Government

Since independence on the 7th July 1978 Solomon Islands adopted a Nation Parliamentary democracy government with a single legislative assembly based on the British Westminster.  The British Crown, as leader of the Commonwealth, is head of state and the governor- general acts as the Monarch’s representative. Each of the nine Provinces have their own provincial Government with both National and Provincial elections every four years. The voting age is 18 years.

Currency
Currency is Solomon dollar. Notes are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, $2. Coins: $1, 50c, 20c, 10c.The Banks in the S.I. are ANZ, Westpac, Bank of South Pacific (BSP), and Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI). ANZ & Westpac have ATM’s available at various places in Honiara only and do accept some credit cards. T.T Transfers can be made from overseas to any bank account & usually received the next working day. The current exchange rates are:
 
Postal:

Solomon Island Post Office is situated at Point Cruz (west Honiara) with a small office at Ranadi (east Honiara). The majority of S.I addresses are Post Office Boxes as there are no postal delivery services. Postage costs depend on weight and size. It takes about 2-3 working days to arrive in Australia and the same for Aus. to SI. Parcels can be sent and picked up at the Parcel Pick-up Office for a nominated charge. It is advised that all mail, big or small should be registered and recorded, either being sent out from or into the country. Western Union has an office in the main post office for transferring money overseas.
 
Telecommunications
There is only one telephone company; Our Telekom, which operates throughout all of Solomon Islands. Reasonably reliable telephone, mobile, email (broad band) and internet services are available in the major centers. The service is spreading wider to other provinces and their outer regions. Internet café’s are becoming popular with many already around Honiara & also throughout many Provinces.
 
Work Permits
Expatriates may only work in jobs for which there are no equally qualified Solomon Islanders. A work permit and residents permit must be obtained before entering the country to take up employment even for voluntary jobs and for unpaid workers.

Medical
Central Hospital is the main hospital in Honiara, locally known as Number 9 because of a code name given to that area during the US occupation in World War Two. Doctors are very well trained & skilled but the hospital lacks some modern equipment. A good, well-stocked first aid kit is a must. Most of the Provinces have a main hospital with clinics in nearby towns. Malaria is the main cause for caution but preventative medication & measures are easily available. Treatment with preventative medicine should be started before entry to S.I. Cover arms & legs if outside in the early mornings & at evenings. Treated mosquito nets are an excellent, simple precaution for beds & are available for purchase at Honiara City Council. If feeling unwell with a fever or unexplained headache it is best to have a blood test to determine if the cause is malaria or not. A simple course of medication stops the problem progressing. Medication is readily available, but as always, prevention is better than cure.
 
Health
Any skin irritations, rashes, cuts or abrasions no matter how small should be treated immediately with continued treatment until completely healed. Many visitors prefer to boil drinking water or buy bottled water. Because of the tropical climate it is recommended to have a good intake of water everyday. Very few health problems are caused from bad food in Solomon Islands. On the whole, food is very good with organically grown and nutritious fresh fruit & vegetables sold at the main markets.
 
Accommodation
There are many Hotels available in Honiara, with modern conveniences & internet links, ranging from back-packer type to First class suites. Many provinces also offer bungalow & hide-away stays.
 
Weather
The weather is usually around 26°C - 31°C.At night it can fall to 19°C. Humidity is highest in the morning. Cool sea breezes along the shore keep the climate fresh.

What to Wear
Lightweight clothes, preferably cotton can be worn all year round. Long sleeved shirts and trousers/ long skirts should be worn in the evenings to protect against mosquitoes. It is advised to wear a hat for protection from the sun.

Getting Around
Honiara, Auki and Gizo all have a beehive of small busses and taxis. Honiara has hire cars available, with a variety of cars & four wheel drives (which are much better suited to the roads). Hire rates vary & terms are for daily, weekly, monthly. Fast passenger ferries link Honiara to Malaita; Honiara to Western Province. A range of slower cargo/passenger coastal shipping covers all the provinces.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary or encouraged and visitors are advised not to tip.