Money and duty free for Solomon Islands

Currency and Money

Currency information

Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD; symbol SI$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of SI$50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of SI$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Credit cards

All major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and tourist resorts. There are three ATMs in Honiara.

ATM

There are three ATMs in Honiara.

Travellers cheques

Can be exchanged at banks, of which there are three in the major towns. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Australian Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1500.

Currency restrictions

The import of local and foreign currency is unlimited provided it is declared upon arrival. The export of foreign currency is unlimited and the export of local currency must not exceed SI$250.

Currency exchange

Money can be changed at banks, bureaux de change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange machines are available in Honiara.

Solomon Islands duty free

Overview

The following items may be imported into the Solomon Islands by travellers aged 18 years and older without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 250g of cigars or 225g of tobacco.
• 2L of wine or spirits.
• Other goods up to a value of SI$3,000 (SI$1,500 for travellers under 18).

Banned Imports

Prohibited goods include counterfeit coins and currency, indecent articles and films, honey, matches containing white or yellow phosphorus, narcotics, Royal Arms, flick knives and war relics.

Restricted goods include alcohol (including brandy, whisky and rum), arms and ammunition, cannabis, worn clothing, tobacco (more than 200 cigarettes), electrical equipment and fireworks.

Fruit and vegetables require an import permit, except those from New Zealand.