Papua New Guinea
Profiled in Port Moresby · Oceania and the Pacific
Port Moresby is a rugged Pacific capital where seafront lookouts, stilt villages and a security-conscious expat bubble sit side by side under a relentless tropical sun.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Port Moresby is pricey for a developing city. Most imported goods carry a heavy markup, and secure compound housing plus drivers push a family budget well up.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Port Moresby
- National Museum and Art GalleryThe country's collection of Melanesian masks, carvings and artefacts in Waigani.
- National Parliament HouseStriking building modelled on a Sepik spirit house, or haus tambaran.
- Port Moresby Nature ParkLeafy park with orchids, cassowaries and tree kangaroos, the city's best green escape.
- Ela BeachThe main urban beach and seafront promenade, busiest at weekends.
- APEC HausSail-shaped waterfront landmark built for the 2018 leaders summit.
- Bomana War CemeteryImmaculate Commonwealth war graves on the edge of town, quiet and moving.
- Koki MarketBusy waterfront fish and produce market with the raw pulse of the city.
- Paga HillLookout over the harbour and downtown, best in the late afternoon.
- HanuabadaTraditional Motuan village built on stilts out over the sea near downtown.
- Sir John Guise StadiumThe main sports arena in Waigani, home of big rugby league nights.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Varirata National ParkHighland rainforest park above the city with birdwatching trails and lookouts over the Coral Sea.
- Sogeri PlateauCooler green plateau of waterfalls and rubber estates, and the road to the Kokoda trailhead.
- Loloata IslandSmall resort island a short boat ride out for diving, snorkelling and reef swimming.
- Kokoda TrackThe famous World War Two trail that runs inland from near the capital over the Owen Stanley Range.
- Fisherman's Island (Daugo)Quiet sandy island off the coast for a low-key day on the water.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Duffy CafeA long-running expat favourite at Harbourside for proper coffee and light meals.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- DaikokuTeppanyaki and Japanese cooking at Harbourside, a durable local favourite.
- Asia AromasPopular pan-Asian spot with branches at Harbourside and Vision City.
- Seoul HouseKorean barbecue well known among the expat and diplomatic crowd.
- BacchusFine dining at the Airways Hotel on the hill by the airport.
- RapalaRestaurant at the Crowne Plaza in the town centre.
- The Aviat ClubOld-school members-style club with easygoing casual dining.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Airways HotelHilltop hotel famous for its lavish morning buffet and views.
- Grand Papua HotelDowntown hotel with a reliable full breakfast spread.
- Duffy CafeThe expat go-to for coffee and eggs at Harbourside.
- Crowne PlazaCentral hotel breakfast served at its Rapala restaurant.
- The Stanley HotelLarge Waigani hotel with a broad buffet breakfast.
Residency
Papua New Guinea has no citizenship or golden visa program. Most foreigners arrive on employment-based work permits and entry visas tied to a sponsoring company.
Tax
Residents are taxed on worldwide income, with a top personal rate near 42 percent. There is no special expat regime, so budget for the full burden.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Papua New Guinea tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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