Is it safe to withdraw cash in Solomon Islands or not?
Honiara’s ATMs are concentrated near major roads and banks. I found one inside a hotel lobby that worked well even at 8 PM. If you’re out late and need money, check hotels or large supermarkets rather than standalones.
There’s a cash-first culture here. Most shops and taxis don’t take cards, and many ATMs close early. I didn’t risk late-night withdrawals - not because of safety, but because machines can simply be unavailable or out of cash.
ATM coverage is limited. I tried to use one near the Central Market after 7 PM - it was offline. Locals said they prefer withdrawing in the morning to avoid queues and downtime.
In Honiara, I used a BSP ATM around 6:45 PM, just before it got dark. The machine was working, but the streets emptied quickly after sunset. Withdrawing cash at night in the Solomon Islands isn’t unsafe, but it can feel isolated and poorly lit.