Money in Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands uses the Solomon Islands dollar. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- SBDSolomon Islands dollar
- Symbol
- SI$
- Tipping
- Not expected
Paying in Solomon Islands
Cash is essential outside Honiara, and cards are rarely accepted in villages.
- Cards
- Limited
- Cash
- Solomon Islands Tourism calls the country a cash economy and advises keeping small change handy. Only major hotels take international credit cards, per the same page.
- ATMs
- Several banks have ATMs in Honiara and ATMs are limited in the provinces, per Solomon Islands Tourism. World Travel Guide (2019) listed only three cash machines, all in Honiara.
- Exchanging money
- World Travel Guide (2019) says banks in the major towns cash travellers' cheques, with Australian dollar or sterling cheques suggested. No source opened gave current exchange locations.
- Watch out for
- World Travel Guide (2019) says exports of local currency are capped at SI$250 and foreign cash must be declared on arrival. This is an old source, so check current rules.
Tipping in Solomon Islands
Tipping isn't customary, but dive guides and boat crews welcome a small tip.
Not expected: Tipping isn't customary, and you can skip it without offence.
Sources checked: Solomon Islands Visitor Bureau (Travel Tips), World Travel Guide, Dirty Dozen Expeditions, Lonely Planet.
Convert to and from SBD
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8.05 SBD | 9.02 SBD | 10.80 SBD |
| 10 | 80.51 SBD | 90.19 SBD | 108 SBD |
| 50 | 403 SBD | 451 SBD | 540 SBD |
| 100 | 805 SBD | 902 SBD | 1,080 SBD |
| 500 | 4,025 SBD | 4,510 SBD | 5,401 SBD |
What each amount is worth in SBD. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Solomon Islands use?
Solomon Islands uses the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD).
Do you need to tip in Solomon Islands?
Not expected. Tipping isn't customary, but dive guides and boat crews welcome a small tip.
Can you pay by card in Solomon Islands?
Limited. Solomon Islands Tourism calls the country a cash economy and advises keeping small change handy. Only major hotels take international credit cards, per the same page.
Are there ATMs in Solomon Islands?
Several banks have ATMs in Honiara and ATMs are limited in the provinces, per Solomon Islands Tourism. World Travel Guide (2019) listed only three cash machines, all in Honiara.