Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Report of what it's like to live there - 05/17/19
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?
No, have lived in three countries in Africa, two in Asia, and one in South America.
2. How long have you lived here?
Two years, 2016-18.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse works in international development. We are not American and not with a government organization.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We lived in a gated and guarded compound, as most expats do. Very nice apartment with a pool. Commute was about 20 minutes. Some people complained about the traffic, but we found it very light compared to other places we have lived.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
The big supermarkets import items from Australia, so you can get most things you need, at a substantialy marked up price. Imported fruits, veggies, milk and cheese are very expensive. The quality and availability of local fruits and veggies is inconsistent. Sometimes everything in the supermarket seemed wilted.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
The compounds are sprayed regularly, so you hardly see any bugs. Except for mosquitos. I knew of several people who got dengue or malaria. I got bitten quite a lot at the beginning and was fine though.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I received mail; slow, but always arrived.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many people employ Haus meris, but we didn't.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are several gyms: the yacht club, Airways, the Stanley, the Holiday Inn, as well as private pilates and yoga classes. Most of the gyms have classes such as pump, Zumba, tabata, boxing, etc.
4. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It was easy to manage with English.
5. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No. Lots of robberies on the buses and women are often hassled. Taxis not recommended, unless you find a driver you can trust.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
SUV, if you want to go out of the city, or take day trips to beaches or into the mountains of Sogeri.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It was very expensive when we were there. We paid the equivalent of US $400 a month for wifi. We we're able to stream Netflix and YouTube. Lots of people didn't have wifi at home though, just a dongle or phone data.
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?
Just the rspca; I've heard it's very expensive to have your pet treated there.
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?
Not much available unless you are a qualified teacher or development professional. Although some spouses, after living in PIM for several years, got business-type jobs (HR manager and so on).
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Not much. Some opportunities, and general fundraising, through All Nations Women's Group.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Tropical work wear.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, the security situation is very unsafe. There are regular car jackings and robberies. Many expats drive with a security escort, or at least have a panic button in their car.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
We were fine, but friends had all sorts if issues and generally needed to go to Australia to sort them out. Be careful about skin infections: several friends and acquaintance contracted serious infections that required medical evacuations.
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?
Great air quality compared to most big cities in developing countries. There is almost no industry in the area. Sometimes burning of garbage or grass creates noxious smoke, but it doesn't generally last too long.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid, very strong sun/UV, but I enjoyed the climate. I used a ceiling fan in the day and a/c at night for sleeping
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Our children were in upper elementary grades at the main international school, TEMIS (Ela Murray). Socially and cuturally, they had a fantastic time. Academically, it was a disaster. The school has a very loose curriculum and NO textbooks! Teachers seem to have to plan their classes from scratch. Some teachers are very good, but some are truly incompetent. My kids fell quite behind academically. We are now back home trying to catch up.
2. 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?
Parents seem to love Ela Murray preschool.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There isn't much outside of school. And what the school offers is generally not very well run. And the seasons are very short. I think soccer was just six weeks.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
You get all types. Some love it, some hate it. Port Moresby grew on me, and by the end I didn't want to leave.
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?
Getting together with other families, day trips to Sogeri, Crystal Rapids, Owen's Corner, Black Rock and other beach areas. The bushwalking group is a good, safe way to see the countryside. The beaches around POM are not gorgeous though.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for families with kids under 12. From grade 7, the schooling lots of families leave or send their kids to boarding school in Australia. The international high school (POMIS) doesn't have a great rep.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
I made local friends through the school. Wonderful!
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to Rabaul, Goroka Festival, Tufi. Day trips from POM. Independence weekend in POM.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are plenty of fascinating places to visit in the highlands and coastal areas, if you are adventurous and have the $$$.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There are craft markets every Saturday with small trinkets as well as big paintings, carvings, etc.
Everyone shops at the second hand clothing stores -- many bargains to be had.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The tropical climate, reasonably fresh air for a developing country's capital city, and the chance to learn about and experience one of the most fascinating countries in the world! Also, the proximity to Australia for holidays.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Not to be scared by the city's reputation for crime; we took precautions and we were fine.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, absolutely. It was a fantastic experience!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Long sleeves (unless working in an office with A/C).
4. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen, hats, and snorkeling equipment.
