Goroka, Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬
#2021
,
Nomad Score:
41%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Goroka is the capital of the Eastern Highlands Province and is known for its vibrant markets and cultural festivals. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 5-10 Mbps, with some areas offering 4G LTE connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK), approximately 1 USD ≈ 3.55 PGK. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, with Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers such as Digicel and bMobile with prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted types of payments include cash, debit, and credit cards, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, Airbnbs, and hotels like the Bird of Paradise Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash transactions are common in Goroka. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodgings can be found at places like the Goroka Hotel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Goroka offers easy access to attractions like the Goroka Market. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider the East Goroka area for longer stays, as it's quieter and more residential. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces, but the Goroka Hotel Lounge can serve as a workspace. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Visit the T Café for good coffee and internet connectivity. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Frequent cultural events, community gatherings, and possible meetups at local cafés. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join local groups on Facebook for expat events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services, and ride-hailing apps are limited; negotiate fares upfront. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available but not very common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach; the nearest coastal area is in Lae, several hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Niugini operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Qantas operate international flights to Papua New Guinea. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located on the Highlands Highway with connections to other provinces. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; public transport is mainly via taxis and buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is informal, with no set passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and taxis connect Goroka to nearby towns and provinces. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Goroka General Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited; community yoga classes may be available intermittently. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms like Goroka Fitness Centre offer workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at most accommodations and in town. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No specific apps available; local restaurants may offer delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Must try Mumu, a traditional dish cooked in an underground oven. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; some local eateries may offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Spot offers a range of local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Goroka Market for fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local businesses have limited online presence; popular global sites like Amazon can be accessed. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited grocery delivery services; shopping in person is common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Yaps, a popular local bar for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Goroka is known for its local beers; visit the local brewery for tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options, but local markets offer inexpensive wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try street vendors near the Goroka Market for local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local restaurants offer Asian and Western menu options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Goroka Market and the historical WWII remnants. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Goroka Cultural Centre showcases local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historical WWII sites in the surrounding area. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Goroka has several churches, including the St. Mary's Catholic Church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Goroka Show, a cultural festival, attracts visitors every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local communities near the market, showcasing diverse tribes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited venues; community events may take place at schools or local halls. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Goroka Market is vibrant and a must-visit for fresh produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music festivals showcase PNG's diverse music heritage, with performances throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited, but community murals can be found in local neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes available to learn traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Very few galleries; look for local artisans in the market. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Local churches and cultural sites hold historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local culture features diverse tribal elements and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bramble Haven Nature Reserve for scenic views and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Hagen National Park is a short drive away for hiking and exploration. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; local roads offer some walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hiking routes around Mount Goroka offer breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in the surrounding highlands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain designated camping areas outside the city allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local Courier services operate, but may be limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Basic repair services available; shops can be found downtown. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may provide opportunities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes available through local education providers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Small public libraries available, but limited resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Goroka Community Center offers various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, as gaming culture is still developing in the region. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No established casinos; local entertainment is more oriented towards community events. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PGK 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PGK 140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PGK 2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PGK 112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PGK 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PGK 192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PGK 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PGK 150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PGK 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PGK 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PGK 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PGK 184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporation tax. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax is 42%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Assessments based on property values exist. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 2% tax applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | There are no specific tax incentives; digital nomads should consult local laws. |