Welcome to Solomon Islands 😊

Quick Facts About Solomon Islands

Money and Finances

The official currency of Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.

ATM Network

ATMs are not widely available in the Solomon Islands, and the ones that do exist may not work reliably. It's best to bring enough cash or traveler's checks to cover your expenses while in the country.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in the Solomon Islands. Visa and Mastercard may be accepted at some hotels and larger stores, but you should not rely on them. AMEX is not accepted at all.

Internet and Phones

The internet speed in the Solomon Islands is generally slow, with an average download speed of 2 Mbps and an upload speed of 1 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet usage.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The major telco companies in the Solomon Islands are Our Telekom and Bmobile-Vodafone. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around SBD 200 per month. There may be sim compatibility issues, so it's best to check with the telco company before purchasing a new sim card.

Dialling to Solomon Islands

To call the Solomon Islands from another country, dial +677 followed by the area code (if applicable) and the local phone number. The area code for Honiara is 677, while other regions may have different codes.

Transport Around Solomon Islands

Air Travel

Solomon Airlines is the national airline, which operates regular flights to Honiara International Airport, the main international gateway. Other airports include Fera Airport, Gizo Airport, and Munda Airport.

Train Travel

There is no inter-city train network in Solomon Islands.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no local train system within major cities in Solomon Islands.

Buses

There is no organized bus network in Solomon Islands, although minibuses and taxis may be available in some areas.

Rideshare

There are no popular rideshare companies in Solomon Islands.

Driving by Car

Driving in Solomon Islands can be challenging due to poor road conditions and limited traffic laws. The usual speed limit is 50km/h and the country uses left-hand drive. It is recommended to hire a local driver rather than attempting self-driving.

Local Customs

In the Solomon Islands, tipping is not expected but is appreciated for exceptional service. Locals greet each other with a handshake and a smile. Speaking with strangers is generally welcomed, but it's best to be respectful and courteous. Men and women usually address each other formally unless they are close friends or family members.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The healthcare system in the Solomon Islands is limited with only basic medical facilities available. Cost for a visit to a private doctor can range from SBD 200-500. It is recommended that visitors have comprehensive health insurance to cover all medical expenses as medical evacuation to Australia may be required in serious cases.

COVID Situation

The Solomon Islands closed its borders in March 2020 and has had strict measures in place to control the spread of COVID-19. As of August 2021, there have been a total of 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country with all patients having recovered.

Common Health Risks

Malaria transmission is present in the Solomon Islands, particularly in the Western and Choiseul provinces. Dengue fever, chikungunya, and zika virus are also present. It is important to practice mosquito bite prevention measures. There is a risk of food and waterborne illnesses, such as typhoid and hepatitis A, so it is recommended to avoid uncooked or undercooked food and drink bottled water or boiled/filtered water.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Solomon Islands, alcohol consumption is legal and there are no restrictions on its sale. However, public intoxication and drinking in public places are not allowed.

Recreational Drugs

The laws on drug use in Solomon Islands are strict, and possession of any illegal drug can result in imprisonment. Recreational drug use is not tolerated and there are no legal cannabis dispensaries.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are not illegal in Solomon Islands, but there may be cultural and social pressure to avoid such relationships. There are also strict laws against rape and sexual assault.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is illegal in Solomon Islands and there are no legal protections for LGBTQ individuals. Same-sex relationships are not recognized by the government, and LGBTQ individuals may face discrimination and harassment.

Firearms / Guns

The use of firearms is highly regulated in Solomon Islands, and only licensed individuals are allowed to own firearms. The possession of illegal firearms can result in heavy fines and imprisonment.