Is there anything wrong from the following safety measures for Australians wishing to visit PNG provided by Aust - High Com in PNG?

Need your Critisms.

(YOU CAN EXCESS THIS INFORMATION FROM THE ' Australian High - Commission in PNG website'.

Safety and Security


1. Crime

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea because of the high levels of serious crime. Crime is opportunistic and can occur anywhere and at anytime but is especially prevalent in urban areas. Violence and use of 'bush knives' (machetes) and firearms often accompany assault and theft attempts. Crime rates are particularly high in the capital Port Moresby. Carjackings, assaults, bag snatching and other robberies, including in shops and restaurants, are common in Port Moresby and other urban centres. Settlement areas of towns and cities, including those in Port Moresby, are particularly dangerous. Crime levels in other areas of Papua New Guinea, especially in Lae, Mt Hagen and other parts of the Highland provinces are high.
Localised security incidents can flare up at short notice in different parts of Port Moresby. We recommend that individuals and employers contract the services of a reputable security firm which can advise on the locations of specific security threats which may arise and can change from day to day.
Walking after dark is particularly dangerous in Port Moresby and other urban centres. All travel at night should be made by car.
There is a risk of robbery and carjackings along the highway between Lae and the Nadzab Airport, particularly between the two and nine mile settlement areas.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

Tension between ethnic or clan groups, particularly in the Highlands region, occasionally leads to outbreaks of tribal fighting, often involving the use of firearms. Outbreaks of ethnic violence have occurred in settlements and marketplaces in Port Moresby, Lae and major towns in the Highlands.
You should avoid protests and other large public gatherings in Port Moresby and other major towns as they may turn violent.

Local Travel

Road conditions are generally poor.
Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) and taxis are unreliable due to poor maintenance and have been targeted by criminals. Self-drive vehicles hired from a reputable car hire company or hotel transport are a safer alternative.
Natural Disasters
Papua New Guinea is in an active seismic zone and regular volcanic eruptions occur, particularly around Rabaul, Bougainville, West New Britain and the Manam Islands. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques and cash. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.


Health Issues

Malaria is endemic in all areas outside urban Port Moresby. Dengue fever is also common in coastal towns. Precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito bites.
Tuberculosis is common.
HIV/AIDS is a serious health issue in Papua New Guinea with the rate of infection increasing. Other sexually transmitted diseases are prevalent in all urban centres. Protection with condoms is essential.

It looks like a fairly accurate assessment in PNG to me. Am I happy? No. But I'd rather see the truth than some kind of public relations effort by PNG to attract tourists that is false and misleading!!!!!!!!!

A good piece of in formation for the Ausies.
They should be aware.

and for the pngians, take them as a challenge and correct ourselves.

Mi sem yah pilis oh.

I do not disagree.

We need to fix ourselves up. Port Moresby is not even safe for ordinary citizens.