Papua New Guinea Travel Scams

In markets and informal exchanges across Papua New Guinea, such as in roadside stalls or small shops in rural areas, vendors pass off counterfeit kina notes (e.g., fake 50 PGK bills) as genuine during transactions for goods like fresh produce or handicrafts, exploiting the cash-based economy and low lighting in busy areas.

During treks or village visits in the Highlands, guides may demand additional fees (up to 200 PGK extra per person) midway, claiming 'tribal permissions' or vehicle issues, leaving tourists stranded in remote areas like the Sepik River region if not paid.

In Port Moresby, taxi drivers at Jackson International Airport tamper with meters to show inflated fares, charging up to 100 PGK for a standard 30 PGK ride to downtown areas like Waigani, or switch to a 'fixed rate' system during evening hours when oversight is low.

In Port Moresby's Boroko suburb, individuals posing as police officers stop tourists on footpaths near markets and demand bribes (around 50-100 PGK) for fabricated violations like 'improper documentation,' often using uniforms that mimic real ones.

In Lae's Main Market, groups of thieves work in teams to distract tourists with offers of cheap bilums (traditional bags) or fresh produce, then steal wallets or phones from bags, targeting crowds during peak market hours from 8 AM to 12 PM.

At Mount Hagen's annual Cultural Show, unofficial vendors outside the venue sell counterfeit or overpriced tickets (up to 150 PGK instead of the official 100 PGK), then pressure buyers to purchase 'authentic' Highlands artifacts at marked-up prices, like carved masks for 300 PGK.