Papua New Guinea
Money in Papua New Guinea: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Papua New Guinea uses the kina (PGK). Cards work only at larger hotels and some town shops; carry enough cash for rural stays and customary village fees. Tipping is not compulsory but 5–10% in restaurants and K10–20/day for guides is appreciated.
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GuidePapua New Guinea
Key facts
- Currency
- Papua New Guinean kina (PGK, K)
- ATMs
- Available in main towns only
- Cash necessity
- High – keep cash for villages and landowner fees
- Typical tipcheck
- 5–10 % of bill in hotels/restaurants; small amounts for guides and drivers
Quick answer
Papua New Guinea uses the kina (PGK). Cards are accepted at larger hotels and some shops in Port Moresby, Lae and other main towns. Rural areas, villages and most market stalls require cash.
Currency and payment methods
The kina is the only legal tender. ATMs are limited to major towns; plan cash withdrawals before heading to remote lodges or villages. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) work in upscale hotels, larger restaurants and some tour operators, but many smaller establishments are cash‑only.
| Method | Where accepted |
|---|---|
| Cash (kina) | All locations, especially villages and markets |
| Visa/MasterCard | Major hotels, some restaurants, tour operators in Port Moresby, Lae, Madang |
| ATMs | Bank branches in Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Mount Hagen |
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory but appreciated. In hotels and restaurants a 5–10 % tip on the bill is common. For guides and drivers, a small daily amount (K10–K20) is customary. In villages, any agreed fee for land use or photo permission should be paid in cash.
- Restaurants: 5–10 % of total bill
- Hotel staff (porters, housekeeping): K5–K10 per service
- Guides/drivers: K10–K20 per day
- Village fees: negotiate in advance, pay in cash
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Papua New Guinea?
The official currency is the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK, symbol K).
Should I use cash or a card in Papua New Guinea?
Use cash for most purchases, especially outside towns. Cards work at larger hotels, some restaurants and tour operators in major cities.
How much should I tip in Papua New Guinea?
Tip 5–10% in restaurants, K5–K10 for hotel staff, and K10–K20 per day for guides or drivers. Village fees are paid in cash as agreed.
Are ATMs widely available in Papua New Guinea?
No. ATMs are limited to main towns such as Port Moresby, Lae, Madang and Mount Hagen. Plan withdrawals before heading to rural areas.
Can I use US dollars in Papua New Guinea?
Some hotels and tour operators may accept US dollars, but change is given in kina. Always carry kina for markets, villages and small businesses.
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