Thinking of moving to and working in Papua New Guinea? Are you going in blind with not much idea about the culture or country? Well, having been an expat in Papua New Guinea myself, I wanted to share some of my experience with you, to provide you with a bit of a lens into the unique and quintessential island that is PNG!
I could go on for days about the absolutely beautiful landscape, beaches and mountains, the cultural connection to land and people which you will experience or the untouched terrain of much of the island, but if you are reading this as a potential expat into PNG, its likely you’ve already been captivated by its beauty and now you want to know the Do’s and Don’t’s.
I had to unfortunately find out myself and only wish I had of had a forewarning about – so here are my warnings!
1. Island time is a real thing: Everything moves at a much slower pace; it does take some getting used and there is no point in getting frustrated as it makes absolutely no difference.
You will need to synch your time zone to the PNG way.
2. Port Moresby (and much of PNG) is very hilly – and most cars are manual. If you’re going into a construction or engineering role, we’re pretty positive we won’t have to prepare you for this. But if you are a mother (like myself) who has very comfortably become used to the ease of an automatic SUV, it’s time to kick into the gears! And when you’re there, prepare to replace a clutch. Or three.
3. If you are coming from a Western culture, you might not be accustomed (or have been able to afford) maids. But live-in house maids are common in PNG and they are called House Marys. It’s likely that House Marys will come with your accommodation package. However, it is expected that when you do your house shopping that you buy supplies for their toiletry needs in addition to your own.
4. Common to Australians, and like Universal Animations, we can refer to cats as Puss. If you do decide to get a furry companion in PNG, AND if you happen to lose your cat, do not stand on your front porch and yell here puss puss. This is a friendly reminder that some words from English or Australian slang, do not translate the same in other cultures, and aren’t always positive translations. That’s all I will say.
5. You might look at storm water drains and think why are there no metal grates. The reason being, is due to people removing them to use as a BBQ grills. From personal experience I know that a front left Toyota Hilux wheel fits perfectly into one of these drains.
6. Do not buy any animals being randomly sold on the side of the road. If you are an animal lover like me and a stray animal might tug on your heart strings, you aren’t actually helping home an animal, you will be seen as perpetuating the problem and promoting native animals being removed from their natural habits. Additionally, disease and health risk is much higher on the agenda when in a third world country so always put your health and health of your family first.
7. This one perhaps more for the ladies – when you fly out for an in-country holiday or adventure, leave with completely empty suitcases.
8. When you are pulled over at a roadblock (which will happen) always elect to go to the police station. Never pay a bribe. In my experience, 90% of the time after saying you will go to the police station, they will simply then just let you go through.
9. Sultana Bran in PNG costs more than a fillet steak in Australia
10. PNG people are very literal, and most will go out of their way to please and accommodate you. Remember you are a guest in their country, and you are still representing your own country. I like to leave the advice that manners cost you nothing and an act of kindness will mean everything.
Overall, if you are thinking of moving to PNG or are packing up ready to start a position, my top piece of advice is keep an open-mind and take up every opportunity. Don’t go in with any preconceived ideas or expectations, take the experience for what it is and enjoy it. We also have an extensive Living and Moving to PNG Guide which you read from our website and a bunch of expat-related articles on our blog!
If you are reading this as one of my connexions in PNG and you have a piece of advice that you think people moving to PNG should know, please leave your comment below. We always want to be able to share our experiences to our community and there’s no better way than hearing your experiences!
If you are thinking about moving or working in PNG and you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out to Katrina at: Katrina@peopleconnexion.com