Currency choices

I'm wondering if either US dollars or Austrailian dollars would be more useful as negotiable currency in PNG? Or, should I just expect to use Kina? Can credit cards be used for purchases in larger towns? And, is bartering, say printed t-shirts, useful in smaller villages? Or cigarettes (brand?)

PNG is a lot more modern than you think-people want cash.

You need Kina for any local transaction. There are so few opportunities to get to banks that people only trade and understand the local currency. Goods trading won't work.

Credit card advances can now be done at ATM's in the bigger towns. I know the ANZ do it and apparently BSP do now too.

Either Aussie dollars or US dollars can be exchanged at most banks. If you smoke then sharing your cigarettes will help break the ice.

I once drove from Lae to Kundiawa and forgot to bring my drivers license. I bought a packet of smokes and gave some to the police at each checkpoint before they had a chance to ask to see my license. It worked a treat and saved me several 'on the spot' fines and endless delays.