Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended for all travelers to the Solomon Islands. Hepatitis B is advised if you plan on close contact with locals or extended stays. For those trekking or visiting rural areas, consider the Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies vaccines. Malaria is a risk, so take preventive measures. Always check the latest health advisories before travel.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Solomon Islands, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Solomon IslandsCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Avoid wearing swimsuits beyond the beach. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or their property. Handshakes are common greetings, but touching heads is considered disrespectful. Sundays are for church and rest; avoid planning activities or meetings on this day.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, be discreet. Homosexuality is illegal, and public displays of affection can attract negative attention. Women should be cautious and may prefer to travel in groups, especially at night. Always respect local customs and be polite.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Solomon Islands.
- Poi: This pudding-like dish is made from fermented taro root and is a staple in many Pacific island diets. It’s a bit of an acquired taste but trying it gives you insight into traditional island food preservation and preparation.
- Coconut Crab: Known locally as ”kakamora,” this massive, coconut-eating crab is famous for its sweet, rich meat. It’s not just a culinary experience but also a cultural one, as these crabs are often featured in local folklore.
- Ulu: This is breadfruit, which is often roasted or boiled. It’s a cornerstone of many meals and reflects the importance of breadfruit in local agriculture and daily life.
- Palusami: A dish of taro leaves filled with coconut cream and sometimes meat or fish, baked until tender. It’s a classic example of how locals combine simple, available ingredients into something delicious and comforting.
- Sweet Potato Pudding: Sweet potatoes are abundant in the Solomon Islands, and this dish uses them in a sweet, baked pudding form. It shows the islanders’ knack for making the most of their root vegetables.
Tap water in the Solomon Islands is not consistently safe for tourists to drink, as treatment standards can vary and locals often boil water before consumption. It’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water during your visit to avoid any risk of waterborne illnesses. If you want to be extra cautious, consider bringing a portable water filter for added safety.
The main language in Solomon Islands is
Solomon Islands Pijin. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Solomon Islands Pijin skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Solomon Islands includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in the Solomon Islands, primarily as a second language. It serves as the official language, used in government, education, and formal communication. However, the proficiency levels can vary significantly, especially in rural areas where local languages and dialects dominate daily conversations.
In urban centers like Honiara, you will find a higher percentage of English speakers, including professionals and those in the tourism industry. Many locals, particularly younger generations and those involved in education, are quite fluent. However, in more remote villages, English may be limited, and you might encounter challenges in communication.
Most Solomon Islanders are multilingual, often speaking their indigenous languages alongside Pijin, a creole language that is more commonly used in informal settings. Pijin is generally easier to understand and is a practical alternative for communication with locals.
Overall, while you can get by with English in the Solomon Islands, learning a few phrases in Pijin or the local dialects can enhance your travel experience and help you connect with the friendly locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Solomon Islands is SBD ($).
When backpacking in the Solomon Islands, it’s crucial to plan your finances ahead. ATMs are primarily found in Honiara and a few major towns, so don’t bank on finding one in remote islands. Always carry some cash, as many places don’t accept cards. The local currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD), and it’s best to have it on hand.
For currency exchange, stick to banks or official exchange offices. You’ll get better rates in Honiara than at the airport. US dollars are more widely accepted than euros for exchange, but it’s always better to have local currency.
Most of the smaller shops and local eateries only accept cash. Credit cards are mainly accepted in larger hotels or tourist-centric businesses, and even then, you’ll often encounter a surcharge. Keep a mix of small and large denominations, as change can be an issue in more remote areas.
Tipping in the Solomon Islands isn’t customary, and it’s not expected in most situations. If you receive exceptional service and want to show appreciation, a small tip won’t be refused but is more appreciated when given as a gesture of thanks rather than a standard practice. In local markets and small eateries, tipping is generally unnecessary.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.