Solomon Islands
Dress for business meetings is typically casual (though modest) and a shirt and trousers or skirt will suffice. English and French are widely spoken in business circles. Office hours are 0800-1200 and 1300-1630 Monday to Friday, 0730-1200 Saturday.
There are still some guns held illegally in the community and a consequent risk of armed robberies and intimidation. A number of former militants operate personal “fiefdoms” with armed followers. Some militant groups split and engaged in internecine conflict; some others pursued criminal activities. This has contributed to a general climate of lawlessness and criminal violence, particularly in Honiara, elsewhere on Guadalcanal, and on Malaita.
There was an increase in criminal activity in Honiara in September 2006, including reports of robbery and rape. There has also been an increase in armed gang violence, particularly in the vicinity of the Burns Creek area in East Honiara including the Ranandi industrial center. Crime goes up after dark.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has limited resources and response times to calls for assistance are likely to be slow.
Swearing is a crime and can lead to large compensation claims and even jail.
There are only six hotels in Honiara. Visitors are advised to make advance reservations. The Tavanipupu Island Resort in the Marau Sound (Guadalcanal) is accessible by air and sea. Accommodation is also available in the Reef Islands, Western Solomons and Malaita.
Telephone IDD service is available. Country code: 677. Outgoing international code: 00. There are no area codes. Solomon Telekom provides fax services at its offices in Honiara, though introduction elsewhere has been gradual and only some hotels have facilities. The Main Post Office in Honiara is open 0900-1630 Monday to Friday; 0900-1100 Saturday. Other post office opening hours are 0800-1630 Monday to Friday; 0800-1200 Saturday.
Electricity is 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-type flat 3-pin plugs are in use.
230/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-type flat three-pin plugs are in use.
There are a few restaurants outside the hotels in Honaria. Both Asian and European food is served and the cuisine is generally good. There are two Chinese restaurants in Honiara which are quite popular. Table service is normal. Spirits, wine and beer are available.National specialties:
• Tapioca pudding.
• Taro roots with taro leaves. Tipping:
There is no tipping on the Solomon Islands and visitors are requested to honor this local custom.Nightlife
Honiara is a comparatively quiet town, although there are a few clubs with music and dancing, the occasional film show, and snooker and darts. The clubs offer temporary membership to visitors.
