Travel Tips
Essential Travel Tips
1. Visas & Entry Requirements
Most passport holders from Pacific nations and many Commonwealth countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Check with the Solomon Islands Immigration Division before your trip.
Passport validity: At least 6 months.
2. When to Visit
Best time: May to October (dry season)
Wet season: November to April, with chances of cyclones and rough seas.
Travel outside peak seasons for fewer tourists and better prices.
3. Currency & Payments
Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) – Cash is king in most places.
ATMs available in Honiara and major towns.
Many remote areas do not accept cards, so carry enough cash.
Mobile money (e.g., M-SELEN) is growing, but still limited.
4. Connectivity
Internet and mobile coverage are limited in rural areas.
Get a local SIM card from Our Telekom or Bmobile.
Starlink and satellite-based providers like Kacific now help fill the connectivity gap in outer islands.
5. Local Transport
Domestic flights with Solomon Airlines connect major provinces.
Small boats and OBMs are the main transport in island provinces — safety gear is a must.
Taxis are cheap but unmetered—always negotiate the price.
No ride-sharing apps like Uber.
6. Accommodation
Ranges from budget guesthouses to eco-lodges and resorts.
Book early for popular islands like Gizo, Munda, or Uepi.
Many rural accommodations have limited electricity (solar or generator).
7. Health & Safety
Malaria is present — use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
Ensure you have travel insurance covering medevac.
Honiara is safe but take precautions at night.
Water in rural areas may not be safe — boil or use purification tablets.
8. Culture & Respect
Modest dress is expected, especially in villages.
Always ask before taking photos.
Sundays are usually reserved for church and rest – plan around it.
Customary land is everywhere — respect local protocols when visiting.
9. Local Foods to Try
Fresh seafood (tuna, crayfish, mud crabs)
Poi (fermented taro paste)
Taro, cassava, pana (island yams)
Coconut-based dishes and local fruits