Auki, Solomon Islands 🇸🇧
#1918
-8.770607, 160.699265
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Auki is the capital of Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands, known for its beautiful harbor and local markets. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 12,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed ranges from 5-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AUD ≈ 7.70 SBD. Local banks include Bank South Pacific and ANZ. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink tap water; bottled water is advised. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, with Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Telecom Solomon Islands and Digicel are available. Pricing is around 50 SBD for a starter pack. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments, cash is still commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to Airbnb; average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around 3,000 SBD. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is king in many local places, though larger establishments accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are available, with average costs around 400 SBD per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local guesthouses such as Auki Guesthouse offer rates from 200 SBD per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces; cafes like The Coffee Shop provide suitable environments. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop Auki, offering Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local community events can be found through social media or bulletin boards around town. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Gatherings are infrequent; checking local Facebook groups can help identify meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No ride-hailing apps are available; local taxis can be flagged down in town. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can often be rented from local shops for around 50 SBD per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lilisiana Beach is approximately 30 minutes away by boat. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Solomon Airlines operates flights to and from Auki. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia operate flights to Honiara, the nearest major city. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited; main roads connect the town and nearby villages primarily via dirt roads. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; buses operate between Auki and surrounding villages. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses do not offer passes; rides are typically paid in cash. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local ferries connect Auki with nearby islands and towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Auki Hospital provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; local gyms may offer occasional classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gym facilities are scarce; some hotels may have basic workout equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats operate in the area, average cost around 50 SBD for wash and dry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No food delivery apps; restaurants usually offer dine-in only. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sasimi (raw fish) and yellowfin tuna dishes are local favorites. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but some restaurants offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Ritz Restaurant for local desserts like coconut pie. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets sell fresh produce and goods; the Auki Market is popular. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce services; local marketplaces on social media. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars like The White House offer evening entertainment. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No established breweries; beers are imported from other regions. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some restaurants serve wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell fresh fish and tropical fruit around the market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some eateries offer Chinese and Western dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Auki's Waterfront offers picturesque views and a chance to enjoy local life. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited cultural venues; local art can be seen in markets. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Local cultural sites include traditional villages in the surrounding areas. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches such as St. Paul's Cathedral are notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals occur sporadically; local government announcements provide updates. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The main town area showcases local artisan crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theatrical performances are rare; community events may feature entertainment. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Auki Market operates daily, offering produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands perform at nearby bars on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Emerging in local areas; murals can occasionally be found around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Not widely available; local insights can be shared by residents. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; local crafts and artworks are sold in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional structures can be found scattered in the area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Solomon Islands' unique heritage is reflected in local crafts and practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Beautiful hiking trails around Malaita's mountainous terrain. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nearby parks feature native wildlife and flora. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paved paths, but trails exist in natural areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts around Auki offer stunning views of the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Auki's surrounding forests are ideal for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local beaches may allow bonfires; check with authorities. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited courier options; shipping through local services is available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Basic tech support available at local shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited recreational facilities for indoor sports. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Not readily available; local culture classes can be found. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Auki has limited study spaces; community centers may serve this need. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very few in Auki; gaming is typically home-based. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available in Auki. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 AUD per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 AUD per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 AUD per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,700 AUD per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,500 AUD per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,200 AUD per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0%. The Solomon Islands do not have a corporate tax for small businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Primarily source-based taxation for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for income exceeding 20,000 AUD. |
| 🧾 VAT | No Goods and Services Tax (GST) applicable. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules as of current regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Not applied in the Solomon Islands. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Up to 2% on the purchase price. |