Solomon Islands — Travel Tips
Social Conventions
A casual atmosphere prevails and European customs exist alongside local traditions. Informal wear is widely suitable although women often wear long dresses for evening functions. Men need never wear ties. In general, women should dress modestly and appropriately, noting that certain public areas may be exclusively reserved for men. It is customary to cover thighs. Visitors are discouraged from wearing beachwear and shorts around towns and villages. Swearing is a crime and can lead to huge compensation claims and even jail.
International Travel
Getting There By Air
The national airline is Solomon Airlines (IE) (website: www.solomonairlines.com.au).
Departure Tax
SI$40. Transit passengers and children under two years are exempt.
Main Airports
Honiara (HIR) (Henderson Field) on Guadalcanal Island is 13km (8 miles) east of Honiara (journey time - 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Bus and taxi services are available. Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, duty-free shops (for scheduled international flights) and car hire.
Getting There By Water
Main ports:Honiara (Guadalcanal Island), Yandina (Russel Islands) and Noro (New Georgia). The cargo line Bank offers a limited number of passenger places. It may also be possible to sail with a yacht from Australia or New Zealand as part of the crew.
Duty Free
Overview
The following items may be imported into the Solomon Islands without incurring customs duty for those aged 18 years and above:
• 200 cigarettes or 250g cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of spirits or equivalent.
• Other dutiable goods up to a total value of SI$400.
Prohibited Imports
Unlicensed firearms or other weapons (without Police Permit) and offensive literature or pictures. Fruit and vegetables other than from New Zealand need an import permit.
Internal Travel
Getting Around By Air
Domestic scheduled and charter services are run by Solomon Airlines (website: www.solomonairlines.com.au) from Henderson Field to most main islands and towns in the Solomons.
Getting Around By Water
Large and small ships provide the best means of traveling between islands. Services are run by the government and by a host of private operators; some of the Christian missions even have their own fleets. Cruises are also available.
Getting Around By Road
Traffic drives on the left. There are over 1,300km (800 miles) of roads throughout the islands. About 455km (280 miles) are main roads and a further 800km (500 miles) are privately maintained roads for plantation use. Road maintenance is limited and the general condition of the roads is very poor, as are driving standards. Most of the roads are on Guadalcanal and Malaita.
Bus: There are limited services on the islands.
Taxi: Available in Auki and Honiara. It is advisable to agree the fare beforehand.
Car hire: This is available through hotels in Honiara.
Documentation: A national driving license will suffice.
