Tips on Papua New Guinea Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe

Papua New Guinea Warnings and Dangers

Papua New Guinea is part of the tropical island New Guinea, located in the Southern Pacific Ocean where travelers can scuba dive, fish, surf, or trek mountain tops. This destination is also a complex place where you need to heed advice regarding dangers to stay safe on your trip.

High Crime Areas

The major center is Port Moresby, and it has a high crime rate. Stay away from back streets and other isolated areas, especially at night. Armed carjackings are a frequent problem. If you get into a minor car accident you may want to head immediately to a police station to handle it, as some locals will demand compensation for damages.

Sea Warnings

Spending time snorkeling, scuba diving, or just swimming in the ocean is a great way to relax and watch the sun set, but you have to be careful about coral near the shore: you can cut yourself and bacteria could infect the injury. Make sure you wear a wetsuit for protection if going into the water, but still be careful and be aware sharks have been seen swimming close to shore: heed locals’ warnings.

Betel Nut Juice

A favorite chew the locals like is made with betel nut, which stimulates the central nervous system. The problem is that many locals spit the juice everywhere: make sure you’re careful where you walk if you don’t want to step in it.

Editor’s Note: The information on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about the warnings and dangers in Papua New Guinea.