The Solomon Islands is an archipelago located east of Papua New Guinea. The capital city is Honiara. There are nine primary islands in the archipelago. Many believe that these Islands have been inhabited for over 30,000 years.
The first European to visit the islands was the Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira. In 1568, he journeyed from Peru. The native people of the Solomon Islands were infamous for headhunting and cannibalism before the arrival of the Europeans.
The official language is English. Also, the predominant religion is Christianity.
The official currency is Solomon Islands Dollar. The approximate exchange rate is SI$7, 77 for US$1. Currency exchange is available at banks, bureaus de change, major shops, and hotels. In Honiara, there are also foreign exchange machines available. All major credit cards are acceptable in hotels and other tourist facilities. The ATMs are accessible in the capital city. Traveler’s cheques can be exchanged at banks. To avoid additional charges, make them in Australian Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
As for electricity, the country uses types G and I sockets. You need to bring a travel adapter to fit the proper socket type. Check out the above-linked page to see the photos and other useful information. The standard voltage is 220 V. Many of your devices may need a step-up transformer to match the electrical voltage.
Car hire is available at hotels in Honiara. However, the condition of the roads is rather poor, as well as the driving standards. Also, they drive on the left side of the road here. So, think twice, before renting a car. Maybe, it would be better for you to use public transport or taxi.
The islands house several active and dormant volcanoes. Moreover, Tinakula and Kavachi are the most active volcanoes. The Solomons have all the great attractions of Melanesia to offer: idyllic island scenery with perfect sandy beaches and beautiful nature in the form of rainforest, lagoons, and waterfalls. For those who enjoy diving, underwater life is as stunning as that above.
There is an abundance of wildlife to discover and amazing, colorful cultural traditions to see. Also, the islands are home to more than 70 indigenous Melanesian languages. However, most citizens speak the local Melanesian pidgin as a lingua franca. English is the official language but spoken by less than 1-2% of the population. Consequently, a guide can be a big help to explore the islands.
July 12, 2016 12:00 am Leave your thoughts
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