Location
The Solomon Islands is third largest archipelago in the South Pacific, comprising 992 islands ranging from large landmasses with rugged mountains and virgin forests, to low lying coral atolls.  They are scattered in a double chain of islands covering 1.35 million sq km of sea and extend for 1.667k, in a south-easterly direction from Papua New Guinea. The country's capital, Honiara, is situated on the north-west coast on the island of Guadalcanal.

Climate
 Tropical, with average daytime temperatures around 29 degrees and high humidity.  Evenings may be as cool as 19 degrees.  There are no defined seasons but November to May are wetter months and squalls and cyclones may occur.

Language
 There are 87 indigenous languages including Melanesian Pidgin English which is used predominantly.  English is used and understood throughout the Solomon Islands. 

Dress
 Informal light attire is appropriate for both day and evening wear.  Pack a sweater for the occasional cool evening.  Bikini's and swimming briefs should be confined to resort pool areas. 

Health
 Like many other tropical countries, malaria can be a problem in the Solomon Islands.  Appropriate malarial medication should be taken and it is wise to consult your doctor a few weeks before leaving home.  Water is normally safe in the major resorts, but precautionary boiling is recommended in other areas.  If in doubt, ask.

Entry Requirements
 Commonwealth, US and most EC visitors do not need visas.  Others may obtain visas through British Consulates.  However a visitors permit not exceeding three (3) months may be obtained on arrival in the country after meeting minimum requirement s of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket.

Duty Free/Departure Tax
 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, 2 litres of spirits or equivalent.  Goods in excess of SI$500.00 are dutiable.  Departure Tax is SI$40.00.

Time
 11 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Electricity
 240 volts with Australian type outlets are available to Honiara and other major resort areas.

Currency/Banking
 The standard unit of currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar.  One Australian dollar will buy approximately five Solomon Island dollars.  Westpac, ANZ and the National Bank of the Solomon Islands (NBSI) open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm, and offer the best exchange rates.  There are ATM's available at several locations in Honiara.  Credit cards and travellers cheques are not usually accepted beyond the main resort areas.  NBSI offers full banking services throughout most parts of the country.

Telecommunication
 24 hour international telephone, fax, telex and telegram service is available through Telekom from Honiara, provincial centres and all major hotels and resorts.  There is also an internet cafe in the NPF Plaza, Mendana Avenue, Honiara.

Observing Customs
 The people of the Solomon Island have a rich culture which observes many traditional "kastoms" which vary from province to province.  Please ask about appropriate behaviour and always ask permission before taking pictures of people or places.