Official languages are English, Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu; there are also over 700 Papuan languages and languages of the various minorities. This makes Papua New Guinea the country with the greatest linguistic diversity in the world. Tok Pisin, also known as Pidgin English, New Guinea Pidgin or Melanesian Pidgin, is the most commonly spoken lingua franca. It is a creole language based on Melanesian Pidgin and heavily influenced by the English language. The grammar is simple, there is no conjugation or declension. In addition to the present, only imperfect, perfect and future tenses are used as tenses. In business, English is the main language used in government circles and as the language of instruction in the country’s schools and universities. However, it can be difficult to communicate in English, especially outside of the big cities. Hiri Motu is based on the Motu language of the Central Province. During the colonial period, hiri motu gained importance as a language of the police, which is why it is also referred to as police motu. Today, Hiri Motu is still sometimes spoken in Parliament. Especially in the southern part of Papua New Guinea, the area of the former British colony, Hiri Motu is still spoken as a second language. There are hardly any native speakers. Only about 6% of the native population of Papua New Guinea can speak and write the language.
In addition, various regional holidays are celebrated.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into Papua New Guinea: 250 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco (persons aged 18 and over); 2 liters of alcoholic beverages (over 18s); 1 liter of perfume; Other items and gifts up to a total value of K1,000 (persons under 18 years of age up to K500), personal items such as cameras, video cameras, laptops, etc. must be at least one year old for duty-free importation.
Prohibited Imports
Food that is not canned and not from Australia or New Zealand, fresh or canned New Zealand pork, drugs, pornographic products, gambling including playing cards. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Contact addresses
Embassy of Papua New Guinea
(responsible for Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
Generally very informal, no suit or costume required – shirt or safari suit or dress will suffice. Business Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4.30pm. Government: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm.
Business contacts
Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce and Industry PO Box 1621, Lawes Road, Konedobu, Port Moresby, New Guinea Tel. +675 (0)321 30 57. Website: www.pngcci.org.pg Investment Promotion Authority IPA House, Munidubu Street, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea PO Box 5053, Boroko NCL, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Tel. +675 (0)321 39 00, +675 (0)321 73 11. Website: www. ipa.gov.pg
GSM 900, 3G and 4G. Network operator is Digicel. The reception/transmission area covers all of Papua New Guinea except for remote areas. Roaming contracts exist. It’s a good idea to buy a prepaid SIM card locally to avoid high roaming charges.
Internet
Some hotels and other accommodations, cafes and bars provide their guests with free WiFi.
Post office
Mail to Europe is about 7-10 days on the way. Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00, Sat 09.00-12.00.
