Currency in the Solomon Islands

A Travel Money Guide to the Solomon Islands

A global epicentre of marine diversity, the Solomon Islands is a dream destination for divers. Disappear into the deep-blue lagoon filled with reef sharks and curious turtles, or lounge around on the beach beneath the beautiful palm trees.

Ready to immerse yourself in village life? Don’t forget to check out our handy and comprehensive guide – perfect for finding the best way to take your money to Solomon Islands.

 

The currency used in the Solomon Islands

The best currency to use in Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands Dollar. It’s represented by the international code SBD and the symbol $.

As with the Aussie dollar, the Solomon Islands Dollar is made up of 100 cents and comprises a mixture of banknotes and coins.

Solomon Islands banknotes come as $5, $10, $20, $40, $50 and $100. Coins are available in 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as $1 and $2.

Can I Use Australian Dollars in the Solomon Islands?

As the local currency is the Solomon Islands dollar, bear in mind that Australian dollars are not accepted in Solomon Islands. In fact, the Aussie dollar has no value to locals and will need to be converted into Solomon Islands dollars to make your trip a smooth one.

What Currency Do They Accept in the Solomon Islands?

As the unit of currency in Solomon Islands is SBD, it is strongly recommended for you to acquire the local banknotes and coins prior to your trip. There are also foreign exchangers located at the airport to exchange currencies including Australia, US or New Zealand dollars for the local Solomon Islands dollars.

Solomon Island banknotes

Using Your Bank Card in the Solomon Islands

Some of the best travel money cards include debit, credit and prepaid cards. At most major establishments like hotels and resorts, international credit cards are accepted.

However, access to card payment facilities is difficult in rural areas. Whether you choose to pay with your card is still up to you, as long as you’re aware of the fees and charges incurred by the respective cards.

Debit Cards

Debit cards in Solomon Islands are best used for ATM withdrawals. Even though card payments in rural areas are uncommon, you can still use your card for transactions in bigger establishments like your hotel or resort.

Depending on which card you use, you may face excessive bank fees for each transaction. These fees may include foreign ATM withdrawal fees and conversion fees.

To make your trip hassle-free, look for a bank card that’s designed for frequent travellers. Some travel-friendly debit cards that waive a portion of the charges include Wise, ING, Citibank and Revolut.

Credit cards are accepted as currency in Fiji

Credit Cards

While it is possible to use credit cards at some locations and at the ATM, it is still important for you to have cash on you most of the time in the Solomon Islands.

Some credit cards come with attractive features for frequent travellers, including complimentary travel insurance, rewards points, and additional security measures.

But the perks are countered by some exorbitant charges if you use your card overseas, including:

  • International transaction fees
  • High exchange rate margins
  • ATM fees
  • Potential ‘cash advance fees’ if you use an ATM

As with debit cards, there are some exceptions. Bankwest Platinum and 28 Degrees cards are designed for travellers and waive the currency conversion fees.

Prepaid Travel Cards

Lock in a favourable exchange rate with prepaid travel cards. Bonus: You also get a handy back-up card!

Even though they are convenient, you could end up with hidden fees. Some travel cards still impose the following:

  • Currency conversion fees
  • Uncompetitive exchange rates
  • International ATM withdrawal fees
  • Reload fees
  • Inactivity fees

Buying Solomon Islands Dollars Before You Go

Buying Solomon Islands Dollars before you leave home can be a seamless process, with three main options to suit your needs:

  • Buy SBD online and have it delivered or collect it in-store.
  • Buy from a bureau de change.
  • Buy at your home airport.

Since bureau de change desks at Australian airports are renowned for their poor rates, we recommend avoiding them and picking up your currency ahead of time.

A fuss-free way to secure your travel money is to order it online. It can be delivered to your door or made available for pick-up at a convenient location. Online currency providers offer competitive deals you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. For example, S Money offers the same rate listed on Google and XE.com.

If you’re in the city, an alternative is to visit a CBD bureau de change. Suburban outlets don’t have the competition to keep prices low and banks often supply high fees and poor rates.

How to Exchange Currency in the Solomon Islands

If you are venturing out of your hotel and into the rural areas of the Solomon Islands, we would recommend having the local bills in your wallet. Having cash on hand would make paying for food and activities that much easier.

 

 

You can get currency in Fiji through the available ATMs

ATMs in the Solomon Islands

When you withdraw money from the ATM, the money will be in Solomon Islands dollars. ATMs are available in Honiara, Gizo, Munda and Auki.

Withdrawing from an ATM in the Solomon Islands may include paying for an expensive fee. Solomon Islands ATMs typically charge $30 – $45 per withdrawal. That is on top of any foreign ATM withdrawal or currency conversion fee your bank might impose per transaction.

ANZ operates in the Solomon Islands. If you have an ANZ card, you can avoid the ATM withdrawal fee by using the ATM that corresponds to your bank card.

Important note: Make sure you notify your bank about your travels. If you don’t, they could consider any purchases in Solomon Islands as suspicious activity and freeze your card.

Currency Exchange in the Solomon Islands

There are various ways to change your AUD into SBD in the Solomon Islands. Changing your money to Solomon Islands dollars prior to your trip would be ideal but there also money changers available if that’s not the case.

For reliable exchange services, you can also choose to head to ANZ Bank in the Solomon Islands.

For currency exchange in Fiji you can use a money exchange
Traveller's cheques are still accepted as currency in Fiji

Travellers Cheques

Some banks and hotels in the Solomon Islands still cash traveller’s cheques. But that doesn’t mean you should invest in them. You’ll get just as much value (if not more) out of alternatives such as ATM withdrawals and direct cash exchanges.

How Much Cash Should I Bring to the Solomon Islands?

Avoid having leftover foreign cash at the end of your trip! If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you. Simply calculate your budget and plan accordingly.

Now, your budget depends entirely on whether you prefer to backpack or a more luxurious experience. It’s also highly affected by your travel itinerary. We recommend putting aside roughly $530 per day for Solomon Islands, depending on your own needs.

Here are some of the average costs to help you calculate your own budget (all quoted in Solomon Islands dollars):

$406

A private room for two

$26

A restaurant meal

$35

A beer

$12

Local transportation

$180

Attraction entrance tickets

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by Analyst
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