Auki, Solomon Islands 🇸🇧
#1918
,
Nomad Score:
44%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Auki is the capital of Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands, known for its stunning natural beauty and welcoming community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 5-15 Mbps, depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AUD ≈ 6.25 SBD (Solomon Islands Dollar). Cash and cards are accepted, but cash transactions are more common. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Our Telekom and bmobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Bank of South Pacific and Westpac; international banking options are limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, local hotels, and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless services; many places prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Try Auki Beach Resort or local hostels for affordable stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area near the Auki Market offers great access to local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas close to the local market and main shops provide a good mix of tranquility and accessibility. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are no dedicated coworking spaces; cafes with Wi-Fi serve as informal workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Cendy's offers decent Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Minimal networking events; local gatherings can be found at community centers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the local Facebook group for expats living in the Solomon Islands for updates on meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No ride-sharing apps; local taxis and buses are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited rental options; most locals use bicycles. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Auki Beach is a short walk from the center of town and offers a beautiful view. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Solomon Airlines offers flights to main islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways connect Auki to major international cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Local roads connect Auki to other parts of Malaita Island, but expect bumpy conditions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Auki does not have a train service; public transport is mainly by bus or minivan. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; pay as you go for bus rides. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses operate between Auki and other towns; expect several hours of travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Auki Hospital, the main healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; consider outdoor activities or beach yoga. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness centers available, but outdoor activities are more common. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; some guesthouses offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated food delivery apps; local eateries provide takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Kokoda (raw fish salad) or traditional root vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; local markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries occasionally have sweet treats, but choices are limited. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Auki Market is a great place for budget-friendly fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping options available locally. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; grocery stores are accessible in town. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars like Honiara Club are popular for socializing. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited local breweries; most beer is imported. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited selection; primarily international brands available in stores. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit the Auki Market for local street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local eateries offer some international dishes, but availability is limited. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Auki market and the nearby Auki Scenic Lookout offer great views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited local cultural venues; often found in Honiara. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore local historical sites that highlight the region's rich heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary’s Cathedral is an important local church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals often celebrate cultural traditions, usually held in the summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local neighborhoods to experience Malaita culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performance spaces; community events are held in local centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Auki Market is the primary spot for local goods and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music can be heard during local events; limited live music offerings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some local murals reflect the culture and history of the islands. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional local cooking workshops available through community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited local galleries; artworks are often displayed in community centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Auki has several colonial-era buildings that reflect its history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich cultural heritage showcased through local crafts and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Rural areas around Auki are perfect for hiking and exploring. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mainland Malaita has beautiful natural parks and reserves. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited defined paths; local trails are available for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Auki Scenic Lookout offers picturesque views of the surroundings. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby forests are great for spotting various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches may allow bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited courier services available; Australia Post provides international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Basic repair services available for common devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs may have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited formal classes; some local tutors might offer lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Auki Public Library offers quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various social and cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; social gaming is popular among youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Auki does not have casinos; local gaming activities are held in informal venues. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 80,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 216,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax for dividends to foreign residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on income within the Solomon Islands only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% Goods Tax applies to most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable in the Solomon Islands. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, annual property taxes are based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No specific rate; costs are negotiated during sale. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Residents are only taxed on income earned locally, making it appealing to nomads. |