Honiara, Solomon Islands 🇸🇧
#1002
-9.431076, 159.955255
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Honiara is the capital city of the Solomon Islands, situated on the island of Guadalcanal. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 84,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AUD ≈ 7.10 SBD (Solomon Islands Dollar). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; safe bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Bmobile and Digicel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Westpac and Bank South Pacific, with options for credit cards and cash. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but some places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals available through Airbnb and local agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backpackers Hotel and Honiara Hotel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce offers a coworking space in downtown Honiara. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Ako, known for its reliable wifi and quiet environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by the Honiara Chamber of Commerce. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join 'Expats in Honiara' Facebook Group for updates on gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services; Ride options are limited; rely on taxis or prearranged transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability; consider renting bicycles from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mendana Beach is accessible, about a 10-minute drive from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Solomon Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways connect Honiara to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the Honiara Ring Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; public bus services are available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal passes; local buses operate on a cash basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Boat services to nearby islands; local buses provide regional connectivity. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | National Referral Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; look for wellness retreats on nearby islands. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Complex Gym Honiara offers fitness sessions. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at various guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery options are limited; some restaurants offer takeaway. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kokoda (raw fish salad marinated in coconut milk and lime). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Reef Restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sushi Train serves light desserts and snacks. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Honiara Central Market is a vibrant place for local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; try local shops or Facebook Marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few delivery services; mainly shop in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Central Place Hotel has a bar that attracts locals and expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Solomon Islands Brewery offers local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some hotels have wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Many street stalls at the Honiara Central Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various restaurants serve Asian and Western dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Museum and Art Gallery showcases local history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural Arts Centre displays traditional Solomon Islands art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Battlefield sites from WWII are prominent in the area. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Barnabas' Cathedral is an iconic building. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Solomon Islands National Day is celebrated on July 7. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Honiara is rich with shops and markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Pacifika Arts Centre hosts theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Honiara Central Market is a must-visit for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at local hotels and bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals near the market area add vibrancy to the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Check for local classes online; limited availability. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Art Gallery showcases various artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Government House reflects colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The cultural significance of traditional crafts is important. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Lake Tengano for a relaxing day trip. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Birikai National Park is a popular destination for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited, but scenic trails near the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Austen offers panoramic views of Honiara. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Look for birds at the local national parks. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check local regulations for safe gathering places on the beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; few local shops offer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Gymnasiums occasionally have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some language schools offer basic lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | University of the South Pacific Library has study facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers host cultural and social activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming options are limited; check for local events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited gaming options available in local hotels. |
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 2,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 224,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 176,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for businesses in the Solomon Islands. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rate can be up to 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate of 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 5% on property sales. |