Convert AUD to SBD Exchange Rate

Best Place to Buy Solomon Islands Dollar in Australia

Planning an adventure to the Solomon Islands? Whether you're exploring WWII wreck dive sites around Guadalcanal, snorkeling in the world's largest saltwater lagoon at Marovo, discovering traditional kastom villages, or working on development projects in Honiara, you'll need Solomon Islands Dollars in your wallet. Travel Money Oz makes it easy — visit one of our 90+ stores across Australia to buy SBD cash in person with same-day service. Thanks to our Price Beat Guarantee, you'll always get a competitive rate on your Solomon Islands currency for your Pacific adventure.

How to Get the Best AUD to SBD Exchange Rate

Whether you're heading to the Solomon Islands for world-class wreck diving, exploring WWII battlefields and memorials, experiencing authentic Melanesian culture in traditional villages, or contributing to development work, getting the most out of your Australian dollars starts with a strong AUD to SBD exchange rate. At Travel Money Oz, we make it easy — visit any of our 90+ stores for competitive rates, no hidden fees, and expert advice on preparing for the Solomon Islands' cash-based economy.

Lock In More Solomon Islands Dollars with Our Price Beat Guarantee

Found a better published AUD to SBD rate in Australia? Show it to us, and we'll beat it — that's our Price Beat Guarantee. Available on cash purchases, it's the easiest way to maximise your Solomon Islands Dollars before you fly. Whether you're diving the wreck of USS John Penn, cruising Marovo Lagoon, or staying in village guesthouses, more SBD in your wallet means less stress and better value for your Solomon Islands adventure.

Price Beat Guarantee applies to SBD cash purchases. Terms and conditions apply.

Cash rate

Purchase in store

Card rate

Purchase in store

Code

SBD

Symbol

Coins

10, 20, 50 cents, $1, $2

Banknotes

$5, $10, $20, $50 and $100

Pick Up Solomon Islands Dollar Cash in Store

Visit one of over 90 Travel Money Oz stores across Australia to buy your Solomon Islands Dollars. Lock in your rate and collect your cash the same day — perfect if you need SBD quickly for your upcoming trip. Whether you're exploring Guadalcanal's history, island hopping to Malaita or Western Province, or volunteering on community projects, getting your Solomon Islands currency sorted means one less thing to worry about. Enjoy a smooth, reliable exchange experience with no airport markups or surprise fees.

Convert Solomon Islands Dollar to AUD – Sell Back After Your Trip

Just returned from the Solomon Islands with leftover Solomon Dollars? Travel Money Oz makes it easy to convert SBD back to AUD at competitive rates. Visit any of our 90+ stores across Australia to sell your SBD cash quickly and without hidden fees. Whether you've returned from development work, diving expeditions, or cultural exploration, it's the smart, stress-free way to turn your Solomon Islands Dollars back to Australian dollars after your trip.

Get a Better SBD to AUD Rate with Our Buy Back Bonus

If you bought your Solomon Islands Dollars from Travel Money Oz, you may qualify for our Buy Back Bonus — a perk that gives you a better SBD to AUD rate when you sell back leftover cash. Just bring your original receipt and our team will help you convert Solomon Islands Dollar to AUD with extra value. It's the easiest way to get more for your SBD to AUD conversion after your Pacific adventure.

Buy Back Bonus applies to cash purchases. Terms and conditions apply.

How to save money while in the Solomon Islands

Enjoying the Solomon Islands doesn’t have to drain your wallet! Here are some quick tips to make the most of your SBD...

Travel during off-peak seasons (November to April) for lower prices on flights and accommodations. These months are quieter, offering more affordable options and fewer tourists, especially before the peak season starts in May.
Dining out? Embrace the local food scene by dining at markets and roadside stalls for fresh, affordable meals, andtry budget-friendly local food like taro, cassava, and fresh fish. These delicious and authentic dishes are widely available at markets and local eateries without breaking the bank.
Use ferries or public transport to get around the islands, including local buses and taxis, which are inexpensive options for getting around the islands.
Don’t miss free attractions like the stunning beaches of Tulagi or a walk-through Honiara’s Central Market to experience local culture and daily life. The natural beauty of the islands can be enjoyed without a hefty price tag.

All about Solomon Island currency

A quick guide to money in the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) holds a special place in the nation’s history, representing both its independence and identity. Introduced in 1977 to replace the Australian Dollar, the SBD became a symbol of economic sovereignty as the Solomon Islands embarked on a journey of self-governance.

SBD-Solomon-Islands-DollarNot-Repeating-Pattern

Solomon Island notes and coins

The Solomon coins and notes are incredibly similar to the Australian system, so there’s no need to take study notes or conversion guides with you.

You’ll find 10c, 20c and 50c coins, and the classic $1 and $2 coins on the top-end.

The notes are exactly the same as ours – with $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

Fun facts about Solomon Island cash

The banknotes, available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 Dollars, showcase landmarks like the Parliament Building in Honiara and scenes of daily life in the islands.
The $100 Dollar note is particularly striking, with its depiction of traditional canoe voyages and a nod to the islands’ maritime heritage.
The coins, which range from 1 to 50 cents and $1 to $2 Dollars, feature designs such as traditional war canoes, fish, and sea turtles, reflecting the nation’s deep ties to its waters.

Travel Money Trivia - Solomon Island edition

The Australian pound sterling was used in Solomon Islands up until the nation was made independent in 1977.
Just like us, Solomon Islands’ coins bear the face of the reigning UK monarch – until recently this was Queen Elizabeth II, and as of 2025, the Solomon Islands released a new $1 coin featuring the effigy of King Charles III!
Banknotes take a more modern look at their culture, showing scenes of the traditional daily routines and culturally significant aspects of the Solomon Islands.

Where can I buy Solomon Islands Dollar in Australia?
You can buy Solomon Islands Dollar at any of the 90+ Travel Money Oz stores across Australia. Visit your nearest location in person to purchase SBD cash with same-day service available. Use our store locator to find your nearest Travel Money Oz and get your AUD to SBD sorted before your trip to the Solomon Islands. Our team can also advise on the Solomon Islands' cash-based economy and help you determine how much SBD cash to bring.
What currency is used in Solomon Islands?
The official currency of the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands Dollar (also called Solomon Dollar), abbreviated as SBD and symbolized by SI$or$. The currency was introduced in 1977, one year before the country gained independence from Britain in 1978. It replaced the Australian Dollar which had been used since 1966. The Solomon Islands Dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. You'll need SBD for all everyday expenses throughout the islands — the Solomon Islands operates as a cash-based economy with very limited card acceptance and banking infrastructure.
What does SBD stand for?
SBD stands for Solomon Islands Dollar (sometimes referred to as Solomon Dollar). It's the official currency code for the Solomon Islands' money, just like AUD stands for Australian Dollar. When you see "SBD" in exchange rates, it refers to Solomon Islands Dollars. The currency symbol is "SI$" (to distinguish from other dollar currencies) or simply "$" within the Solomon Islands. Prices are displayed as "SI$100" or "$100" throughout Honiara and the outer islands.
Is it better to buy Solomon Islands Dollar in Australia or in Solomon Islands?
It's definitely better to buy Solomon Islands Dollars in Australia before your trip. You can lock in the exchange rate at Travel Money Oz with our Price Beat Guarantee and arrive in Honiara fully prepared. Banking facilities in the Solomon Islands are extremely limited — currency exchange services barely exist outside Honiara, and even in the capital, options are restricted to banks with limited hours and often poor rates. Airport exchange facilities are minimal with unfavorable rates. Most critically, ATMs exist only in Honiara (at ANZ Bank and BSP branches), are frequently unreliable (running out of cash, network failures, power outages), and don't dispense large amounts. ATMs don't exist anywhere on outer islands. Having all your Solomon Islands Dollars organized before departure is essential — you cannot rely on obtaining cash once you're there, especially if traveling beyond Honiara.
Should I take cash or card to Solomon Islands?
CASH ONLY! The Solomon Islands operates as an almost entirely cash-based economy. Only a handful of upscale hotels and dive resorts in Honiara accept credit cards, and even then, connections are often unreliable. You'll need Solomon Islands Dollar cash for absolutely everything: all markets (fresh produce, betel nut, bilum bags, handicrafts, shell jewelry), all restaurants and cafes, all guesthouses and village accommodation, all public transport (PMVs - public motor vehicles, outboard motor boats between islands), all taxis, dive operators and tour guides (most cash-only), island transfers, village entry fees (customary payments), tips, and literally anywhere outside Honiara's few upscale establishments. ATMs exist only in Honiara and are notoriously unreliable.
Can I convert leftover Solomon Islands Dollar back to AUD?
Yes! If you've returned from the Solomon Islands with leftover SBD — whether from development work, diving expeditions, cultural exploration, or volunteer projects — bring it to any Travel Money Oz store and we'll convert it back to AUD. If you originally bought your Solomon Islands Dollars from us, you may qualify for our Buy Back Bonus for even better value. Just bring your original receipt. Given the necessity of bringing substantial cash to the Solomon Islands (due to no ATMs on outer islands), many travelers return with leftover SBD, making buyback services commonly used.