Solomon Islands Travel Guide
GENERAL
Capital
Honiara.
Geography
As a country located in Oceania listed on franciscogardening, the Solomon Islands are located in the southwestern Pacific, east of Papua New Guinea. The group includes almost all the islands of the Solomon Islands (the northwestern ones belong to Papua New Guinea), the Ontong Java Islands, the Rennell Islands and the Santa Cruz Islands further east. The larger islands are 145-193 km long, the smallest are no more than coral atolls. The landscape is mostly rugged; Mountain foothills usually rise slowly to a main peak and then drop steeply to the sea on the other side. The capital Honiara is on the Guadalcanal Island, on which the highest point of the islands can be found (Makarakombu, 2447 m). There are volcanoes on the entire archipelago that can become active again at any time.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy (in the Commonwealth) since 1978. Constitution from 1978, last amendment 1997. Unicameral parliament with 50 members. Independence since 1978 (former British protectorate).
Head of state
Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the local Governor General Frank Kabui, since July 2009.
Head of government
Manasseh Sogavare, since December 2014.
Electricity
240 V, 50 Hz.
Time zone
Solomon Islands Time: CET +12
TRAVEL WARNING
Country-specific safety information
The deployment of Australian-led foreign security forces (“RAMSI”) has significantly improved the security situation in large parts of the country. However, political tensions can occasionally arise in the capital Honiara in particular. Visitors are advised to avoid gatherings due to the possibility of violent civil unrest The rebuilding of a reliable state administration after years of political and economic disruption is a long-term task, as is the reorganization of the security and police forces, so that only limited aid can be expected in an emergency.
Crime
The islands of Guadalcanal (including the capital Honiara) and Malaita are at risk of criminal assault and theft. It is advisable to refrain from walking and cycling after dark, especially in Honiara. It is advised to avoid rallies, demonstrations and similar gatherings as tensions between rival groups can arise. Incidents can also occur at sporting events.
MONEY
Currency
1 Solomon Islands dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: SBD (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 SBD; Coins with a nominal value of 1 SBD as well as 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Credit cards
All major credit cards are accepted in hotels and holiday resorts. ATMs are available in some banks in Honiara. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
There are enough ATMs available. Pay attention to the Maestro symbol when withdrawing with an ec card, credit cards work without any problems at most ATMs.
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m. or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import of foreign and national currencies is unlimited, there is an obligation to declare the import of foreign currencies. Local currency exports are limited to 250 SBD. Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus the exchange amounts.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange is possible in banks, exchange offices as well as larger hotels, restaurants and shops. Currency exchange machines are available in Honiara.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English (1-2%). Pidgin English is lingua franca. Around 120 Melanesian and Polynesian languages are also spoken.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Overview
Each part of the Solomon Islands has its own Province Day (see below). If this day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is off work.
Feb. 25, Choiseul. June 2nd Isable. June 8th Temotu. June 29th Central Island. July 20th Rennell. Aug. 1, Guadalcanal. 3rd Aug. Makira / Ulawa. Aug 15 Malaita. Dec. 7, Western Province.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into the Solomon Islands duty-free (people over 18 years of age):
200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco;
2 l of wine or spirits;
other goods up to a value of 500 SBD.
Import regulations
A special permit is required for fruit and vegetables.
Prohibited imports
Guns and ammunition without a license.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Generally speaking, you can get by with English or French. The best time to travel on business is May to October.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4.30 p.m., Sat 7.30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Economy
Ministry of Commerce, Employment and Tourism, (see addresses).
Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 650, Honiara.
Tel: 229 07.
Business contacts
Ministry of Commerce, Employment and Tourism, (see addresses).
Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 650, Honiara.
Tel: 229 07.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service. The national telephone company is called Solomon Telekom (Internet: www.solomon.com.sb or www.telekom.com.sb).
Cellphone
Analog cellular network (AMPS) operated by Solomon Telekom Company (Internet: www.solomon.com.sb or www.telekom.com.sb). Compatible with GSM 900. Analog cell phones can be rented on site.
Internet
Main provider: Solomon Telekom (Internet: www.solomon.com.sb or www.telekom.com.sb). Public email access is available in Honiara and Gizo.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes around 7 days. Honiara Central Post Office opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. and Sat 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Post office opening times: Mon-Fri 8 am-4.30pm; Sat 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Mother-of-pearl articles, walking sticks, carving and inlay woodwork, copper articles, sea snail shells and rare shell money articles. You can shop duty-free in some of Honiara’s shops. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Some Honiara clubs have music and dancing, and the occasional movie show; you can also play darts and billiards. Short-term membership is possible.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are only six hotels in Honiara, advance booking is strongly recommended. There are also other accommodations on the Reef Islands, Western Solomon Islands and Malaita. Some lodges and vacation spots also offer leisure activities. Further information from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (see addresses), the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (see addresses) or the Ministry of Commerce, Employment and Tourism (see addresses).
Camping
Only rarely possible. The permission of the landowner or village head should be obtained beforehand.
CULTURE
Religion
96% Christianity and 4% indigenous religions (e.g. cargo cult).
Social rules of conduct
European and local customs are equally common. Casual clothing is accepted everywhere. Swimwear belongs on the beach. Tips are not common in the Solomon Islands.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Semi-tropical, mostly hot and humid; hardly any temperature differences between the seasons. In the rainy season (November to April) there are often strong cyclones.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +677 Area (sqkm) 28896 Population 622469 Population density (per sqkm) 22 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 999
