Transportation and supplies in the Solomon Islands aren’t always convenient. Preparing your documents, cash, and safety measures before departure will make your trip much smoother. The following 10 tips cover the most common pitfalls: visas, flights, cash, diving, village etiquette, environmental protection, and more.

1. Visas and Layovers: Most foreign visitors need to apply for a visa in advance. Most itineraries involve a layover in Australia, Fiji, or Papua New Guinea. Be sure to confirm transit visa requirements and book connecting flights in advance to avoid delays due to layover policies.
2. Allow Buffer Time for Flights: Leave at least one full day between international and domestic flights. Delays and cancellations due to rainy season weather are not uncommon, so don’t overpack your schedule.
3. Cash Is King: There are almost no ATMs on the outer islands. Bring 1.5 times your estimated budget in cash, and include plenty of small bills. Markets and rural areas generally only accept cash.
4. Mosquito Protection and Drinking Water: Tropical mosquitoes are abundant, and there is a risk of insect-borne diseases such as malaria. Take proper mosquito precautions, avoid drinking tap water, and stick to bottled or boiled water.
5. Diving Safety: Wreck diving requires certification and should be done with a guide. Do not touch WWII relics, fuel tanks, or unexploded ordnance. Manage your depth and dive time, and know your limits.
6. Respect Villages: Always ask for permission before entering a village or taking photos. Respect chiefs, churches, and local daily routines. Try not to disrupt community activities on Sundays.
7. Traditional Currency: Shell money and red feather currency are important items used in marriage customs and ceremonies. Do not touch or buy them as casual souvenirs.
8. Traffic Rules: Drive on the left side of the road. Rural roads are often dirt and poorly lit. Exercise extra caution when driving, and avoid long-distance travel at night if possible.
9. Electricity and Communications: Electricity is 240V, 50Hz, with mostly Australian-style and Type I sockets. Outer islands often have no phone signal. Inform family of your travel plans before departure and prepare an emergency plan.
10. Eco-Friendly Travel: Do not collect coral, shells, or marine life. Take all your trash with you to help protect the largely undeveloped coral reef ecosystem.