Solomon Islands

THE BASICS

ELECTRICITY

Electrical current in the Solomon Islands is 230 volts, 50Hz. The most commonly-used plug is the three-prong Australian plug.

LANGUAGE

English is the official language.

TRAVEL HEALTH

A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers to the Solomon Islands arriving from an infected area. Immunisation against hepatitis A and hepatitis B is recommended, and the territory has in the past few years been subject to outbreaks of dengue fever and rubella.A Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is recommended for all travellers born after 1956, as is a typhoid vaccine (except short-term business travellers or cruise ship passengers). Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected.Medical facilities are very limited so pack a personal medical kit and bring adequate supplies of all medications. Should a doctor be needed, the main facility is the Central Hospital and National Referral Hospital in Honiara. Comprehensive medical insurance is recommended for travellers.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

Local culture in the Solomon Islands is relaxed but traditional. While informal dress (including shorts) is acceptable, you should avoid wearing beachwear off the beach. Always show respect for older people, especially in rural areas. Girls are not to show friendliness to strangers of the opposite sex when accompanied by their relatives. If invited into a local's home, the guest will be expected to eat first.

DUTY FREE

Travellers to the Solomon Islands age 18 and older may import the following goods duty-free: 200 cigarettes/250g cigars or tobacco, two litres liquor, other goods valued to SBD400. Offensive weapons, pictures, and literature is prohibited, and firearms and ammunition require a police permit obtained prior to arrival.