Visiting Papua New Guinea soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Papua New Guinea SIM card.
In this guide, weâll explain where to buy a SIM card in Papua New Guinea in person and online. Weâll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Papua New Guinea.
If you donât mind not having Internet, youâll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Tok Pisin â you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Papua New Guinea.
Best SIM Cards In Papua New Guinea
If youâre traveling in Papua New Guinea, we recommend using a SIM card from Digicel, Vodafone, Telikom, or Airalo. (Iâll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)
That said, if youâre planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Oceania, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Oceanian countries.
How To Buy A SIM Card In Papua New Guinea
You can either buy a Papua New Guinea prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we donât recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you wonât necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so itâs essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, Iâd recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you wonât get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Oceaniaan prepaid SIM card online.
Now, letâs take a look at the data plans offered by Digicel, Vodafone, and Telikom.
Digicel SIM Cards
Digicel offers four different types of tourist plans:
- 5 GB, valid for 7 days for USD 15
- 10 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 31
- 50 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 71
- 80 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 185
Vodafone SIM Cards
Vodafone has three different prepaid plans available:
- 2 GB, valid for 3 days for PGK 8 ($2.27)
- 3 GB, valid for 7 days for PGK 15 ($4.26)
- 20 GB, valid for 30 days for PGK 50 ($14.20)
Telikom SIM Cards
Telikom offers several main SIM-only plans for tourists:
- 2 GB, valid for 7 days for PGK 12 ($3.41)
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days for PGK 30 ($8.52)
- 10 GB, valid for 30 days for PGK 55 ($15.62)
- 20 GB, valid for 30 days for PGK 110 ($31.25)
- 30 GB, valid for 30 days for PGK 150 ($42.61)
Overall, we think Digicel is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.
That said, any would do if you canât find their store!
How To Buy A Papua New Guinea Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
Youâll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Papua New Guinea is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Another option is to purchase a prepaid SIM card on SimOptions.
They currently offer one package that covers Papua New Guinea.
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Papua New Guinea or, if youâre traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Oceania.
How To Buy An eSIM Card For Papua New Guinea
eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.
If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards â itâs definitely one of the best options to get data in Papua New Guinea.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo, a reliable eSIM provider.
Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Papua New Guinea.
Airalo Papua New Guinea
If you want to buy an eSIM for Papua New Guinea, you could purchase one on Airalo.
This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Oceania and Papua New Guinea.
Iâve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine. Learn more by reading our Airalo review.
Here are the options available:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $8
- 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $15
- 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $19.50
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $30
Holafly Papua New Guinea
Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly.
You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.
Hereâs an overview of the plan for Papua New Guinea:
- 2.5 GB, valid for 5 days for $29
- 3.5 GB, valid for 7 days for $37
- 5 GB, valid for 10 days for $44
- 7.5 GB, valid for 15 days for $47
- 10 GB, valid for 20 days for $59
- 15 GB, valid for 30 days for $79
Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Papua New Guinea
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Papua New Guinea or even an eSIM for your travels in Papua New Guinea is pretty straightforward.
Youâll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Oceania without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Oceania or global plan.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Papua New Guinea if you wish to have data upon your arrival.
This way, you wonât need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
Traveling to Oceania soon? Read one of the following blog posts: