Moving To Solomons Advise

donalryan200121:56 UTC10 Mar 2014

Hi All
I'm moving out to Gizo for two years in April. I have a few questions:

I am looking at internet access, it looks really expensive. I need an internet connection/ mobile phone to skype family and friends in Ireland, can anyone recommend a good provider and a rough cost per month.

The general cost of living. I will have accommodation provided, but how much to live simply.

Is it safe to swim in the sea I need to keep fit.

How often does the ferry run from Honiara to Gizo?

Any general advise?

Thank you in advance
Donal

ozziegiraffe03:49 UTC12 Apr 2014

Internet access in Solomon Islands is expensive, slow and not always reliable. Telekom is probably the only provider in Gizo. No idea of current costs. I lived in Honiara ten years ago. Imported food is expensive, but if you enjoy local food, fish is cheaper than Australia, and fruit and vegetables are cheap by western standards. There is also good locally canned tuna (much better than imported varieties in some shops). Not sure about Gizo, but check where to swim with the locals (some beaches are kustom areas). There is. Regular boat to Honiara weekly, I think on Sundays, and flights every day.

pantojaedu03:04 UTC14 Apr 2014

Hi Donal

Im the Instructor of dive Gizo, Im from Chile and arrived 2 weeks ago, and had the same problems but everything is solved quickly here . Solomon Telcom is the provider and it will cost aprox a 250 solomon dollars a week for 500 gb. for a external dongle. Most groceries are twice the price of Australia but fresh products ( vegetables, fish and others) Are practically inexpensive! Its very safe to swim in the sea and when you arrive come here to visit us and we can help you, and maybe go diving to see beautiful mantas and magnificient coral reef. The ferry departs sunday morning from Honiara. My only advice is that you forget a bit about your watch and prepare for a beautiful and relaxed island ! Who are you working for?

Cheers!

donalryan200105:57 UTC16 Apr 2014

Thanks Lads, handy advise. Internet is a total rip off, I wonder will my Irish sweaty, looks of desperation get a discount, Hell I could get it for free lol.I I'll sort out all that internet stuff when i get to Honiara next week.
I'm working on a project for the Dominicans on Loga but will give you a shout when I'm around.
Thanks lads

Moving To Solomons Advise Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Solomon Islands
donalryan200121:56 UTC10 Mar 2014	Hi All I'm moving out to Gizo for two years in April. I have a few questions: I am looking at internet access, it looks really expensive. I need an internet connection/ mobile phone to skype family and friends in Ireland, can anyone recommend a good provider and a rough cost per month. The general cost of living. I will have accommodation provided, but how much to live simply. Is it safe to swim in the sea I need to keep fit. How often does the ferry run from Honiara to Gizo? Any general advise? Thank you in advance Donal
ozziegiraffe03:49 UTC12 Apr 2014	Internet access in Solomon Islands is expensive, slow and not always reliable. Telekom is probably the only provider in Gizo. No idea of current costs. I lived in Honiara ten years ago. Imported food is expensive, but if you enjoy local food, fish is cheaper than Australia, and fruit and vegetables are cheap by western standards. There is also good locally canned tuna (much better than imported varieties in some shops). Not sure about Gizo, but check where to swim with the locals (some beaches are kustom areas). There is. Regular boat to Honiara weekly, I think on Sundays, and flights every day.	1
pantojaedu03:04 UTC14 Apr 2014	Hi Donal Im the Instructor of dive Gizo, Im from Chile and arrived 2 weeks ago, and had the same problems but everything is solved quickly here . Solomon Telcom is the provider and it will cost aprox a 250 solomon dollars a week for 500 gb. for a external dongle. Most groceries are twice the price of Australia but fresh products ( vegetables, fish and others) Are practically inexpensive! Its very safe to swim in the sea and when you arrive come here to visit us and we can help you, and maybe go diving to see beautiful mantas and magnificient coral reef. The ferry departs sunday morning from Honiara. My only advice is that you forget a bit about your watch and prepare for a beautiful and relaxed island ! Who are you working for? Cheers!	2
donalryan200105:57 UTC16 Apr 2014	Thanks Lads, handy advise. Internet is a total rip off, I wonder will my Irish sweaty, looks of desperation get a discount, Hell I could get it for free lol.I I'll sort out all that internet stuff when i get to Honiara next week. I'm working on a project for the Dominicans on Loga but will give you a shout when I'm around. Thanks lads	3