The medical care on the Solomon Islands is only rudimentary, in rural areas it is usually not available. There are eight hospitals, the largest being the Central Hospital in Honiara. Church missions serve as medical supply stations on the more distant islands. The closest modern medical care is in Australia and New Zealand. In any case, travel health insurance and return travel insurance should be taken out and it should be clarified with the insurer whether the risks on the Solomon Islands are covered. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who plan to enter the infected areas designated by the WHO within six days of their stay. Exceptions are transit passengers in the Solomon Islands who do not leave the airport. [2] Typhoid can occur, poliomyelitis cannot. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for backpacking and long-term stays. [3] There is a high risk of malaria all year round with the exception of the remote islets to the east and south. (The Solomon Islands have one of the highest rates of malaria infection in the world.) Resistance to chloroquine in the more prevalent form, Plasmodium falciparum, has been reported. [4] Due to the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish dishes and serve them hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. When entering from Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and the Philippines, there is an obligation to present a vaccination against measles upon entry, which must have been given at least 3 weeks before entry. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission, if you use an effective insect repellent. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is widespread and a great danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: Unprotected sexual contacts, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk.
Health certificate
Travelers staying in the Solomon Islands longer than 90 days must present a negative HIV test in order to continue their stay.
Money
Currency
1 Solomon Dollar = 100 cents. Currency code: SBD (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 SBD; Coins in denominations of 1 SBD and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Credit cards
All major credit cards are accepted in hotels and holiday resorts. ATMs are available in some banks in Honiara. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed in Solomon Islands in Honiara at No1 Currency exchange office.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m. or 9.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import of foreign and national currencies is unlimited, when importing foreign currencies there is an obligation to declare. Export of local currency limited to 250 SBD. Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus the exchange amounts.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange is possible in banks, exchange offices and larger hotels, restaurants and shops. Currency exchange machines are available in Honiara.
