Honiara Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Honiara.
Healthcare System
Honiara's healthcare system is basic with limited resources and facilities. The National Referral Hospital is the main medical facility, but it lacks many specialized services and advanced equipment available in developed countries.
Hospitals
National Referral Hospital in Honiara is the primary facility for tourists. Private clinics exist but are also limited. For serious conditions, medical evacuation is typically necessary.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Honiara have limited stock and may not carry all Western medications. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications and common over-the-counter remedies. The main pharmacy is at the hospital and there are a few private pharmacies in town.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential - medical evacuation to Australia can cost over USD $100,000
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and sufficient supplies of all prescription medications
- Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand
- Consider bringing malaria prophylaxis and consult a travel medicine clinic before departure
- Bring copies of prescriptions and medical records in case you need treatment
- Water quality is poor - drink only bottled or properly treated water
- Keep contact information for your embassy readily available in case evacuation is needed
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles is the most common crime affecting tourists in Honiara
Honiara has experienced periodic civil unrest, riots, and protests, most recently in November 2021 when significant rioting and looting occurred in the city center
While violent crime against tourists is relatively uncommon, assaults and robberies do occur, particularly after dark and when alcohol is involved
Road conditions are poor with potholes, lack of lighting, and unpredictable driving behaviors. Pedestrian facilities are minimal and accidents are common
Both dengue fever and malaria are present in Solomon Islands, with transmission occurring year-round. Malaria is particularly prevalent outside Honiara but cases occur in the city as well
Strong currents, rips, and lack of lifeguard services make beach swimming potentially dangerous. Coral and marine hazards also present risks
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Taxi drivers, market vendors, and some tour operators may charge inflated prices to tourists, especially those unfamiliar with local rates
Unlicensed individuals may approach tourists offering tours or services but lack proper equipment, insurance, or knowledge
Groups working together create distractions (asking for help, creating a commotion) while accomplices steal bags or valuables
Online listings for non-existent properties or properties that don't match descriptions, particularly for budget accommodations
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry, cameras, or phones
- Stay informed about local conditions through news and your embassy
- Learn a few basic phrases in Pijin to facilitate communication
- Respect local customs and dress modestly
- Always carry emergency contact information
Night Safety
- Avoid walking alone after dark - arrange transport instead
- Use hotel-recommended taxi services rather than hailing cabs on the street
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas if you must be out
- Keep hotel room doors and windows locked
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
- Travel in groups when going to bars or restaurants at night
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Carry only small amounts of cash needed for the day
- Keep money in multiple locations on your person
- Be discreet when accessing money at ATMs
- Credit cards are not widely accepted - bring sufficient cash
- Exchange money at banks or authorized dealers, not on the street
- Keep a record of credit card numbers and emergency contact numbers
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled or treated water - avoid ice in drinks
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food from reputable establishments
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Ensure vaccinations are up to date before travel
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics if prescribed
- Use insect repellent consistently to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
- Avoid swimming in freshwater streams or lakes due to disease risk
Transportation
- Only use licensed taxis and agree on fares beforehand
- Avoid overcrowded public transport
- Don't drive after dark due to poor road conditions and lighting
- Always wear seatbelts in vehicles
- Be extremely cautious of pedestrians and animals on roads
- Consider hiring a local driver if unfamiliar with conditions
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up when driving
Beach and Water Safety
- Never swim alone or after dark
- Check with locals about safe swimming areas and conditions
- Wear reef shoes to protect feet from coral and sea urchins
- Don't swim immediately after heavy rain due to runoff
- Be aware of strong currents and rips
- Supervise children closely around water
- Don't dive into unfamiliar water
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Honiara safely but should take extra precautions. Solomon Islands society is traditionally male-dominated, and women may receive unwanted attention. Solo female travelers should be particularly cautious, especially after dark. While serious incidents are not common, harassment and unwanted advances can occur.
- Avoid walking alone after dark - always arrange transportation
- Dress modestly to respect local customs and reduce unwanted attention
- Book accommodations in reputable hotels with good security
- Consider joining group tours rather than exploring alone
- Be firm but polite in declining unwanted attention
- Avoid isolated beaches and areas even during daytime
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
- Keep your hotel room number private
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Consider connecting with other travelers for group activities
- Be cautious about sharing travel plans with strangers
- Carry a fully charged phone at all times
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Solomon Islands, but same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. There are no specific anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be aware that local attitudes are generally conservative
- LGBTQ+ venues and communities are virtually non-existent in Honiara
- Consider booking accommodations that are known to be welcoming
- Be cautious about discussing LGBTQ+ topics with locals unless you know them well
- Check your embassy's advice for LGBTQ+ travelers to Solomon Islands
- Have contact information for your embassy readily available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Honiara due to limited medical facilities, high cost of medical evacuation, natural disaster risks, and potential civil unrest. Medical evacuation to Australia can cost over USD $100,000. Without proper insurance, a medical emergency could be financially catastrophic.
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