Frequently Asked Questions

You can find the answers to many of your questions below.

But if you still need to know more, do not hesitate to call Western Union customer care number at +677 7976505 (for online transfers only).

Who uses Western Union money transfer services?

Anyone who needs to send or receive money quickly uses Western Union. These include people supporting friends or relatives abroad and travellers who need to make fast, international remittances.

Who are Western Union® agents?

Western Union agent locations are independent businesses that provide money transfer services to their customers on behalf of Western Union. They are our representatives in the different countries you need to send or receive money, they may be banks, post offices, supermarkets, grocery stores, check cashers, mailbox centers, drug stores, travel agencies, depots, airports, train and bus stations, currency exchange offices and other retailers.

How can I find a Western Union agent location in Solomon Islands?

Finding an agent location in Solomon Islands is easy, go to our agent locator tool.

How do I send money from an agent location?

Once you get to our agent location, you will be asked to provide some information like your receiver’s first name, last name, the amount you wish to send, the country you are sending to and your government-issued ID; then just give the agent the total amount including the applicable fees.

What documents can I use to send money in Solomon Islands?

Regardless if you are a resident or a non-resident, you’ll need to present any official government-issued primary and secondary IDs. Those documents should provide the following information: full name, date of birth, issue date, number, expiry date and country of issue. Primary ID can be: passport, government-issued ID, driver’s license, government-issued superannuation ID, student ID or firearms license. Secondary IDs include: birth certificate, citizenship certificate, marriage certificate, Solomon Islands work permit, Solomon Islands government-issued records, license or permit issued by the Commodity Board or association, bank statement or credit /debit card issued by a bank based in Solomon Islands, country health card or land titles office certificate.

Acceptable IDs are subject to the Banking laws and regulations of Solomon Islands.

How much money can I send from a Western Union agent location in Solomon Islands?

You can send up to 10,000 SBD from agent location in Solomon Islands. Any transfers higher than 10,000 SBD requires approval from a regulator. If you need more information on regulatory approval, you can visit any Western Union agent location.

How are money transfers paid out to receivers?

Money transfers will generally be paid in cash or will be transferred directly to the receiver’s bank account if the option is available.

Restrictions may apply. Please contact a Western Union agent to get more information about restrictions.

How can I know the status of my money transfer?

You can check your transfer status online, all you need is the sender’s name and the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) printed on the sender’s receipt.

Can I send money at anytime in an agent location?

Each Western Union agent location determines its own hours of operation. Some have extended hours and open during weekends.

Find a nearby Western Union agent location with our agent locator tool.

What documents can I use to pick up money in Solomon Islands?

Regardless if you are a resident or a non-resident, you’ll need to present any official government-issued primary and secondary IDs. Those documents should provide the following information: full name, date of birth, issue date, number, expiry date and country of issue. Primary ID can be: passport, government-issued ID, driver’s license, government-issued superannuation ID, student ID or firearms license. Secondary IDs include: birth certificate, citizenship certificate, marriage certificate, Solomon Islands work permit, Solomon Islands government-issued records, license or permit issued by the Commodity Board or association, bank statement or credit /debit card issued by a bank based in Solomon Islands, country health card or land titles office certificate.

Acceptable IDs are subject to the Banking laws and regulations of Solomon Islands.

How do I know if my money transfer has been received?

You can go to  track a transfer on WU.com. Then type in the sender’s name and the MTCN (money transfer control number). You’ll get an update on the latest status of your money transfer.

How do I pick up a money transfer?

You can pick up the money at any Western Union agent location. You’ll need to provide the following information:

  • Sender’s full name
  • The country where the money was sent from.
  • The approximate amount that was sent.
  • The tracking number – ( MTCN – Money Transfer Control Number)
  • Acceptable ID documents are also required

For more information, please visit your nearest Western Union agent location.

How does a Western Union agent pay out the money transfer?

Money transfers will generally be paid in cash.
Other restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit your nearest  Western Union agent location.

How much does it cost to receive money?

All fees are paid by the sender.

Western Union values its business and takes pride in delivering your funds in the quickest and most reliable way possible. However, it is important that you protect yourself from fraudsters who are out to get your money.

Below are some frequently asked questions about fraud. For more information, please visit the Fraud awareness section here.

Are there common fraud scenarios that I should be aware of and things I shouldn’t send my money for

Yes. Only use Western Union to send money to friends and family. Never send money to someone you have not met in person. Scammers sometimes encourage people to transfer money. Do not transfer money to anyone who asks you to send them money:

  • For an emergency situation you haven’t confirmed.
  • For an online purchase.
  • For anti-virus protection.
  • For a deposit or payment on a rental property.
  • To claim lottery or prize winnings.
  • To pay taxes.
  • For a donation to charity.
  • For a mystery shopping asignment.
  • For a job opportunity.
  • For a credit card or loan fee.
  • To resolve an immigration matter.

If you transfer money, the person you’re sending it to gets the money quickly. After the money is paid, Western Union may not be able to give you a refund, even if you are the victim of fraud, except under limited circumstances.

Someone claiming to be from Western Union e-mailed me. What should I do?

If you receive an email from anyone claiming to be from Western Union and you are unsure about it, do not click on any links in the mail. This may be a “phishing” attempt to acquire sensitive information from you. Instead, immediately please contact Westernunion.com Customer Service Center number at +677 7976505 (for online services only).

Western Union will never send you e-mails to ask for your user ID, password, or credit card details.

What is a Test Question? When is it used?

In some countries, senders are asked to provide a ‘Test Question’ and its answer when they initiate the transfer.  In cases where a ‘Test Question’ was provided by the sender, the receiver may be required to give the answer when picking up the funds.  The ‘Test Question’ feature is designed for emergency situations where the receiver still needs to provide proper identification. It should never be used as additional security or to delay payment. In many places, we’ll pay the receiver whenever the receiver shows proper identification, even if he/she does not know the answer to the question. Test question is not available for payout in Solomon Islands.

Can the Test Question feature secure my funds or delay payment of a transaction?

The ‘Test Question’ feature is designed for emergency situations where the receiver still needs to provide proper identification. It should never be used as additional security or to delay payment. In many places, we’ll pay the receiver whenever the receiver shows proper identification, even if he/she does not know the answer to the question. Test question is not available for payout in Solomon Islands.

What can I do if I suspect fraud or am a victim of fraud?

You should immediately visit our agent location for assistance with a transaction that you believe was sent for fraud. You should also file a report with your local law enforcement. You should also contact your government’s Office of Consumer Affairs and police station if you are uncertain or suspicious of a telephone, mail, or e-mail solicitation.

What additional tips should I keep in mind?
  • Always make sure you know who you are sending money to.
  • Discontinue a call if a caller coaches you to respond to questions asked by Western Union.
  • Security is everyone’s responsibility. Stay informed. Keep abreast of new fraud trends.
  • Remember, if it seemts too-good-to-be-true, it probably is.
  • For more information about how to protect yourself from fraud, click here.
Does Western Union need to confirm my identity?

Yes, before making your first online transfer, you will need to verify your profile:

First, fill out the online registration form and provide the following information: full name, date and country of birth, ID details (type, number, expiry date, issuer) and address. If the address is not displayed on the ID document, then you will be ask to provide additional documents in order to verify your address.

When an expired ID is detected, you will be required to provide a new one.

Once you have successfully registered online, you will be asked to visit one of the below listed Currency No.1 locations and verify your identity and phone number in person

  • Fexco / No.1 Currency location Lot 31/II Mendana Avenue, Point Cruz, Honiara;
  • Fexco / No.1 Currency location Kukum Highway, Kukum, Honiara, Guadalcanal.
How long will it take to confirm my identity?

After presenting a valid government-issued ID at the nearest verification location, you will receive a confirmation by phone. If you need to send money before your verification is completed, please visit a Western Union agent location.

What documents do I need to present to send money?

Regardless if you are a resident or a non-resident, you’ll need to present any official government-issued primary and secondary IDs. Those documents should provide the following information: full name, date of birth, issue date, number, expiry date and country of issue. Primary ID can be: passport, government-issued ID, driver’s license, government-issued superannuation ID, student ID or firearms license. Secondary IDs include: birth certificate, citizenship certificate, marriage certificate, Solomon Islands work permit, Solomon Islands government-issued records, license or permit issued by the Commodity Board or association, bank statement or credit /debit card issued by a bank based in Solomon Islands, country health card or land titles office certificate.

Acceptable IDs are subject to the Banking laws and regulations of Solomon Islands.

What are dedicated locations for physical identification verification in Solomon Islands?

You can find all locations for physical verification here.

What are Western Union® agent locations?

Agent locations are places where you can transfer money using Western Union. Agent locations may be in supermarkets, grocery stores, check cashers, mailbox centers, drug stores, travel agencies, depots, and other retailers. In some countries, they may be in banks, travel agencies, post offices, airports, train, and bus stations, and currency exchange offices.

How can I find a nearby Western Union® agent location?

Use this link to find an agent location near you.

How do I send money from a Western Union® agent location?

You’ll need to provide a valid identification document, transaction details, and pay the agent the amount you want to send, plus fees, in cash.

Which transfer service is offered at Western Union® agent locations?

Western Union agent locations offer the ability to send and receive money around the world using cash.

How much money can I send from a Western Union® agent location?

You can send up to 10,000 SBD from agent location in Solomon Islands. Any transfers for more than 10,000 SBD requires approval from a regulator.

1 Local restrictions in some countries, allow exchange rates to be fixed only when collected.