Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Solomonislands
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $55-140 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Solomonislands
Accommodation
$25-60 per night
Basic guesthouses, budget lodges, shared facilities, fan-cooled rooms in local areas
Food & Dining
$15-35 per day
Local markets, street food stalls, basic restaurants, self-catering with local ingredients
Transportation
$10-25 per day
Public buses, shared taxis, walking, occasional boat transfers between islands
Activities
$5-20 per day
Free beaches, hiking, snorkeling with own gear, occasional cultural sites
Currency: SBD Solomon Islands Dollar (though USD widely accepted)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Solomonislands
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Shop at local markets instead of resort stores for 60-80% savings on food and supplies
Use public transportation and shared boats instead of private transfers to save 70-85% on transport costs
Stay in locally-owned guesthouses rather than international resorts for 50-70% accommodation savings
Eat at local restaurants away from tourist areas where meals typically cost 40-60% less
Book inter-island flights well in advance for 30-50% discounts on domestic airfare
Travel during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) for 25-40% lower accommodation rates
Bring your own snorkeling gear to avoid daily rental fees of $15-30
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Relying solely on resort dining instead of exploring local food options (typically 200-300% markup)
Not budgeting for inter-island transportation costs which can easily add $100-200 per day
Underestimating activity costs - guided tours and diving typically range $80-200 per person per day