone providers are numerous and inexpensive; a local phone number is useful, but WhatsApp is also ubiquitous for texting and calling.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
There is a vet clinic at the RSPCA downtown. Animals need to be quarantined, but I’m not sure of the particulars. Importing pets is very expensive and time-consuming, especially bringing dogs. Many compounds have restrictions on pet ownership. But I know a few people who have brought dogs or cats. Some people buy fish and fish tanks on the local economy. There are many stray dogs and cats in the city but I don't know of any adoption programs.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Family members entering Papua New Guinea on a U.S. diplomatic passport are prohibited from working or even volunteering on the local economy. Most expat spouses work within their partners’ missions. A few Australian spouses are able to secure permission to teach at the international school, but work permits can take up to six months and you have to be employed before you can enter the country.
A few spouses are able to maintain telecommuting jobs here with their overseas firms or freelance. Some spouses tutor for cash part-time. Local employees are not paid high wages. The average day laborer (gardener, guard, cleaner, nanny) makes less than $20 per day. Office workers are paid more, but not enough to compensate for the high cost of living.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are many charity organizations, religious groups, and nonprofits focusing on a wide range of societal issues. One expat serves on the Moresby Arts Theatre board, one of the city’s oldest institutions, with a youth arts programme and various cultural initiatives. Another expat quietly offered vet services to the animals at the Nature Park, but it had to be done under the table.
Although official volunteer work isn’t currently allowed for U.S. diplomatic spouses, volunteering within the mission for community events is very helpful. Occasionally the international school provides volunteer opportunities for parents for special events. Fundraisers are sometimes held for local charities, or collections are organized for food and clothing donations. Volunteering to help new families get settled and learn their way around the city is always welcomed.
3. 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.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, both the U.S. government and the Australian government teach counter-threat and defensive driving courses for employees and adult family members assigned to Port Moresby. Both countries also have “reconsider travel” public advisories for PNG due to high levels of crime, civil unrest, and tribal violence. Most expats will be on at least one WhatsApp security texting group to be alerted to areas to avoid. A command to “shelter in place” (stay inside your apartment or house with the doors and windows locked) can be expected for most expats several times a year. Most riots are quelled within a few hours. In general, people travel in convoy when possible, keep their windows up and doors locked, and avoid wearing flashy jewelry or other signs of wealth.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Some expats take malaria pills; others who are staying solely in the capital city don’t take antimalarials. Most expat companies and western governments will provide vaccinations prior to travel for the most prevalent tropical diseases, which are numerous.
Medical care is not up to Western standards; in Port Moresby there are only a few ambulances and these are not always staffed with trained paramedics and are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. There is one major hospital in the capital that is considered the place to go in case of a serious emergency. The SOS clinic by the airport is a subscription-based private service which the U.S. embassy and several private companies utilize for their members. Many high commissions and embassies also staff a nurse onsite for basic clinic services such as testing for strep throat or getting a flu shot.
All specialist and other complicated medical conditions, including pregnancy, are treated elsewhere (Australia, the U.S., Singapore, etc. depending on medical insurance requirements). Port Moresby's UV radiation index is also often at the "very high" or "extreme" level midday. Appropriate skin protection should be used.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is generally good. Localized burning of rubbish and fields can create temporary smoky conditions, and local construction projects can put dust in the air, but in general the quality of indoor air is most affected by mold, which can grow easily if not controlled by dehumidifiers, fans and air conditioning.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
TEMIS, the main elementary school for embassy and high commission children, does not allow nuts on campus. Outside the school, very few venues will be aware of the risk of allergic reactions from cross-contamination. A few restaurants that cater to expats will have a clearly labeled menu for items containing seafood or that are vegan, but always double-check with the chef if you have a serious allergy. Gluten-free and other dietary specialty items are inconsistently imported from overseas; most people bring their own supply in their shipments and restock when they travel abroad. It’s also advisable to bring medication from your home country as counterfeit medications are common.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Some folks may be unused to the unrelenting heat and humidity, or the pressures of a high-hardship posting and compound living. But there are no long, dark winter nights here!
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Port Moresby is tropical, with two basic seasons: dry and hot and wet and hot. The “dry” season is associated with the southern hemisphere winter: windy and slightly less humid from about June-November. Temperatures are occasionally pleasant, especially in the mornings and evenings. The “wet” season is hotter and rainier from December-May. The rain seems to bring little relief to the heat and humidity which does not seem to dissipate even at night. The highlands region of Papua New Guinea is cooler year-round due to the high elevation.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Dependents of the U.S. embassy, Australia and New Zealand high commissions usually attend TEMIS (The Ela Murray International School) for elementary and middle school through 8th grade. There are a few other private schools attended by expats. High school expat students usually attend boarding schools abroad. Note that the schools run on a southern hemisphere cycle, which means the longer summer break is December-January, with students starting the next grade up at the end of January.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Parents can pay the school extra to have an assistant in the child’s classroom to help with behavior and learning challenges. Many expat employers will reimburse for this. Reimbursement can also be sought through the workplace for tutors outside of school hours (from spouses on compound or online). Formal testing for disabilities must be done overseas.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
The two main preschools attended by expat children are the ELC (Early Learning Centre, associated with but a separate campus from TEMIS) and Sweet Steps. The ELC had no openings when we came so we do not have experience with them.
Sweet Steps was adequate for us and all the parents we know who currently have preschoolers there are satisfied. It is run by an American expat and is generally clean, safe and engaging. Lunch and snack are provided and they will accommodate vegetarians. Full-day options are available for working parents.
Parents who do not opt for preschool generally have a haus meri or nanny (“pikinini meri”—in PNG, pikinini means children and is not an offensive term) who watches the children during the workday.
There are After School Activities for TEMIS students on Mondays and Thursdays, but there are weeks at the beginning and end of terms when ASAs don’t run, so haus meris, nonworking parents, or neighbors are the childcare solution to bridge the gap between the end of school at 2:40 and the end of the workday at 4:30 (except Sweet Steps, which I think has pickup times as late as 5pm.) All local staff are expected to depart their workplaces by 5pm to be safely home before dark (parents needing evening hour childcare must provide overnight housing for the babysitter, or provide safe transport home after dark).
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
In addition to the sports offered as ASAs at TEMIS, there are soccer coaches, ballet and gymnastics classes held in hotels around town, swim coaches that come to the pool on compound as well as an aquatic center downtown. During school breaks there are occasional special activities for kids provided by hotels or embassy/high comm community liaison offices.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
This is a small expatriate community of Americans, mostly the oil and gas companies and the U.S. embassy, but there are many Australians here, a sizable Indian community, many Asians (from the Philippines, Singapore, China, etc.) and a smattering of folks from Europe and South America. Morale is mixed; this is a difficult place to live and not everyone is up for the pressures associated with restricted travel, the fear and uncertainty during periods of violence and turmoil, and the general challenges of a developing country, but many learn to make their own fun. Board game groups, “op-shopping” the vast used-clothing markets, tennis, pickleball, netball, boxing, yoga, rowing, boating, hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling...opportunities abound.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are usually employer-sponsored events, such as happy hours, quiz nights, pool parties, etc. Events involving local people generally must be held during the day, as it is generally more unsafe to travel after dark. However some special evening events are held in major hotels, which have good security, and the movie theatre at the Vision City mall is considered safe to visit, especially if driving in a convoy or a group.
There are several clubs in town, the most prominent being the Yacht Club, which provides events and other socializing opportunities to members and their guests. There is an international women’s club, a mahjong club, and several other interest-based clubs. Informally, people organize weekly tennis matches, Pilates, book clubs, and game groups via WhatsApp.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is potentially a good city for single people and couples, which I can’t speak to personally, but it seems the restrictions on movement may feel suffocating for those who enjoy going out at night or who miss having a large expat pool of potential friends and dating partners.
For families with young children, it is in many ways perfect. Compound living ironically provides more freedom than many neighborhoods back home (to run over to a friend’s house, for example, or to go to a playground independently) and household help is affordable. For families with teenagers, it is very difficult, as there is not much for high school students to do (too young to access the adult pool and adult-only gym, restricted from going out with friends due to safety concerns). Teenagers who are happy at their boarding school may be content to visit their parents only during the school holidays, but it is still a financial and emotional burden to have the family split in different countries.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
I’ve made friends with a few locals whose kids attend the international school, and who work with expats. Most locals are very friendly, but that is different from friendships, which can be challenging when there is such a wide economic gap between many locals and expats. As far as I know, most ethnic tensions are intertribal; expats are often victims of crime of opportunity rather than targeted racial attacks.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
While I can’t speak from direct experience, I understand there is an underground LGBTQ+ community in Hanuabada, the village next to the Peninsula; however, most expat employers strongly discourage their members from visiting settlements and villages without a convoy due to safety concerns. There are a few same-sex couples in our compound, and the sponsoring agency of at least one of those couples permits them to come here (and not some other south pacific posts) despite the prevalence of traditional christian doctrines, widespread homophobia, and the official criminalization of same-sex sexual acts.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Again, there are major problems with gender-based violence, religious prejudices (accusations of witchcraft), and intertribal feuding, but it is internal to the country. While women may have to be extra careful when moving around, it is not related to their status as foreign nationals.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The community spirit built on a compound in a hardship post is special. For the non-working accompanying family members, it is a rare opportunity to spend time with new friends, to exercise, to learn a new sport or hobby, and for parents, to spend time with their children. People look out for each other and help each other out. You definitely get to know your neighbors here.
Many expats enjoy trips to Rabaul, Kavieng, Tufi and other resorts in the region. With young children, we have found trips to Australia (Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Brisbane) to be more accessible.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The Nature Park is a well-run botanical and zoological treasure just outside the city. Loloata is a well-known small offshore resort for expats and the country’s elite. The Stanley Hotel has a nice rooftop pool and bar; a day pass can be purchased on Sundays or can be hired for private events. Two dive companies will take you out to the reef, and can provide training for those new to scuba. The waters around PNG are widely regarded as some of the best on the planet for observing marine life. Cairns is a mere 90 minute flight away for a quick dose of first-world pleasures.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes, there are an abundance of local artists here selling everything from paintings to wooden carvings, local clothing and pottery. Baskets are particularly beautiful and well-made, and the labor-intensive nature of the craft is reflected in the prices. Bilums are the traditional woven bags carried by both men and women, available in an endless array of colors and patterns. Local craft markets are frequented by foreigners and locals alike, and security is well run at these organized small venues.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
With so few places to go, the extra money earned from employment with a western government or company can possibly be saved, if it is not spent on expensive regional travel. For families with young children, compound living can be a friendly, safe, and fun community.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
That regional travel would be so difficult, in terms of cost, reliability and safety.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, we knew very well what we were getting into, so we were not surprised and we were prepared. The hardship pay is what makes it worth it.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
humidifier and heavy parka.
4. But don't forget your:
scuba gear, pool noodle, SPF 50+ sun hat, patience and sense of humor.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
If you are interested in World War II history you can find many books featuring Papua New Guinea. The Reluctant Colonialist is a good quick read summarizing Australia’s involvement with the country over the past 100+ years. New Guinea by Princeton University Press is an authoritative yet accessible coffee table book with beautiful images of the nature and cultures of the island by a National Geographic photographer.
Other books focus on adventurers, such as Four Corners, by Kira Salak. Many books and films are written by expats on their perspectives of the country; it is harder but not impossible to find books/films by Papua New Guineans. The US embassy maintains a reasonably large collection of books that can be borrowed by those inside the mission. Unfortunately the national library is underfunded and does not allow borrowing. There are a few folk stories published for children available in a few stationery stores but there are no bookstores as such.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Don’t be put off by the international reputation of the capital city. The country as a whole is more vast, diverse, colorful and complicated than Western headlines can portray. Though Port Moresby’s penchant for violence and unrest is no joke, the vast majority of locals are very friendly and helpful. With the right precautions and with a supportive employer many expats find they can have a very successful experience here.
