Travel Guide for Samoa

Samoa is a postcard of natural beauty consisting of ten islands, each offering very distinct and different environments to explore. From the rainforest covered rugged volcanic mountain peaks of the two main islands to the vast valleys leading down to a coastline ringed with a necklace of white sandy beaches.
Within these lush green fertile valleys, grow banyan trees towering above the rainforest canopy which is full of tropical blooms and numerous varieties of vegetation.
Cascading waterfalls dropping into rivers that cut jagged lines through the valley floor as they make their way to the ocean.
The coastline is a wonder in itself, with sparkling white sand beaches, in some places stretching for miles, and here and there are walls of sheer cliffs that drop straight into the Pacific.
And beyond the beaches out into the blue lagoons are scattered the rest of the islands that make up the Samoa archipelago, some inhabited, others with only natures wildlife, protected by the fringing coral reef that keep the powerful force of the Pacific Ocean at bay.
And amongst all this natural beauty and picturesque valleys and coastline you will find nu’u or villages with their churches, meeting houses and open fale or homes encircling the malae or village green.
Home to people proud of their strong Fa’a Samoa - cultural heritage, that live along side these natural wonders.
For it’s the people, culture and nature that give life to these islands. 

Ten Island of Samoa

• Upolu, population 134,400 (2001), most populous island in the group.
• Savai'i, population 43,142 (2006), largest landmass and most western in the group, most recent volcanic eruptions Mt Matavanu (1905–1911); Mata o le Afi (1902); Mauga Afi (approximately 1725).
• Manono, population 889 (2006)
• Apolima, population 75 (2006)
• Fanuatapu, uninhabited, volcanic tuff ring.
• Namua, uninhabited, has beach fale accommodation for visitors, viewed from Lalomanu beach.
• Nu'ulopa, uninhabited, lies in the Apolima Strait between Upolu and Savai'i.
• Nu'ulua, uninhabited, volcanic tuff ring, land area 25 hectares, conservation habitat for endemic native birdlife.
• Nu'usafe'e, uninhabited, tiny rocky islet off the south coast of Upolu by the village of Poutasi.
• Nu'utele, uninhabited, volcanic tuff ring, conservation for native birdlife, also viewed from popular Lalomanu beach.

• Practical Information

Airlines

Virgin Samoa, Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways and Polynesian Airlines operate international flights from New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Fiji and American Samoa into Samoa.
Samoa Air operates domestic services between Fagalii Airport on Upolu and Maota and Asau Airports on Savaii.

Airports

The main entry point into Samoa is Falelolo International Airport, located 35 km from Apia on the island of Upolu. Polynesian Airlines operates daily flights between Apia and Pago Pago out of Fagalii Airport, which is located about 5km from the Central Business District.
Currency exchange services are open for all international flight arrivals and departures.
Duty free allowances are two-litres of alcohol (Wine or liquor) and 200 cigarettes per person.
Airport shuttle services are available in the Arrivals Hall, after clearing Customs and Quarantine. One-way fares start from SAT$12 per person.
Taxis are also available and a trip to Apia will cost about SAT$60.  It’s recommended you confirm the price with the driver before you depart.
If arriving during the day, the local bus service into Apia from the main gate of the airport is available. The trip into town will cost about SAT$5 one-way.

Breweries

Vailima Breweries and Samoa Beverage Company are Samoa's local breweries.  The local brews are Vailima, Vailima Pure, Taula and Sama.  Both manufacturers also produce a range of soft drinks.  All are widely available.
It is worth nothing that Samoa's Vailima beer has won numerous international awards for its popular larger.

Bars & Nightclubs

There are many bars and nightclubs and most are located in and around Apia.  Doors close at 12am

Banks

ANZ and Westpac are the two international banks found in Samoa. Both have branches at the international airport, in Apia and at Salelologa on Savaii. National Bank of Samoa and Samoa Commercial Bank provide services, currency exchange and ATM's.
ATMs are located in and around Apia and on the island of Savaii. Travellers can use credit cards in the machines but you are required to have a PIN number to withdraw cash.Westpac ATM's allow the use of American Express.

Climate

Samoa's climate is tropical all year round, with two distinct seasons – the dry season running from May to October and the wet season from November to April.
Average daily temperature is 29 degrees Celsius and ocean temperature in the low 20’s.

Currency

The Samoa decimal currency is the Tala (dollar) and Sene (cent): 100 Sene = ST$1 (Tala). All major foreign currencies are exchangeable in Samoa.
Samoan Tala can also be purchased outside the country from a few selected banks, however you will need to check with your bank if you can order some before you depart.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners & JCB) are widely accepted in the major hotels, restaurants and stores. Travellers’ cheques are also widely accepted at major banks and hotels.
Eftpos machines are found throughout Upolu and Savaii in major hotels, resorts and supermarkets and accept the following cards – Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Amex, JCB & Plus Cards and Access International Debit Card.

Departure Tax

Departure tax is included in airfares.

Doctors

There are many medical clinics in Apia should you require a doctor. The Tupua Tamasese Meaole II National Hospital is located in Apia.  There are private dental clinics and pharmacies.

Dress

Light summer clothing is appropriate all year round and packing a light sweater for the cooler evenings is recommended. As Samoa has a strong cultural structure and Christian faith, visitors are asked not to wear bathing suits in Apia or in villages.
Nude and topless (for women) swimming or sunbathing is prohibited and when leaving the beach to venture into the villages, guests are asked to wear a lavalava (sarong), pants or shorts and t-shirt.
If attending church on Sunday, women are asked to wear a dress or blouse and skirt and men trousers and shirt.

Entry requirements

Visitors to Samoa are not required to obtain an entry permit for stays of less than 60 days.   Visitors must have a return or onward ticket and passports must be valid for six months or more at the time of entry into the country.
If your visit is for more than 60 days then you must contact the nearest Samoa Consulate General, High Commission or Embassy (in New Zealand, Australia, United States of America, Belgium, China and Japan).  Permit extensions in Apia are handled by Samoa Immigration.  
Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and the United States of America have diplomatic missions in Samoa.  The United Nations and European Union also have offices in Samoa. 

Internet Services

Staying connected with family and friends via the internet is easy with numerous internet cafes around Samoa.  Major hotels, resorts and cafes also offer internet terminals for guest use or WiFi.

Mobile Carriers

Digicel and Bluesky are Samoa's main telecommunications provides.  Both offer extensive coverage.  Prepaid SIM cards are available at Faleolo International Airport and around Apia.

Post Office

The main Samoa Post branch is located in the Central Business District, across from the main branch of the ANZ Bank.  

Religion

Samoa is a Christian nation and the main denominations are Congregational, Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Assembly of God, Seven Day Adventist, Bahai, Latter Day Saints and Jehovah’s Witness. Visitors are welcome to attend church.  Check with your hotel reception for service times.

Tipping

Tipping is not practiced or expected in Samoa. However, if a guest wishes to offer a gift for good service then you are welcome to do so directly with the employee or the hotel reception.