Samoa

Samoa

Samoa offers stunning natural beauty with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and dramatic waterfalls. It's a perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil island escape with rich Polynesian culture and warm hospitality.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$50/day
Mid-range$100/day
Luxury$500/day

Known For

PolynesiaSouth PacificWestern SamoaAmerican SamoaApia

🇼🇸 Country Information: Samoa

CapitalApia
CurrencySamoan tālā (SAT)
Language Samoan , English
Phone Code+685
Electricity230V (Type I)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

* Tipping is not customary in Samoa, but a small gratuity for exceptional service is appreciated by tour guides or hotel staff

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are limited, especially outside of Apia; it's better to bring some cash for smaller vendors and rural areas
  • Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some larger shops, but cash is preferred
  • It's advisable to bring some cash for immediate expenses and smaller transactions
  • There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly, especially in villages and when visiting churches, covering shoulders and knees
  • It's considered rude to walk through a village during a sa (evening prayer time)
  • Always ask for permission before taking photos of people
  • Remove shoes before entering a fales (traditional Samoan house) or someone's home

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal in Samoa, and there is limited acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 21
  • Drug laws are strict, with severe penalties for possession and trafficking

Special Laws

  • Modest dress is expected, especially when visiting villages or churches
  • Sundays are a day of rest, and many businesses are closed
  • Avoid walking through villages during evening prayers (sa)

Common Phrases

HelloTalofa (tah-loh-fah) Tālofa
PleaseFa'amolemole (fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh) Fa'amolemole
Thank youFa'afetai (fah-ah-feh-tai) Fa'afetai

Climate

Climate Zone: Equatorial Rainforest

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Umu Feast must_try

Traditional earth oven cooking where food is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over hot stones underground. Results in incredibly tender pork, chick

Palusami must_try

Young taro leaves filled with coconut cream and baked in the umu. Creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious. The signature Samoan dish.

Oka must_try

Samoan ceviche - raw fish marinated in lime and coconut cream with onion and chili. Fresh, zesty, and perfect for hot days.

Kava (Ava) must_try

Traditional ceremonial drink made from pepper plant root. Earthy, slightly numbing, deeply cultural. Essential social ritual in Samoan culture.

Tropical Fruits local_favorite

Abundant fresh papaya, mango, coconut, breadfruit, and bananas. Eaten fresh or prepared in traditional ways.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Flights Transport
Book 1-3 months in advance

Limited flights to Samoa. Routes from Auckland, Sydney, Fiji fill up especially around holidays.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Beach Fale Accommodation Accommodation
Book 2-8 weeks in advance

Popular fales like those at Lalomanu book up in dry season.

Fun Facts

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