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Travel Essentials › Solomon Islands

Travel Essentials

Solomon Islands: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Type I (Australian-style), 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 999, Ambulance 111, Fire 988. Tipping: Tipping is not customary and is not expected; a simple thank-you is enough. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water..

Open The Solomon Islands Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Type I (Australian-style), 230 V

Emergency Numbers

Tipping

Tipping is not customary and is not expected; a simple thank-you is enough.

Water And Health

Tap water

Drink bottled or treated water.

Vaccines

Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid; rabies and hepatitis B for some travelers.

Malaria

Risk throughout the country; ask about preventive tablets.

Apps To Download Before You Go

• Solomon Airlines: The national airline's app and site to book the domestic flights that connect the main islands.
• Honiara taxis by phone: There is no ride-hailing app; taxis are hailed on the street or called by phone, and fares are agreed before the trip.
• WhatsApp: Dive lodges, guesthouses and boat operators arrange transfers via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
• Facebook: The main place for local news, lodge pages and community notices, including ferry schedules.
• M-SELEN (Our Telekom): The local mobile-money service for transfers and top-ups; cash remains king, and cards work only in Honiara hotels and larger shops.
• Our Telekom / bmobile: Apps of the two mobile operators for buying prepaid data, which is limited outside Honiara and Gizo.
• youSave / BSP Solomon Islands: Local bank apps used by residents; visitors should know ATMs are scarce outside the capital.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. Greet with a smile, "halo" and a gentle handshake. Kisses are not usual greetings. In villages greet elders first, and keep greetings between men and women modest and unhurried.

Dress modestly. Dress conservatively, especially women, particularly outside Honiara and in villages.

Respect taboo sites. Some sacred or customary sites are restricted, occasionally to men only; ask locally before entering.

Watch your language. Public swearing can be treated as an offense leading to compensation claims or even arrest under customary law.

Safety And Scams

The Solomon Islands are generally peaceful for tourists, though petty theft and occasional burglary/home invasion occur, with a rise in crime typically in the lead-up to Christmas.

Taxi overcharging. Fares are not metered; agree on the price with the driver before starting, or use a reputable company.

Fake tour deals. Pay deposits only to established, recommended operators, and confirm bookings in writing.

Women travelers. Women travelers should dress modestly and take normal precautions at night; harassment is relatively uncommon but caution is advised in Honiara after dark.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Criminalized

Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal, punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment, though the law is rarely enforced; public displays of affection between same-sex couples are likely to draw negative attention.

What Things Cost

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

June to October (dry season) is best, with July-September offering the calmest seas and clearest diving visibility; December-April brings the cyclone risk window and heavier rain.

Phrases

Basic English phrases