Key Takeaways
- ✔ There are three ways to send: bank transfer, M-SELEN mobile wallet or cash pickup.
- ✔ Compare how many Solomon dollars your family receives, not just the fee.
- ✔ M SELEN works anywhere, from remote provinces to Honiara.
For thousands of Solomon Islanders in Australia, whether working through the PALM scheme or settled through the Pacific Engagement Visa, supporting family back home is part of everyday life. However, when you send money to the Solomon Islands, fees and the AUD to SBD exchange rate can reduce how much your family actually receives. That’s why this guide explains how to send money from Australia, your three main options, and how to choose the best one for you.
AUD to SBD: What you need to know about the exchange rate
The Solomon Islands dollar (SBD) is the official currency of the Solomon Islands, issued by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands. When you send money from Australia, your Australian dollars (AUD) are converted into SBD before your family receives them.
The AUD to SBD rate you see on Google or in the news is the mid market rate, which is the rate banks use when trading with each other. Most providers add a margin on top of this, so the rate you receive is usually a little lower.
The simplest check is to compare how many Solomon dollars your recipient will actually get.
How to send money step by step
Sending money to the Solomon Islands from Australia is simple once you know the steps.
1. Create an account
Compare fees and rates, then sign up online or in the app.
2. Verify your identity
Use a valid ID such as a passport or driver licence.
3. Add your recipient
Full name as on their ID, plus bank account or mobile number.
4. Choose how it arrives
Bank transfer, mobile wallet or cash pickup.
5. Pay and track
Confirm the amount received, pay, and follow it until it arrives.
Ready to send?
Check today’s AUD to SBD rate.
Option 1: Bank Transfer to the Solomon Islands
A bank transfer sends money directly into your recipient’s bank account in the Solomon Islands. It’s a popular choice for families who already bank locally and for regular payments such as school fees or rent.
What you’ll need
- • Your recipient’s full name, exactly as it appears on their account
- • The name of their bank and branch
- • Their account number
- • The bank’s SWIFT code (if you’re sending through an Australian bank)
Pros
✔ Secure and easy to keep records of
✔ Good for regular or planned payments
Cons
✖ Banks often charge higher fees and margins
✖ Can take a few days to arrive
✖ Harder to access outside Honiara and major towns
Option 2: Send Money to an M-SELEN Mobile Wallet
M-SELEN is Our Telekom’s mobile wallet in the Solomon Islands. It lets your recipient receive, store and spend money using their mobile phone, without needing a bank account.
What you’ll need
- • Your recipient’s full name, exactly as registered with M-SELEN
- • Their mobile number linked to their M-SELEN account
Once the money arrives, your recipient can pay bills, buy phone credit, send money to others or withdraw cash at an M-SELEN agent.
Pros
✔ Fast, with money usually arriving quickly
✔ No bank account needed
✔ Ideal for families in provinces far from bank branches
Cons
✖ Recipient needs a registered and active M-SELEN account
✖ Wallet and transaction limits may apply
Option 3: Cash Pickup in the Solomon Islands
With cash pickup, you send money online and your recipient collects it in cash from an agent location in the Solomon Islands. It’s a good choice when your recipient doesn’t have a bank account or mobile wallet.
What you’ll need
- • Your recipient’s full name, exactly as it appears on their ID
- • The town or pickup location they’ll collect from
Your recipient will need to bring valid ID and the transfer reference number.
Pro
✔ No bank account or mobile wallet needed
✔ Money is often ready to collect quickly
Cons
✖ Your recipient must travel to an agent location, which can be difficult in remote provinces
✖ Fees and exchange rate margins are often higher
🛡️ Stay safe: Share the reference number only with your recipient to keep the transfer secure.
Which Option is right for you?
The best way to send money to the Solomon Islands depends on where your recipient lives and how they prefer to receive and use their money.
| Bank transfer | M SELEN wallet Popular | Cash pickup | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Can take a few days | Usually fast | Often ready quickly |
| Cost | Often higher with banks | Usually lower | Often higher |
| Recipient needs | A bank account | A registered M SELEN account | Valid ID and reference number |
| Best for | Regular payments like school fees | Families anywhere, from remote provinces to cities like Honiara | Recipients without a bank account or wallet |
Looking for the cheapest way to send money to the Solomon Islands? Compare the total amount your recipient will receive, not just the fee.
Send Money with Rocket Remit
Flat fees regardless of amount, transparent AUD to SBD rates, and transfers of up to $1,000.
Your questions about Sending money to the Solomon Islands
How much does it cost to send money to the Solomon Islands?
The total cost depends on two things: the transfer fee and the exchange rate margin. With Rocket Remit, you pay a flat fee regardless of how much you send, and you can see the AUD to SBD rate before you confirm. Current fee $0.99 AUD
How long does a transfer take to M-Selen?
It depends on how the money arrives. Transfers to an M SELEN wallet usually arrive in minutes, while bank transfers can take a few days.
Can I send money to an M SELEN wallet from Australia??
Yes. You’ll need your recipient’s full name as registered with M SELEN and the mobile number linked to their account. Once the money arrives, they can use it to pay bills, buy phone credit or withdraw cash at an M SELEN agent.
Can PALM visa holders send money home?
Yes. PALM workers can send money to family in the Solomon Islands once they’ve created an account and verified their identity with a valid ID such as a passport.
Is there a limit on how much I can send?
With Rocket Remit, you can send up to $1,000 per transfer, which suits regular, smaller payments to family.
About Rocket Remit
Rocket Remit provides fast international money transfers from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to supported destinations. Transfer availability, delivery method and processing times vary by country and transaction.
Use the country selector to choose the country and check the rate.
Click here for more information on how to send money using Rocket Remit.
