Wise Logo
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a trusted money transfer service used by millions of digital nomads worldwide.

Smart money transfers worldwide.

Affiliate disclosure
Nomad Score: 44%

Essentials

🏙️ City Madang is a coastal city in Papua New Guinea known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
👥 Population Approximate population of 28,000.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps.
💸 Currency & Banking Currency is Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). 1 USD is approximately 3.50 PGK.
🚰 Tap Water Not universally drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power Electricity supply is 240V, 50Hz with Type I sockets.
📶 SIM Card Major providers include Digicel and Bmobile with prepaid options available.
💳 Banking for Expats Commonly accepted are ANZ Bank and BSP; limited access to international services.
🛌 Accommodation Options include guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited; cash is more commonly used.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short stays.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Accommodation starts from around PGK 100 per night at local guesthouses.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists Stay near the waterfront for scenic views and easy access to attractions.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Consider accommodations in the central area for ease of access to coworking spaces and cafes.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Coworking spaces are limited; consider using local cafes with Wi-Fi.
Best Cafe for Work The Madang Resort Hotel has a nice café space suitable for remote work.
💼 Networking Events Informal meetups happen at local bars and restaurants; check local Facebook groups.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Local expat community groups often organize social gatherings.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Local taxis are available, but there are no rideshare apps like Uber.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bicycles can sometimes be rented from local shops.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Nusa Island is about a 30-minute boat ride for beautiful beaches.
✈️ Top Regional Airline PNG Air provides regional flights.
✈️ Top International Airline Air Niugini is the primary international carrier.
🛣️ Highway Access Madang has access to the Pacific Highway.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Madang does not have a train system; buses and taxis are the primary transport.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Public transport is mostly informal, no passes are commonly used.
✈️ Regional Travel Travel mostly by bus or taxi to nearby villages.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Modilon General Hospital offers basic healthcare services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited; consider private session options with local instructors.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Few options; check local hotel gyms.
🧺 Laundry Services Some hotels offer laundry services for guests.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Limited options; most food is obtained onsite or from local markets.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try Mumu, a traditional Papua New Guinean dish of meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Limited, but vegetarian dishes are available at local restaurants.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Local bakeries serve a range of traditional sweets.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets offer fresh food at reasonable prices.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Limited options; try local marketplaces.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Grocery delivery is minimal; most shopping is done in person.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area The Madang Resort area has bar options for nightlife.
🍻 Local Brewery SP Brewery is a well-known local beer producer.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited; wine may be available in restaurants.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street food is available around the markets; try fresh seafood.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Some restaurants offer Asian and Western style dishes.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Visit the Madang Heritage Museum and the beautiful coastline.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Madang Heritage Museum showcases local history and culture.
🏰 Historical Sites The Japanese War Memorial is a significant historical location.
🕍 Religious Sites A variety of local churches and sites of worship are found throughout the city.
🎉 Annual Events Local festivals celebrate culture and community, check for schedules.
🎨 Cultural Districts The waterfront area is vibrant with local culture and activities.
🎭 Theater Venues Limited; local events might take place in community halls.
🛍️ Local Markets Check out the Madang Market for fresh produce and local crafts.
🎼 Music Scene Live music is often found at local bars; traditional dance performances are common at events.
🎨 Street Art Limited street art; look for murals near tourist areas.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Local culinary classes may be available through hotels or community centers.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Limited local galleries showcase indigenous art.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Some Colonial-era buildings are found around the city.
🏴 Local Heritage Cultural significance of the area is marked by traditional ceremonies and practices.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Rainforests and diving spots around the coast are plentiful.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Sangan River National Park is accessible for day trips.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Limited paths; mostly walk along coastal areas.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Explore lookout spots along the coast for breathtaking views.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Fantastic opportunities in nature reserves nearby.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated areas exist near some beaches.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Regular postal services available but limited express services.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Limited; check local shops for basic repairs.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Community centers might have tables available.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Limited options; consider online courses.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The local public library is available but may have limited resources.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers host events and activities.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited options; gaming typically done at home.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls There are no major casinos in Madang.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. PGK 7,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PGK 280,000)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. PGK 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PGK 200,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. PGK 6,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PGK 360,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. PGK 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PGK 270,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. PGK 5,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PGK 440,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. PGK 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PGK 320,000)
💼 Corporate Tax 30%
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 15%
🏦 Tax System Residents are taxed on their PNG income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Dominantly 42%
🧾 VAT 10%
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, there are regulations governing taxation.
🏠 Property Tax Applicable based on land value assessed locally.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Currently around 5% on property sales.
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads No specific tax benefits; consult local legislation for any possible exemptions.

Feedback Thank You!

Thank you!

Your feedback has been submitted successfully.