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Tipping in Solomon Islands

SBD
Last reviewed · Sep 2026Sources & methodology

Tipping is not customary or expected in the Solomon Islands. Travel guides ask visitors to honour the local no-tip custom. A small SBD thank-you for standout service is optional, never required.

Tipping not expected

Quick answer

Restaurant
Standard:Not expected
Exceptional:Round up
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+Local custom asks visitors not to tip in restaurants and shops
+A round-up at a Honiara hotel restaurant is a personal thank-you only
−No percentage tip is expected for ordinary meals
Bar
Standard:Not expected
Exceptional:Small extra
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+Bars follow the same no-tip custom as restaurants
−Leave small change only when service stands out
Taxi
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:Small extra
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+Agree the fare before the ride in Honiara, Gizo, or Auki
−No percentage tip is expected for ordinary rides

How to tip in Solomon Islands

•Pay the posted bill without adding a percentage tip
•Use SBD cash if you choose a small personal thank-you
•Carry cash outside major Honiara hotels that take cards

Quick tips

There is no tipping — visitors are asked to honour the local custom
Cash economy; cards work mainly at major hotels
Some hotels keep a shared tip box for staff, paid out at Christmas

More tipping situations (8)

DeliveryRound up
Hairdresser / BarberNot expected
Spa & MassageNot expected
Hotel StaffNot expected
Tour guidesNot expected
Valet ParkingNot expected
Airport ServicesNot expected
Car Services / UberRound up

Travel essentials

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Tipping questions in Solomon Islands

Sources & methodology

We cross-check tipping guidance across multiple independent sources, with local and official sources prioritized where available.

How we review tipping rules