Goroka, Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬
#2021
-6.073002, 145.393289
Nomad Score:
43%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Goroka is the capital city of the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea, known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 25,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 5-10 Mbps, variable due to infrastructure |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PGK ≈ 0.28 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Digicel and bmobile |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at major banks like Bank South Pacific (BSP) and ANZ |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses and Airbnb, typically ranging from PGK 100-300 per night |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited, cash is preferred in most places |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local listings |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local guesthouses start at around PGK 50-100 per night |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, Goroka lacks dedicated coworking spaces; working from cafes is common. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Aloha offers a quiet atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited formal networking events; community gatherings at local restaurants. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local expat groups often organize meetups via Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | As of now, there are no ride-sharing apps; local taxis are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Closest beach is approximately 90 minutes away in Lae. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Niugini operates flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qantas and Air New Zealand offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Highway access is available but varies in quality. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Goroka does not have a train station; bus transport is common. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; buses operate on fixed routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and minivans connect Goroka to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Goroka Base Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Local wellness centers exist, but yoga studios are limited. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | A few small gyms available, like Goroka Fitness Center. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at guesthouses and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services are limited; local restaurants may offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Mumu, a traditional dish cooked underground. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; local markets may have fresh produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Goroka Market is great for local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping availability; reliance on local shops. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not available; local supermarkets are common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; bars in central Goroka offer socializing spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bintang Pubs serve local beers, with few breweries. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; local wines may be available at restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food available near the market, try local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local restaurants offer a mix of cuisines but are limited. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Goroka Showgrounds for the annual Goroka Show, a cultural festival. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Goroka Cultural Centre showcases local art and heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Local historical sites reflect the colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Joseph's Catholic Church is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Goroka Show held annually in September celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Goroka offers insights into the local lifestyle. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local venues host community performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Goroka Market is vibrant and showcases local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands perform in bars, mainly traditional music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; murals found in cultural centers. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional local cooking classes available through community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; local artisans showcase crafts in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial buildings are present throughout Goroka. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional customs and practices are vital to local identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Wilhelm offers hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Goroka is near the Varirata National Park, great for nature walks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Local paths around Goroka are suitable for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts in the Highlands provide breathtaking panoramas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Varirata National Park is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated campsites near national parks are allowed for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services operate but may be unreliable. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; small local shops offer basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language classes available for Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Goroka Public Library offers reading and study options. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various local centers host events and classes for the community. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited, few gaming options available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Goroka; gaming venues are scarce. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PGK 2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PGK 80,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PGK 1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PGK 60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PGK 1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PGK 108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PGK 1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PGK 84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PGK 1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PGK 128,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PGK 1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PGK 96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates based on income levels. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum tax rate is 42%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% standard VAT applied. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 2% applied on property transactions. |