Gizo, Solomon Islands 🇸🇧
#1003 -8.075029, 156.787115

Nomad Score: 47%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Gizo is the provincial capital of the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, known for its beautiful islands and rich cultural heritage.
👥 Population Approximately 7,000 inhabitants.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps, with available options for both mobile and fixed connections.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 AUD ≈ 7.5 SBD (Solomon Islands Dollar). ATMs are available, and most banks accept major credit cards.
🚰 Tap Water Tap water is generally not drinkable; it is advisable to drink bottled or boiled water.
🔌 Power Power supply is 240V, 50Hz, with Type I sockets used in the region.
📶 SIM Card SIM cards are available from providers like Our Telekom and B-mobile at local shops.
💳 Banking for Expats Banks such as Bank South Pacific and Westpac cater to expats and accept international cards.
🛌 Accommodation Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments typically found along the waterfront.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited cashless options; many places prefer cash transactions.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and similar platforms offer some short-term rental options.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostel options are limited; budget guesthouses can be found starting from $20 USD per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Gizo lacks dedicated coworking spaces; working from cafes or libraries is common.
☕ Best Cafe for Work The Gizo Coffee Shop offers a relaxed atmosphere with WiFi and coffee.
💼 Networking Events Networking can be informal; engaging with local expats via Facebook groups can help.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Meetups at local bars and community events are common avenues for expat networking.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App There are no major ride apps; local taxis and private hire are the main options.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Limited options for bike rentals; most travel is done via walking or local taxis.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Kawasaki Beach is the closest beach, known for its clear waters and tranquility.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Solomon Airlines operate flights from Gizo to other major islands.
✈️ Top International Airline Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways offer international flights connecting through Honiara.
🛣️ Highway Access Gizo is accessible primarily by ferry from Honiara; there are no major highways.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Public transport is primarily by bus and ferry; Gizo does not have a train system.
🚍 Public Transport Passes No formal public transport passes are available, but local minibus fares are inexpensive.
✈️ Regional Travel Ferries from Gizo provide access to nearby islands and provincial capitals.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Gizo Hospital is the primary healthcare facility, offering basic services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga sessions are occasionally held at beach resorts; check local listings.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Limited fitness centers available; many locals engage in outdoor activities.
🧺 Laundry Services Limited laundry services; local guesthouses often offer laundry at reasonable rates.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App No major food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try the local fish curry and coconut crab, popular among residents.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Limited vegetarian options; locals primarily eat seafood and meat.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Local bakeries offer fresh coconut rolls and banana bread.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets offer fresh produce and traditional foods at low prices.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Limited availability of e-commerce; best to buy locally.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Grocery delivery services are scarce; shopping is generally done in-person.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Visit the Gizo Hotel for evening drinks and casual gatherings.
🍻 Local Brewery Local breweries are limited; beer is often imported.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited wine bars; local hotels often have wine selections.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street food options include BBQ fish and local snacks near the market.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Few international restaurants; local cuisines dominate.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Visit the Mborokua Island and the WWII wreck sites for historical insights.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Local cultural centers showcase Solomon Islands heritage.
🏰 Historical Sites The surrounding islands feature WWII relics and memorials.
🕍 Religious Sites St. Peter's Cathedral is a notable place of worship in Gizo.
🎉 Annual Events Cultural festivals are held annually, showcasing local traditions.
🎨 Cultural Districts Gizo itself is a cultural hub with local marketplaces and community gatherings.
🎭 Theater Venues Community theater events are held sporadically; check local announcements.
🛍️ Local Markets The Gizo Market offers various local goods, crafts, and fresh produce.
🎼 Music Scene Expect local live music at bars and for special celebrations.
🎨 Street Art Less emphasis on street art; focus is on traditional art forms.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Local cooking classes are available but may require prior arrangements.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Limited art galleries; local crafts can be found in marketplaces.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Some colonial-era buildings remain, showcasing Gizo's past.
🏴 Local Heritage The local culture heavily reflects Melanesian customs and traditions.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Explore the untouched waters around the islands for snorkeling and diving.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby The Gizo area is close to marine protected areas rich in biodiversity.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Limited cycling options; walking around town is common and scenic.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Enjoy panoramic views from the hilltops surrounding Gizo.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The regions around Gizo offer opportunities for birdwatching, especially on the islands.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Beaches around Gizo are generally safe for bonfires, but check local regulations.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local postal services are available; international shipping can take longer.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Limited; local shops offer basic repair services for devices.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Community centers and some hotels may have table tennis available.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Basic English classes may be available; local dialects dominate.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Gizo Public Library is a quiet place for reading and study.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers host various events and activities.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Very limited; local cafes may have internet but gaming is not a focus.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos exist in Gizo; gaming is mostly informal.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,200 USD per m² for city center studios.
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,000 USD per m² for studios outside of Gizo.
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,500 USD per m² for 1-bedroom apartments in central Gizo.
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,200 USD per m² for 1-bedroom apartments outside the city.
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,800 USD per m² for 2-bedroom apartments in central Gizo.
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,500 USD per m² for 2-bedroom apartments outside Gizo.
💼 Corporate Tax Standard corporate tax rate is around 30%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax The rate for dividend withholding tax is approximately 15%.
🏦 Tax System Taxation is based on worldwide income for residents.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate is around 40%.
🧾 VAT VAT is not widely used; service charges may apply.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, Solomon Islands have regulations regarding foreign companies.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property taxation system exists, based on property values.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Property transfer tax is generally around 5% of the transaction value.