Things to bring and to knowAnti-malarials
Strongly advised. Check with your health professional before you travel. Books If you enjoy reading, come armed with a good book, kindle or magazine. Cash It’s a good idea to carry a stash of Solomon dollars with you, this is still very much a cash society and there won’t be many places where you can tap or use EFTPOS. There’s an ATM at Munda International Airport and another down the road at the BSP bank. Best to stock up before the weekend as the ATMs sometimes run out of cash and the bank will be closed. Currency Exchange In Munda money can be exchanged at No1 Currency Exchange, the BSP bank and the Solomon Post Office. First Aid Kit Pack a few basic items, such as paracetamol, plasters and antiseptic cream. There’s a dispensary at the Helena Goldie Hospital which is a bus ride from Munda, but no pharmacy. If you take prescription medication, be sure to bring it with you. Flight Times Check and re-check these. In a place where things often run late, planes sometimes leave early and you may not be notified. Insect Repellent Choose tropical strength! Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue are common throughout the Solomons and sandflies can be found on some islands. 'Kastom' Land Land is privately owned in the Western Province and public access to the sea is restricted. You'll need permission from the land owner or community and may sometimes be asked to pay a 'kastom' fee to swim, picnic or fish. This applies to islands in the lagoons as well. Seek advice from your accommodation provider. Phone and Internet You could consider getting a local SIM. If your network doesn't support 3-G, roaming may not be possible. Our Telekom has the best coverage in the Western Province with a branch in Munda and Gizo. Use data to access the internet or hotspot off your phone. Free WIFI is available at the waterfront restaurant at Agnes Gateway Hotel close to the Munda international airport, and at the Coffee Station in Gizo. Reef Shoes, Mask and Snorkel You don’t have to snorkel (although this is the Coral Triangle and the water is wonderfully warm), but it’s a good idea to wear reef shoes when swimming in the sea. Even small coral cuts can get badly infected. Sarong The single most useful wardrobe item for ladies and not just at the beach. Wear over shorts when climbing on and off small boats and visiting traditional villages, around the shoulders for sun and wind protection. Sunscreen Make sure you choose an environmentally-friendly reef-safe option. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to buy any in the Western Province (Solomon Islanders don’t need to use sunscreen). Reef-safe sunscreen is just as effective and no more expensive than regular brands and will be available from multiple outlets in your home country. Swimming Gear Skimpy swimwear, bikinis and speedos are culturally inappropriate.
Take Care Locals have suggested we mention saltwater crocodiles. While they don't pose a major threat, be aware that lagoons are their home. Best to check before swimming. Tipping Not expected and not encouraged. Travel Insurance Don't leave home without it. Flight schedules change, wind warnings delay sailings and travel may not go according to plan. If you're going to be diving, make sure you have comprehensive cover specifically for that. Travel on small boats Bring hats (with robust ties), caps and sunnies, flip flops, the afore-mentioned sarong, lots of sunscreen. Water bottle The Western Province is around 8.3 degrees south of the Equator, in a word, HOT. You’ll need to stay hydrated. Bottled water is only available in 1.5 litre bottles (smaller ones are banned in an attempt to reduce plastic pollution) so you’ll want to decant water into something that's a more manageable size. Vertical Divider
|
Island swimwear: rash vest, swim shorts, sarong, reef shoes, goggles and snorkel - and don't forget the reef-safe sunscreen.
SOLOMON-CENTRIC TOURISM TERMINOLOGY
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Solomon Airlines +677 62140 | 62152 or 7732756 Hospitals Gizo Hospital - +677 60224 Helena Goldie Hospital, Munda - +677 62116 Seghe Hospital - +677 7706838 Police +677 61303 | 61304 (Note: landlines are still in use in the Solomons.
These are the shorter numbers beginning with 6) USEFUL LINKS Solomon Airlines | Tourism Solomons Yachting apps NOFOREIGNLAND | SeaPeople Solomon Islands Met Service |
