Papua New Guinea is a land of extraordinary cultural diversity and pristine natural beauty in the Pacific. From the vibrant traditions of over 800 indigenous cultures to world-class diving sites and the legendary Kokoda Track, PNG offers adventurers an unparalleled experience in one of the world's last frontiers.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Sepik River Masks
Intricately carved ceremonial masks from the Middle Sepik region featuring traditional spirit faces and totemic designs. Each piece is unique and hand-carved by village artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Price: $30-300
Where: National Museum gift shop, Boroko craft markets, Vision City Mall
Traditional Bilum
Handwoven netted bags made from natural fibres or colourful string using an ancient looping technique unique to PNG. Used by women for carrying everything from groceries to babies, bilums are the signature craft of PNG.
Price: $20-80
Where: Koki Market, Gordons Market, craft stalls near Ela Beach
Shell Kina Necklace
Traditional crescent-shaped pearl shell necklaces historically used as currency in the Highlands. The kina shell is so important it gave the national currency its name. Beautiful and culturally significant.
Price: $15-60
Where: Vision City Mall, craft markets, Goroka Show vendors
Tapa Cloth
Bark cloth decorated with geometric patterns using natural dyes, produced traditionally in coastal areas of PNG. Used ceremonially and now popular as wall art and table runners.
Price: $10-50
Where: Koki Market, Boroko craft stalls, hotel gift shops
Amphlett Islands Pottery
Distinctive hand-built pottery from the Amphlett Islands in Milne Bay, decorated with geometric designs unique to the region. Lightweight for travel and a genuine craft tradition.
Price: $20-80
Where: National Museum gift shop, Milne Bay craft stalls, Ela Beach market
Ceremonial Headdress
Elaborate headdresses incorporating Bird of Paradise feathers, shells, and plant materials used in Highland sing-sings. Certified pieces use legally sourced feathers with documentation.
Price: $50-400
Where: Goroka and Mt Hagen show vendors, authorised craft dealers
Kundu Drum
Traditional hourglass drum with lizard-skin head played at ceremonies throughout PNG. Available in a range of sizes from small decorative versions to full ceremonial drums.
Price: $25-150
Where: Gordons Market, National Museum gift shop, craft markets in Madang
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Koki Market
Port Moresby's most colourful and atmospheric market located on the waterfront with vendors selling fresh fish directly from boats, tropical produce, bilum bags, and betel nut. A genuine slice of Port Moresby life best visited in the morning.
Where: Koki, Port Moresby waterfront
Hours: 5AM-2PM daily
Gordons Market
The largest produce market in Port Moresby with hundreds of stalls selling vegetables, fruit, smoked fish, sago, and handicrafts. Busy and vibrant, best with a local guide or security arrangement from your hotel.
Where: Gordons Industrial Area, Port Moresby
Hours: 5AM-3PM daily
Ela Beach Market
Weekend craft and food market in a relatively safe beachfront setting. Artists and craftspeople sell bilums, paintings, woodcarvings, and jewellery. Popular with expats and tourists for accessible souvenir shopping.
Where: Ela Beach Road, Port Moresby
Hours: Weekends 7AM-1PM
Madang Market
Madang's main market is one of PNG's more relaxed and accessible markets, set near the harbour. Vendors sell fresh produce, handicrafts from local villages, and traditional bilums in a relatively safe environment.
Where: Madang Town Centre
Hours: 6AM-2PM daily
Mt Hagen Market
The main market for Western Highlands Province, drawing vendors from surrounding villages with traditional bilums, kina shells, sweet potato, and unique Highland crafts. Particularly lively on market days.
Where: Central Mt Hagen, Western Highlands
Hours: 6AM-4PM daily
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Vision City Mall
PNG's largest and most modern shopping complex in Waigani with supermarkets, clothing stores, electronics, food court, and banking facilities in a secure air-conditioned environment. The most Western-style shopping experience in the country.
Best for: Everyday goods, electronics, dining, groceries
Boroko Commercial Area
Port Moresby's main suburban commercial strip with banks, pharmacies, hardware stores, small craft stalls, and local businesses. More accessible than the city centre and a popular working area for expats and residents.
Best for: Day-to-day essentials, craft stalls, local businesses
Steamships Plaza, Champion Parade
Downtown Port Moresby's main commercial district with office towers, restaurants, and retail stores. Home to Steamships Trading Company, one of PNG's largest retailers carrying groceries, hardware, and general merchandise.
Best for: Groceries, hardware, business district shopping
Kokopo Town, East New Britain
The commercial hub of East New Britain Province with markets, hardware stores, and small shops catering to both locals and travellers exploring the Rabaul area. More relaxed atmosphere than Port Moresby.
Best for: Supplies for East New Britain, souvenirs, local crafts
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Vision City Mega Mall
PNG's largest shopping centre with over 100 stores including RH Hypermart supermarket, Digicel, ANZ Bank, fashion outlets, and a large food court. Secure environment with car parking and regular security presence. The go-to for reliable shopping in Port Moresby.
Hours: 9AM-9PM daily
Harbourside Centre
Waterfront shopping complex in Port Moresby CBD offering banks, travel agencies, Steamships supermarket, and office supply stores. Convenient for business travellers staying near Ela Beach.
Hours: 8AM-6PM Mon-Fri, 9AM-4PM Sat
Lae City Mall
Lae's main shopping complex catering to PNG's second city with grocery stores, clothing boutiques, electronics, and a food court. Essential stopping point for travellers based in Morobe Province.
Hours: 9AM-8PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is acceptable at local markets and craft stalls but not in malls or fixed-price stores
Start at 50-60% of the initial asking price and negotiate respectfully to reach a fair middle point
Bundle multiple items together to negotiate a better overall price
Cash is essential for market purchases - most stalls do not accept cards
Be respectful and friendly in negotiations; aggressive bargaining is considered rude in PNG culture
Prices at tourist-facing craft stalls are often negotiable, especially near closing time
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Cannot export unprocessed timber, endangered wildlife, or items classified as national cultural property. Bird of Paradise feathers require export documentation - buy only from authorised dealers with certificates.
Tax Refund: No formal tourist VAT refund system operates in PNG. Prices at markets and informal stalls do not include formal VAT.
Duty Free: Passengers may import 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, 2 litres of alcohol, and AUD$900 worth of goods duty-free on arrival.
Shipping: International shipping available through PNG Post or DHL offices in Port Moresby. Fragile carvings should be professionally packed. Allow extra time as postal services can be slow.