Currency in Solomon Islands: SBD Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in the Solomon Islands with the Solomon Islands dollar.
What's in this Solomon Islands currency guide?
What currency is used in the Solomon Islands?
The official currency of the Solomon Islands (country code: SB) is the Solomon Islands dollar, with symbol S$ and currency code SBD.
What is a good Solomon Islands dollar exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the Solomon Islands dollar
The Solomon Islands dollar (SBD) is the official currency of the Solomon Islands, a country located in the Pacific Ocean. Here are a few things to know about the Solomon Islands dollar:
- The Solomon Islands dollar is abbreviated as SBD and is divided into 100 cents.
- The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands is responsible for issuing and regulating the Solomon Islands dollar.
- The exchange rate for the Solomon Islands dollar is determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange market.
- The Solomon Islands has a small, open economy that is heavily reliant on exports, including fish, timber, and palm oil. The country is also a major producer of cocoa and has a growing tourism industry.
- The Solomon Islands dollar has been relatively stable in recent years, but the currency has faced challenges due to a slow-growing economy and high levels of government debt.
For more SBD information check out our selection of Solomon Islands dollar news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in the Solomon Islands?
The domestic currency in the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands dollar.
What is the Solomon Islands dollar currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Solomon Islands dollar is SBD — symbol is S$.
Which countries use the Solomon Islands dollar?
It is the domestic currency in Solomon Islands.
Is the Solomon Islands dollar a closed currency?
No, the Solomon Islands dollar is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and SBD?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to SBD (US dollar to Solomon Islands dollar)*.
*Converted at the current USDSBD interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for the Solomon Islands
Using Wise for Solomon Islands dollar travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Solomon Islands dollar otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Solomon Islands dollar cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the SBD cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Solomon Islands: Travel Guide
Traveling to the Solomon Islands requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Solomon Islands are laid-back, welcoming and often surprisingly untouched. From WWII relics scattered in the jungle to leaf-hut villages where traditional culture is alive. Then there’s the visual appeal, with scenery reminiscent of a Discovery Channel documentary: volcanic islands, croc-infested mangroves, huge lagoons, tropical islets and emerald forests. Don’t expect white-sand beaches and ritzy resorts. With only a smattering of traditional guesthouses and comfortable hideaways, it’s tailor-made for ecotourists. For outdoorsy types, lots of action-packed experiences await: climb an extinct volcano, surf uncrowded waves, snorkel pristine reefs or kayak across a lagoon. Beneath the ocean’s surface, awesome WWII wrecks and dizzying drop-offs will enthrall divers.
What currency to use in the Solomon Islands?
The currency used in the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD) and foreign currency exchanges are readily available. However, some resorts do accept Australian dollars as payment. The coins look almost identical in size to the currency used in Australia. If you plan on shopping or purchasing handicrafts - you will need some local currency.
There are the main commercial banks, ANZ, BSP, Bred Bank and Pan Oceanic Bank. ANZ, BSP, Bred Bank and POB operate ATM money machines in Honiara. All commercial banks in Honiara, Auki and Gizo handle foreign exchange and there are also currency exchange services available at Honiara International Airport. Some of the hotels and resorts around the country will accept American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards, but not all so it may be worth checking first.
Travel in the Solomon Islands.
Canadian, U.S., British, Commonwealth and E.E.C visitors do not need to obtain a visa before arrival. (Subject to change). Passports must be valid for 6 months after your departure. Everyone needs a passport, onward ticket, and sufficient funds to cover their stay in the Solomon Islands. Honiara International Airport is located 8 kilometres east of the capital, Honiara. Solomon Airlines offers flights departing from Brisbane, Australia four times a week, whilst Virgin Australia offers an additional two services to and from Brisbane. There are also flights departing from Port Vila Vanuatu, Nadi Fiji and Port Moresby Papua New Guinea.
Outboard-powered dinghies are the most common means of transport in the Solomons. People pay a fare to travel a sector. Charters cost around S$1500 per day for the boat and a driver; fuel is often not included (S$22 per litre in remote areas). Public minibuses are found only in Honiara. Elsewhere, people pile into open-backed trucks or tractor-drawn trailers. Taxis are plentiful in Honiara and there are small fleets in Gizo and Auki. They are meterless, so agree on the price before you set off.
Travel tips for the Solomon Islands.
The Solomons was the scene of bloody naval, air and land battles during the war in the Pacific in 1942-43. History buffs and the families of veterans come to see the memorials, museums and rusting military hardware, mainly on Guadalcanal Island but also in the Western Province. You can still see jeeps, tanks and amphibious vehicles in the jungle, as well as foxholes and caves where the Japanese were dug in.
There are hot springs on Savo, where a volcano last erupted in the 1840s. Solomon Islands has a number of other volcanoes. For example, Tinakula in the Santa Cruz group and Kavachi, a submarine volcano near New Georgia, have erupted regularly every few years, and Simbo Island has a solfatara (a volcanic area or vent that yields only hot vapours and sulfurous gases).
There are between sixty and seventy languages spoken in the Solomon Islands archipelago as opposed to the nation state of Solomon Islands, which covers a smaller area. The lingua franca is Pijin, and the official language is English.
The Solomon Islands enjoy a tropical climate with daytime temperatures averaging 29C and evening temperatures averaging 19C. April to November is the most popular time to visit as the climate is very pleasant with little rain but the Solomon Islands are definitely considered a year round destination.
Everyday Costs in in Solomon Islands
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Solomon Islands? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide for Solomon Islands (ISO Code: SB)
For travelers planning a one-week mid-range stay in the captivating Solomon Islands, budgeting around 3,200 to 4,300 AUD or 2,100 to 2,800 USD would offer a comfortable experience. This budget should cover meals, excursions, and accommodation while allowing some room for spontaneous adventures. Here’s a snapshot of typical daily expenses in the local currency (SBD):
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 70–150 SBD
- ☕ Coffee: 12–25 SBD
- 🚌 Public transport fare: 5–15 SBD
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 50–150 SBD
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 400–800 SBD
Overall, the Solomon Islands could be considered an average destination to visit, particularly compared to the United States and the UK. While some costs (like public transport and meals at local eateries) are relatively low, accommodations and services in tourist areas may be pricier. For example, a budget meal in the U.S. might run you around 20 USD, whereas it can be half that in the Solomon Islands. In contrast, the cost structure in the UK often mirrors that of the U.S., with higher prices for lodging and dining in major cities.
Expat Living Costs in the Solomon Islands
For those considering a move to the Solomon Islands, typical monthly living costs can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices. On average, expats will need around 15,000 to 25,000 SBD per month. This includes rent for a modest apartment (1,500–3,000 SBD), groceries (3,000–5,000 SBD), and utilities (1,200–2,000 SBD).
In terms of banking and payment methods, it’s advisable for expats to have a local bank account for everyday transactions, but using credit or debit cards is also viable in urban areas. However, cash is preferred at local markets and small vendors. When sending or receiving money, online transfer services like Wise and OFX often provide better exchange rates and lower fees than local currency exchange, making them a suitable choice for managing finances internationally. Opting to exchange money locally can sometimes result in less favorable rates; therefore, utilizing reliable online services is generally recommended for achieving cost-effective transactions.
USD/SBD Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/SBD change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to the Solomon Islands - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to the Solomon Islands you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to the Solomon Islands
When sending money to the Solomon Islands it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Solomon Islands dollar amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted SBD amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in the Solomon Islands.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Solomon Islands dollar deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!