Rabaul, Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬
#1851
,
Nomad Score:
40%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rabaul is a city located on the northeastern tip of New Britain in Papua New Guinea, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 14,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 8 Mbps, but can vary widely |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). Approx 1 USD ≈ 3.55 PGK. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Digicel and BMobile are the main providers with decent coverage in the area. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Bank South Pacific (BSP) and ANZ are popular choices for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and lodges; Airbnb is less common. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are limited; local guesthouses can be a good alternative. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Rabaul Hotel and Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort offer budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Staying near the waterfront provides access to major attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Accommodations near the central business district are preferable for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are no dedicated coworking spaces; cafes with Wi-Fi serve as informal workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de La Plage offers good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are rare; however, expat groups on social media can help connect nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly gatherings at the Rabaul Yacht Club. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available, but no app-based ridesharing services like Uber. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Namanula Beach is a popular nearby destination. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Niugini serves the region with regular flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia provide international service. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected to the East New Britain highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rabaul does not have train services; local buses are the primary means of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport pass system; individual fare payments only. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses operate for travel between Rabaul and nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Rabaul Medical Centre is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; however, some gyms offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Rabaul Gym offers basic fitness equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, but hotel laundry services are more trusted. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is limited; locals often rely on in-person dining. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mumu, a traditional feast involving meats and vegetables cooked in an earth oven. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets offer fresh fruit and vegetable options; vegetarian dishes are limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Rabaul Bakery known for its fresh pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Rabaul Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited local options; global platforms like Amazon can be accessed. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Very few local grocery delivery services available; self-catering is recommended. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars like Rabaul Yacht Club are popular for evening relaxation. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kustoms Brewery offers locally produced beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are limited wine bars; some hotels may offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local markets feature food stalls serving traditional meals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few international restaurants exist; local traditional cuisine prevails. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rabaul Volcano Observatory and the Japanese War Cemetery. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Rabaul Historical Society Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Rabaul and the remnants of World War II sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church is a notable landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Rabaul Show held annually in August features local culture and crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The waterfront area offers insights into local life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited cultural performance spaces; local festivals showcase performing arts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Rabaul Market is a vibrant place for local culture and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music, including traditional PNG music and dance performances, can be found during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some street art can be seen around the town, particularly related to local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs may offer cooking classes focusing on traditional recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited art galleries; local crafts are found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical remnants from the German colonial period are present. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Strong cultural heritage influenced by various indigenous groups. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Baining Mountains offer trekking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Moutain ranges and volcanic landscapes provide natural exploration. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails near the coastline and picturesque viewpoints. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Rabaul lookout offers panoramic views of the volcano and harbor. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Rabaul area is home to various endemic bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches around Rabaul are suitable for bonfires with local customs observed. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited international delivery options; local services available for domestic parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops offer basic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited recreational sports facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Few language classes available; online options are recommended. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library in Rabaul offers research materials. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes may have gaming options, but dedicated lounges are limited. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; limited gaming options in local hotels. |
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 3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PGK 210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PGK 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PGK 168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PGK 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PGK 320,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PGK 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PGK 240,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rate up to 42% for higher earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign income is subject to local taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% of the sale price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Limited provisions; however, residency can offer opportunities for lower taxes. |