Vodafone PNG: photo ID for a SIM, K2 for an eSIM
Vodafone PNG's free SIM offer says free voice SIMs are available at all Vodafone retail and roadshow locations and some authorised dealers, up to two SIMs per customer, and that registration requires age 18 or over and a valid photo ID. It offers K200 of free talktime valid for 7 days on new SIM activation, usable for on-net calls and SMS only, and says the promotion is valid until further notice. The customer care line for prepaid customers is 123, free.
For eSIM, Vodafone says you can visit any Vodafone flagship outlet to have a profile downloaded and activated, and that prepaid and individual postpaid customers need an eSIM-capable device and a valid ID. Programming an existing number is free once for up to two numbers, and a new eSIM number costs K2.00 including GST. Only one eSIM profile can be used at a time. Asked whether you can buy an eSIM before arriving, it answers that eSIM activations are done physically at its retail outlets. It says a phone bought overseas must be network unlocked and support its 3G 2100 MHz and 4G 700 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.
Where Vodafone says 4G exists, and which bands
Vodafone PNG's 4G FAQ says its network uses band 28 at 700 MHz and band 3 at 1800 MHz, and that 4G and 4G+ are currently available in Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Mount Hagen and Goroka. When you leave a 4G area the phone moves to the 3G layer, provided the device is set to automatic network mode. For 4G devices sourced from other carriers or countries, it gives no guarantee that they will work on its 4G network.
This is the operator's statement of where its 4G is available, and the page is a general FAQ rather than a dated coverage map. For a trip to Rabaul, Kokopo, Alotau or the Highlands outside Mount Hagen, we found no official coverage data, so ask your lodge about signal. Check that your phone supports band 28 and band 3 before you rely on 4G.
Digicel's 1TOK Prime bundles
Digicel PNG's bundle page lists 1TOK Prime bundles in kina. At the time of checking, a 1-day bundle cost K3 for 200 MB with 20 minutes and 20 SMS, K5 for 700 MB or K10 for 3 GB with 150 minutes and SMS. Seven-day bundles were K15 for 3 GB, K25 for 6 GB and K50 for 15 GB. Thirty-day bundles were K75 for 25 GB, K100 for 50 GB and K200 for 125 GB with up to 1,500 minutes and SMS.
The page says auto-renewal is available with 10 to 100 per cent bonus data, gifting is available for weekly and monthly plans only, rollover is not supported and multiple subscriptions are permitted. It does not describe a visitor SIM, its price or identification, so confirm those at a Digicel store. Because rollover is not supported, choose a bundle that matches the days you will actually be in range.
5G is still under review
The National ICT Authority, NICTA, published on 21 July 2026 that its chairman had launched the NICTA Integrated Database and provided an update on preparing for the future introduction of 5G in Papua New Guinea. It said that, after technical studies, industry engagement and public consultation, the review process was nearing completion and the Board was expected to consider the final report and recommendations in the coming months.
The headline of that release speaks of announcing the release of 5G, but its text describes preparation for future introduction, so we do not state that commercial 5G is available. A visitor with a 5G handset should expect 4G at best.
The digital arrival card, and the travel advice
The UK Foreign Office says that from 1 October 2025 all travellers must complete a free online Digital Arrival Card, submitted within 72 hours of arrival, that a visa is needed and may be obtained in advance, at an embassy or on arrival at Jacksons International Airport for certain categories of traveller, and that a passport must be valid for six months after arrival. It says it is illegal to enter with many fruits, vegetables and animal products because of quarantine controls.
Its main advice page, updated on 17 August 2026, says it advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country including Hela and Southern Highlands provinces and most of Enga Province, and warns that travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against the advice. Read it for your own itinerary before choosing a SIM.
Phones and personal security, and the emergency numbers
The UK Foreign Office says Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen face a high risk of serious crime, advises not displaying valuables such as cameras and mobile phones, warns that walking after dark is particularly dangerous in Port Moresby and other urban centres and that criminals target people using banks and ATMs. It also warns of carjacking and roadblocks outside towns, and says delays and cancellations of international and domestic flights often happen.
It lists 111 for an ambulance, 110 for fire and 112 for police. Our Papua New Guinea plan page is an option for data before you land.
Networks our Papua New Guinea plans use
These are the operators named on our plans for Papua New Guinea, taken from the plan data, so the list follows the catalogue.
- DigicelLTE