Must-Have Travel Apps and Tools for Visiting Papua New Guinea

Traveling to Papua New Guinea? This country is an untouched paradise full of vibrant culture and breathtaking nature. But getting around can be tricky. That’s where these travel apps and tools come in handy. Whether you’re navigating the remote islands or booking a last-minute flight, these apps will save you time and make travel a whole lot smoother.

Here’s a list of must-have travel tools for a hassle-free visit. Some are free, while others are worth the extra cost.

Navigation Apps

Google Maps (Free)
Google Maps is a must for any traveler, and it’s no different in Papua New Guinea. It helps with basic navigation and locating hotels, restaurants, or attractions. However, keep in mind that some rural areas may not have full coverage.

Maps.me (Free)
Maps.me works offline, which is extremely helpful when traveling to remote areas without consistent cell service. Download the Papua New Guinea map beforehand, and you’ll still be able to navigate without internet, whether you’re in the city or deep in the jungle.

Gaia GPS (Paid)
If you enjoy trekking or exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, Gaia GPS is a solid investment. It provides offline topographic maps, hiking trails, and waypoints. It’s pricier, but it’s perfect for adventurers who want detailed navigation on Papua New Guinea’s rugged terrain.

Translation Apps

Google Translate (Free)
Papua New Guinea has over 800 languages, but Pidgin English is widely spoken. Google Translate supports Pidgin, as well as English. It also works offline if you download the language packs in advance. This is useful for navigating local markets or connecting with locals in more remote areas.

iTranslate (Free with in-app purchases)
This app is a great alternative to Google Translate and supports over 100 languages. The offline feature, available with an upgrade, is nice to have for disconnected areas. Use it to translate menus, signs, or have simple conversations with locals.

Booking Tools

Skyscanner (Free)
Skyscanner is ideal for searching and comparing flights to and within Papua New Guinea. You’ll find the best prices quickly, as it searches across various airlines and booking sites. It’s straightforward for booking inter-island flights as well.

Booking.com (Free)
Papua New Guinea may not have as many hotel options as some destinations, but Booking.com is great for finding rooms in Rabaul, Port Moresby, and other cities. You can also book guesthouses or lodges in more remote locations.

Airbnb (Free)
Yes, there are Airbnb options in cities like Port Moresby and Lae. You can find more unique stays, like local guesthouses. It’s also a fantastic way to get directly in touch with local hosts if you want more personal recommendations.

Local Transportation Apps

Grab (Free)
While Grab may not be as common in PNG as Southeast Asia, it’s still handy in major cities like Port Moresby. Use it for getting around safely and avoiding confusing public transportation. The app displays the price, so there’s no guesswork with fares.

Uber (Free)
Uber isn’t widely available across the country, but in Port Moresby you can still find a few rides. It works similarly to Grab and ensures more transparent pricing than local taxis.

PNG Air (Free)
If you’re moving between islands or cities via air travel, PNG Air’s app allows you to book domestic flights easily. Having the app means you can check into flights and track your bookings from anywhere, even when internet access is spotty.

Financial Tools

XE Currency (Free)
XE Currency is simple but essential. It shows you live exchange rates, so you never have to worry about how much everything costs in PNG’s local currency, the Papua New Guinean kina. Download the app to use it offline and avoid overpaying for anything.

Revolut (Free with paid options)
Revolut is great for budgeting because you can hold multiple currencies and track expenses. They also have minimal foreign transaction fees. If you’re traveling long-term in Papua New Guinea, this is a good way to keep track of your spendings.

Health and Safety Apps

Maps.Me Health Features (Part of Maps.Me)
As mentioned earlier, Maps.me has great offline features. It also lets you store hospital and pharmacy locations. That’s particularly important in Papua New Guinea, where medical facilities can be far apart in rural areas.

First Aid by Red Cross (Free)
You never know when something might go wrong in the great outdoors. This offline app provides simple instructions for handling emergencies—from snake bites to falls—and doesn’t require an internet connection, making it very useful in remote regions.

VPN Service (Various paid options)
Given the patchy internet services in Papua New Guinea, having a VPN is useful to guard your data on public Wi-Fi. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are solid paid options to securely access your accounts. If you’re booking hotels or banking online, a VPN is a good investment for safety.

Communication Apps

WhatsApp (Free)
WhatsApp is hands down the best way to communicate with people back home or with locals. It works over data or Wi-Fi and is commonly used throughout Papua New Guinea. Use it for messaging, calls, and video chats while you’re on the go.

Skype (Free with paid options)
Like WhatsApp, Skype is another tool for staying in touch. You can make free video calls, or pay a small fee to call landlines or numbers that don’t use Skype. It’s a good alternative if WhatsApp isn’t widely available locally.

Entertainment and Offline Tools

Spotify (Free with paid options)
Every trip needs a good soundtrack. Download your favorite playlists for offline listening with Spotify Premium; Wi-Fi in PNG can be inconsistent, so having music ready is key during those long bus rides or flights between islands.

Kindle (Free with in-app purchases)
Papua New Guinea is full of long journeys by air and land. Kindle lets you carry several books at once without adding weight to your pack. You can buy books before your trip or download free e-books to pass the time when you’re offline.

Weather Tools

AccuWeather (Free with in-app purchases)
Papua New Guinea’s weather can change at the drop of a hat. Whether you’re planning a short trek or diving, accurate weather information is crucial. AccuWeather gives you real-time updates and works offline in certain regions when you pre-download data.

MyRadar (Free with in-app purchases)
MyRadar’s live weather radar shows you what’s happening while you travel. It’s particularly useful for the rainy season when storms may affect travel plans. You’ll appreciate having this if you’re planning to dive, hike, or travel between islands.

Offline Survival Tools

Pocket Earth (Paid)
This offline resource has detailed maps, city guides, and points of interest that can be accessed even when you’re completely out of service. Whether you’re exploring PNG’s coastal dives or highland treks, it’s a great backup if your other apps stop working.

Offline Survival Manual (Free)
Safety should always come first. This app offers survival tips for tough conditions – perfect if you’re hiking or camping in Papua New Guinea’s wilderness. It covers everything from dangerous animals to navigating rugged areas without GPS.

Final Thoughts

Traveling around Papua New Guinea can be a unique experience, but it also comes with challenges like limited infrastructure and remote locations. These apps will save you time, keep you connected, and help you navigate through the country with ease. Whether you’re navigating the jungle, booking local flights, or chatting with locals, these tools are essential for making the most of your trip.

Prepare ahead by downloading offline resources, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on this adventure.

Safe travels!