Time

Solomon Islands is 16 hours ahead of American Eastern Standard Time (EST). During Daylight Savings Time, Solomon Islands is 15 hours ahead of EST.

Weights and measures

Solomon Islands uses the metric system.

Currency & money matters

The Solomon Islands Dollar was introduced in 1977. Its value is determined by the Central Bank; in April 2005, US$1 = 7.65 Solomon Island dollars (visit www.oanda.com for current exchange rates). Notes are in 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 dollar denominations, with coins issued in values up to $1.

Banks hours are 8:30am to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. Westpac Bank has an ATM for international transactions only. Opening a bank account is easy. Cash is the preferred form of payment, but local checks and credit cards are widely accepted.

Hours of business

All shops are open by 9:00am – some earlier – and close from 4:30 pm onwards on weekdays, but many family-run businesses operate later in the day. Most shops close on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. Central markets are open for most of the day, winding down by 4:00pm.

If planning a business visit, it is best to allow for “Solomon time.” Like most tropical countries, punctuality is given a low priority, but things do get done. Businesses tend to work from 7:30am to 4:00pm on weekdays, and also on Saturday morning. Government offices are open from 8:00am to 4:30pm on weekdays, with an hour-long lunch break at noon.

(Information adapted from Solomon Islands Trade Directory)