Samoa
Samoa is an independent country in the South Pacific. It is not the same as American Samoa, which is a separate US territory. Most people live on Upolu, the island with the capital Apia and the main international airport. Savai'i is larger and quieter. Two small islands, Manono and Apolima, lie between them.
Visitors come for beaches, waterfalls, swimming holes and village life. Many stay in beach fales, which are simple open-sided huts. Samoa suits travelers who want a slow pace and local culture more than nightlife. Fa'a Samoa, the Samoan way, is a strong part of daily life, and church and family come first, especially on Sunday.
In 2011 Samoa moved to the other side of the international date line. Friday, 30 December 2011 was skipped.
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Money & payments
Cash matters more here than in most places. Banks and ATMs are found at the airport, in and around Apia, and in Salelologa on Savai'i. Elsewhere they are rare. Not every business takes cards, and banks may charge a fee for card use. Carry small notes for village entry fees, buses and small shops.
Most prices in shops and restaurants already include the 15% sales tax (VAGST), unless a price says otherwise.
Featured Lists
Natural Wonders of Samoa
Samoa’s landscape is defined by its volcanic origins, ranging from the 1,858-meter summit of Mauga Silisili to the coastal lava tubes of Peapea Cave. This collection highlights the archipelago’s geological diversity, including the rare sight of the Lata River falling directly into the ocean at Mu Pagoa and the deep blue hole of Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. Explore tiered jungle cascades like Togitogiga and the expansive lava fields surrounding the historic Mauga Matāvanu crater.
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Tours & Activities
Samoa — Map
Tipping
Tipping is not customary and not expected in Samoa. A tip for good service is welcome but never required. At resort fiafia nights, guests are often invited to give a small donation to the performers.
Electricity
Samoa uses Type I plugs, the same as Australia and New Zealand. Travelers from Europe, the UK or North America will need an adapter.
Language
Samoan and English are the official languages. English is widely spoken in Apia and in tourism and business. In small villages you will hear mostly Samoan. A few Samoan words are appreciated, especially the greeting talofa.
Safety & emergencies
Serious crime is low and petty theft is uncommon. Use the hotel safe for valuables as usual.
The main risks come from nature and the road:
- Sea and lagoons: Currents can be strong, and waves break directly on the reef. Ask locals or your hosts before you swim or surf.
- Tsunami and earthquake: Samoa lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire. A major earthquake and tsunami hit in 2009. Ask your accommodation about tsunami warning signs and where to go to higher ground.
- Cyclone season: It runs from November to April. Heavy rain and flooding are most likely from December to March.
- Roads: Dogs, pigs and people are often on the road, especially near villages. Avoid driving at night.
- Local rules: Dress modestly away from beaches. Drinking alcohol in public places is reported to be restricted, so drink at bars, restaurants and your hotel. Drug laws are strict. Public displays of affection may draw negative attention, as attitudes are conservative. Check current local laws before you go.
Health
- Water: The tourism authority advises drinking bottled water, which is cheap and easy to find.
- Mosquitoes: Dengue and chikungunya may be present, and Zika is considered a risk. Use repellent and a mosquito net where offered.
- Medical care: Healthcare is limited. In a serious emergency, evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii may be the only option. Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
- Vaccines: Ask a travel clinic which vaccines you need, ideally at least 8 weeks before travel.
- Wildlife: There are no dangerous land animals. In the sea, do not touch marine life, as some species are poisonous.
Visas & entry
Samoa is an independent country. It is separate from American Samoa, which has its own entry rules.
- Visa: Citizens of many countries can visit without a visa for up to 60 days, according to the official tourism site. Some other sources say 90 days. Check the allowed stay with Samoa immigration or your embassy. Citizens of some countries may need a visa in advance.
- Passport: It must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.
- Other checks: You need a return or onward ticket. Officers may also ask for proof of funds and of your accommodation.
- Yellow fever: A vaccination certificate is required if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Customs: You must declare food, plants and animal products. Strict rules apply to firearms and drugs.
- Departure tax: Flights to American Samoa may carry a separate departure tax of 40 tala. Check with your airline.
- Official information: Samoa Tourism Authority – arrival information
Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.
Etiquette
- Dress: Dress modestly in villages and at church. Cover your knees and shoulders. Wear swimwear only at the beach or waterfall.
- Village fees: Many beaches, waterfalls and swimming holes are on village land. Expect to pay a small cash fee at the entrance, about WST 5 to 20 per person.
- Ask first: Ask permission before you swim in a village lagoon or take photos of people or homes.
- Evening prayer (sa): Usually between 6 and 7 pm, villages stop for about 10 to 20 minutes of prayer. A bell or shell is the signal. Do not walk or drive through a village during this time.
- In a fale: Take off your shoes before you enter. Do not point your feet at others. Sit cross-legged or cover your legs with a lavalava (sarong).
- Sunday: It is a day for church, family and rest. Most businesses are closed. Move quietly through villages. You are welcome at church if you dress modestly.
Holidays & opening hours
On public holidays, shops, offices and many restaurants close, and transport may run less. Sunday works like a public holiday almost everywhere. Most businesses are closed, and fuel stations are often closed too. Buy fuel, cash and food in advance for Sunday, especially on Savai'i.
Getting around
- By ferry: A daily passenger and car ferry connects Upolu and Savai'i. It leaves from Mulifanua on Upolu and arrives at Salelologa on Savai'i. The crossing takes about 60 to 90 minutes and passes Manono and Apolima. Book car space in advance through the ferry operator or your rental company. Samoa Tourism Authority – ferry to Savai'i
- By car: Renting a car is the most flexible way to see each island. See the driving section for licence and road notes.
- By bus and taxi: Buses and taxis operate on the main islands. Ask your accommodation about routes and prices, and keep small cash for fares.
- By air: The tourism authority lists domestic flights between the islands. Check schedules with the airline, as services may be limited.
- Manono: No vehicles are allowed on Manono. The boat from Upolu takes about 20 minutes, and you explore on foot.
Driving
- Side of the road: Samoa drives on the left.
- Licence: Visitors need a temporary Samoan driving permit in addition to their home licence. Rental companies, the Samoa Land Transport Authority in Apia and other outlets can issue it. Carry both licences.
- Speed: Limits are low, and lower in towns and villages than on open roads.
- Hazards: Dogs, pigs, children and pedestrians are often on the road near villages. Roads can have potholes. Signs are few, so use an offline map. Avoid night driving.
- Fuel: Stations are limited outside Apia and a few larger villages. Many close on Sunday, and payment is usually cash.
- Village courtesy: Slow down and pay attention during the evening prayer time between 6 and 7 pm.
Food & drink
Traditional Samoan food is based on taro, breadfruit, coconut, fish and pork. Much of it is cooked in an umu, an earth oven with hot stones. Families often share an umu meal on Sunday afternoon. Resorts may serve an umu feast during a fiafia night with music and dance.
Coconut cream is used in many dishes, including taro leaves cooked in coconut milk (palusami). Canned corned beef (pisupo) is common with rice. Tropical fruit is easy to find. Restaurants in Apia serve a mix of local, Asian and Western food. Away from Apia, meals are often at your fale or a small local shop.
Where to explore
Upolu
- Apia: The capital and the base for most trips. The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, in the former home of the Scottish writer at Vailima, lies inland. A steep trail from there climbs Mount Vaea to his grave.
- Papase'ea Sliding Rocks: Natural rock waterslides in the rainforest near Apia. An entry fee applies.
- South coast and east: To Sua Ocean Trench is a large sea-fed swimming hole on the south coast. Lalomanu, on the east coast of Upolu, is known for beach fales. It is about 1 hour 15 minutes by road from Apia.
- North-east: Fagaloa Bay is on the north-east coast of Upolu, in the Va'a-o-Fonoti district.
Savai'i
- Savai'i island: Samoa's largest island. Salelologa, the ferry town, is at the east end. It has fewer people and less development than Upolu.
- Alofa'aga Blowholes: Waves force water through lava tubes to shoot up from the coast, reached through Taga village. Rocks are wet and slippery, and the area has no fence. A village entry fee applies.
- Mu Pagoa and Mauga Silisili: Mu Pagoa is a waterfall in the Palauli area. Mauga Silisili is Samoa's highest peak.
- Saleaula lava fields: Solid lava left by eruptions of Mt Matavanu from 1905 to 1911.
Small islands
- Manono and Apolima: Two small islands between Upolu and Savai'i. Manono is reached by a short boat ride from Upolu and has no vehicles. Apolima is smaller and more remote.
Samoa – Plan Your Days
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