Language
Overview
The official language is English (1-2%). Pidgin English is a lingua franca. Around 120 Melanesian and Polynesian languages are also spoken.
Public Holidays
01/01/2022 New Year
04/17/2022 Easter Sunday
06/11/2022 Queen’s birthday
07/07/2022 Independence Day
12/26/2022 National holiday of Thanksgiving
Source: Top-mba-universities.com
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into the Solomon Islands (persons aged 18 and over): 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco; 2 liters of wine or spirits; other goods up to the value of 500 SBD.
Import regulations
A special permit is required for fruit and vegetables. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Imports
Unlicensed weapons and ammunition.
Contact addresses
Embassy of Solomon Islands
(Responsible for Europe.)
(without issuing a visa)
Avenue Edouard Lacomblé 17
Etterbeek
Belgium
+32 (0)2 732 70 85.
http://www.solomonislandsembassy.com
http://www.solomonislandsembassy.com
Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00.
Immigration Division Department of Commerce, Employment and Tourism
(with visa issue)
Honiara
Solomon Islands
+677 22856, +677 25081/82/83
http://www.commerce.gov.sb/departments-units/immigration.html
http://www.commerce.gov.sb/departments-units/immigration.html
Business
Business etiquette
You can generally get by with English or French. The most favorable period for business trips is from May to October. Business hours: Mon-Fri 08.00-12.00 and 13.00-16.30, Sat 07.30-12.00.
Business contacts
Ministry of Commerce, Employment and Tourism, (see addresses). Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry PO Box 650, Honiara. Phone: 229 07.
Communication
Phone
Autodial Long Distance Service. The national telephone company is called Solomon Telekom (Internet: www.solomon.com.sb or www.telekom.com.sb).
Mobile phone
Analog Mobile Network (AMPS) operated by Solomon Telekom Company (Internet: www.solomon.com.sb or www.telekom.com.sb). Compatible with GSM 900. Analogue mobile phones can be rented on site.
Internet
Main provider: Solomon Telekom (Internet: www.solomon.com.sb or www.telekom.com.sb). E-mail access for the public is available in Honiara and Gizo.
Post office
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, air mail to Europe is about 7 days on the way. Opening hours of the main post office in Honiara: Mon-Fri 09.00-16.30 and Sat 09.00-11.00. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4.30pm; Sat 08.00-12.00.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.