Stay Connected in Honiara
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Staying connected in Honiara, Solomonislands' capital, requires some planning as you're dealing with a small Pacific island nation's infrastructure. The city has reasonable Mobile coverage, but speeds and reliability can vary significantly from what you're used to in major cities. Most travelers find connectivity adequate for essential communication, social media, and basic internet browsing, though streaming and video calls may be challenging. The key is managing expectations and having a solid plan before you arrive. Mobile data is your primary option since public WiFi is limited and often unreliable. While the infrastructure continues to improve, don't expect lightning-fast speeds or easy coverage everywhere in the city.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Honiara.
Network Coverage & Speed
Honiara's Mobile network is served by three main carriers: Our Telekom (the dominant provider), bmobile-vodafone, and Digicel. Our Telekom generally offers the most extensive coverage across the Solomonislands and tends to be the most reliable choice in Honiara itself. The network technology is primarily 3G with some 4G coverage in central areas, though speeds typically range from 1-10 Mbps depending on location and network congestion. Coverage is generally good in downtown Honiara and around the airport, but can become patchy in outer suburbs and hillside areas. Network congestion is common during peak hours, and heavy rain can occasionally affect signal quality. All carriers offer prepaid data packages, with Our Telekom usually providing the best value for data-heavy users. International roaming works with most major carriers, but costs can be extremely high - often $10-15 per MB for data.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM technology works in Honiara if your phone supports it and you choose the right provider. Services like Airalo offer Solomonislands coverage through regional Pacific plans, which is incredibly convenient since you can activate before traveling and have instant connectivity upon arrival. The main advantages are avoiding airport SIM card queues, no risk of losing your primary SIM, and immediate connection without needing to find a carrier store. However, eSIM plans for the Solomonislands tend to be more expensive than local options - typically 3-4 times the cost of local SIM cards. The trade-off is pure convenience and peace of mind. Data speeds and coverage depend on which local network your eSIM provider partners with, so results can vary.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards are available at Henderson Airport upon arrival and at numerous shops throughout Honiara, including carrier stores and general retailers. You'll need your passport for registration. Our Telekom SIM cards typically cost around SBD 20-50 ($2.50-6 USD) with various data packages available - expect to pay roughly SBD 100-200 ($12-25 USD) for 5-10GB depending on validity period. The process is straightforward but can involve waiting in lines and language barriers. Activation usually happens immediately, though occasionally there are delays. The main challenge is that many shops close early and have limited weekend hours. If arriving on a weekend or late evening, getting a SIM card might have to wait until the next business day, leaving you temporarily disconnected.
Comparison
Local SIM cards offer the best value for money - roughly one-third the cost of eSIM options and significantly cheaper than international roaming. However, eSIM wins on convenience and immediate availability. International roaming should be avoided unless you need it for emergencies due to prohibitive costs. For most travelers, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize saving money (local SIM) or convenience and immediate connectivity (eSIM).
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from Airalo. You'll have connectivity the moment you land, can navigate to your hotel easily, and avoid the stress of finding SIM cards in an unfamiliar place. The extra cost is worth the peace of mind and immediate access to maps, translation apps, and communication. Budget travelers: If every dollar counts, local SIM cards are significantly cheaper. However, factor in the risk of arriving when shops are closed or facing language barriers. For most budget travelers, the eSIM convenience is worth the modest additional cost. Long-term stays (1+ months): Definitely get a local SIM card. The cost savings add up significantly over time, and you'll have more flexibility with plan options and top-ups. Start with an eSIM for your first few days, then switch once settled. Business travelers: eSIM is your only sensible choice. Time is money, and you need guaranteed connectivity from arrival. The cost difference is negligible compared to your time value, and you can't risk being disconnected while searching for SIM cards.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Honiara.
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