Current Time in Lae
Papua New Guinea culture regarding time
Papua New Guinea culture regarding time
Adopting Papua New Guinea Time (PGT, UTC+10)
Papua New Guinea uses UTC+10 standard time (PGT) throughout the year and is in the same time zone as Australian Eastern Time. Daylight saving time is not implemented.
Time management differs greatly between urban and rural areas
In urban areas such as the capital Port Moresby, time management is relatively strict, especially in businesses and public institutions, but in rural areas and remote island regions, a flexible and generous sense of time similar to "island time" prevails.
Harmony with nature is the basis of life
Life is centered around agriculture and fishing, and sunrise and sunset determine the rhythm of life. There is a culture that works with the movement of the sun and lets nature tell the time rather than the clock.
Values regarding time in Papua New Guinea
Culture that prioritizes human relationships over time
Especially in rural areas, careful conversation and interaction with visitors is more important than being punctual. Even if plans are delayed, it is rarely seen as a problem, and respect for the other person is more important.
Rushing is not desirable
It is considered better to "do things at the right time rather than doing them now," and calm and careful behavior is valued more than rushing to get things done. This is also why there is a laid-back atmosphere.
The concept of time varies depending on the region
The sense of time is completely different between mountainous and coastal areas, and between island and city areas. In particular, the more restrictions there are on transportation and communication, the less strict the strictness of time becomes.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Papua New Guinea
Public institutions generally operate on time
In urban public facilities such as government offices, banks, hospitals, and schools, operations are generally conducted on time. However, delays and changes may occur due to unstable power and communication.
Plans are easily affected by traffic and infrastructure
Due to changes in road conditions and weather, it may be difficult to predict the time it will take to travel, so it is wise to think of plans as a guide only. Flight and bus delays are also common.
In rural areas, it is important to lower your expectations about time
Meetings and events often do not start at the scheduled time. The key to a comfortable stay is to take your time and plan your schedule with plenty of time.
Interesting trivia about time in Papua New Guinea
"PNG time" is a famous phrase in the country
The phrase "PNG time" is used by locals as a phrase that symbolizes a relaxed sense of time. This shows the custom of not worrying about being late from the scheduled time.
Most activities start with the sunrise
In the region, "birds singing" and "sunlight" are considered to signal the start of the day rather than an alarm clock, and natural clocks are at the center of people's lives.
Time flows differently in the highlands and on the coast, even though it's the same country
Papua New Guinea has large regional differences due to altitude and climate, so the "sense of time" is also completely different. Life is relaxed in the highlands, while the tempo is a little more active on the coast.