Honiara, Solomon Islands 🇸🇧
#1002
,
Nomad Score:
36%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Honiara is the capital city of the Solomon Islands, located on the southern coast of Guadalcanal Island. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 84,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 12 Mbps, but can vary widely. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Solomon Islands Dollar (AUD to SBD approx. 1 AUD ≈ 5.85 SBD). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is advised to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 240V, 50Hz with Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers are bMobile and Our Telekom, offering prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment types include cash, Visa, and Mastercard, with ATMs available in major areas. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments; Airbnb also exists but is limited. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless transactions; cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, with prices starting at approximately SBD 600 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | The Heritage Park Hotel and affordable guesthouses like Kava Motel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Honiara, close to attractions and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around the Honiara Central Market is recommended due to accessibility to services. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently there are no dedicated coworking spaces, but shared office spaces are emerging. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop at the Central Market is a good spot for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are sporadic; expat groups on social media provide networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats in Honiara often organize informal gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No official ride-sharing apps; local taxis are available but negotiate fares beforehand. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; it's recommended to rent a bike from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mbonege Beach is the closest beach, located about 30 minutes from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Solomon Airlines is the primary carrier for domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia are popular for international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road access is limited; most travel is done via local roads. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains; public transport consists mainly of buses and taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport pass; pay per ride on buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Domestic flights primarily to other islands; boats also available but can be slow. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The National Referral Hospital is the largest healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; yoga classes are sometimes offered in community spaces. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few gyms available; most expats recommend private fitness trainers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at most guesthouses and some laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local fish curry, a specialty in many coastal restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; check out local markets for fresh produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Dreams restaurant offers a variety of local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Honiara Central Market has a great selection of local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; locals rely more on physical shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is not common; most people shop in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The downtown area has several local bars but they close relatively early. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | SP Brewery is the main local brewery offering tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; try 'The Cove' for a good selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors at the Central Market offer a variety of local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Asian restaurants such as 'The Pavilion' offer popular international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Solomon Islands Museum and the National Parliament are must-visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Solomon Islands National Museum showcases local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The American War Memorial is an important historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Barnabas Cathedral is a significant place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Events like the Honiara Cultural Festival highlight local traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local markets and waterfront areas reflect Honiara's rich culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; some local theaters have occasional performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Honiara Central Market is vibrant and a hub for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common in local bars, especially reggae. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in urban areas but is minimal. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local community markets offer casual cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; local crafts can be found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Honiara Post Office is a charming historical structure. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural heritage is celebrated through local arts and crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Turtle Island and Mboroko Island offer stunning natural scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Savo Island is known for its natural hot springs and hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking along the waterfront is popular among locals. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout point at Mt. Austin offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The surrounding islands are excellent spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Mbonege allow bonfires but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services provide shipping options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops are available but with limited expertise. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited; community groups may offer informal classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library provides study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Honiara Community Centre hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very few, gaming largely happens at home or in social settings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; small gaming centers exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SBD 12,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SBD 480,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SBD 7,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SBD 300,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SBD 10,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SBD 600,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SBD 6,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SBD 402,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SBD 8,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SBD 680,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SBD 5,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SBD 416,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on local income only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxation is minimal and based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax for income earned outside the country. |