Samoa travel guide
Read our Samoa travel guide for everything you
need to know about visiting the tropical island nation. From info on the
best places to visit, sample prices, events and attractions, along with
fast facts, you will be well schooled up on island life before you even
leave.
The Fa’a Samoa culture is over 3000 years old
and Samoan mythology and legends say that their people descended from
the gods and heavens to inhabit the islands. Samoans, along with Tongans
and Fijians, were the superpowers of the Pacific before the arrival of
the Europeans, and those connections amongst the three nations remain
strong till this day through each nation’s royal lines.
Missionary influence
European whalers and traders started to arrive in the late 1700’s. By far the most important agents of change in Samoa were the western missionaries, converting the people from belief in Gods for the sun, earth, heavens and sea to the one God. In 1899 after years of civil war, the islands of the Samoan archipelago were divided – the Germans taking the islands to the west and the Americans taking the islands to the east, now known as American Samoa.
Recent History
After the outbreak of World War I, New Zealand captured Western Samoa from the small German company stationed on the islands and following the end of end of the war took administrative control on behalf of the United Nations from 1918 until independence on 1st January 1962. Western Samoa became the first Pacific nation to gain Independence. From 1962 to 1997, the nation was known as Western Samoa, until it dropped the title ‘Western’ from its name to become the Independent State of Samoa.
Society & culture of Samoa
Samoa is a traditional society governed by Fa’a
Samoa (Samoan Way) – where family is all important, respect for ones
elders is strictly adhered to and being of service to your family is
your duty. Here you will find a distinctive polynesian culture over
3000 years old.
Fa’a SamoaFa’a Samoa has
three key elements to it – the matai (chiefs), aiga - the extended
family and the church. Matai are the heads of the extended family unit
and their role is very complex covering family, civic and political
duties in the village. There is 362 nu’u or villages found throughout
the islands with a total of 18,000 matai.
The aiga or extended family is made up of parents, brothers and sisters, children, grandparents, cousins, nephews and nieces living together within the village. When family members marry partners in other villages, the in-laws too become part of the extended family unit and in times of happiness or sadness all come together to pitch in. It is ones duty as a Samoan to be of service to their aiga for life.
The aiga or extended family is made up of parents, brothers and sisters, children, grandparents, cousins, nephews and nieces living together within the village. When family members marry partners in other villages, the in-laws too become part of the extended family unit and in times of happiness or sadness all come together to pitch in. It is ones duty as a Samoan to be of service to their aiga for life.
Religion
Christianity has been one of the few western influences that has been accepted into Fa’a Samoa. John Williams from the London Missionary Society arrived in Savaii in 1830 with eight Tahitian and Rarotongan teachers to spread the word. Today the motto on Samoa’s crest reads “Fa’avae I Le Atua Samoa” – Samoa is founded on God. You will find churches of various denominations in every village, they are usually the biggest buildings. Samoans are devoted Christians and Sunday is a day of worship and spending time with family, no physical work is done.
Christianity has been one of the few western influences that has been accepted into Fa’a Samoa. John Williams from the London Missionary Society arrived in Savaii in 1830 with eight Tahitian and Rarotongan teachers to spread the word. Today the motto on Samoa’s crest reads “Fa’avae I Le Atua Samoa” – Samoa is founded on God. You will find churches of various denominations in every village, they are usually the biggest buildings. Samoans are devoted Christians and Sunday is a day of worship and spending time with family, no physical work is done.
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. The average daily temperature in
Samoa is 28oC, with the ocean temperature average in the mid to high 20’s.
Light summer clothing is appropriate all year round with perhaps a light sweater for the cooler evenings. For an up-to-date forecast on weather in Samoa check out the World Weather website.
When to go to Samoa
The best time to take a holiday to Samoa is during the dry season,
from May to October, so you can avoid the unpleasant tropical rainy
season. During the dry season you can take full advantage of Samoa's
outdoor lifestyle, including snorkelling, diving, swimming and simply
relaxing with a beer or a cocktail on the one of the many beautiful
beaches on Samoa's two main islands of Upolu and Savaii.
The peak tourist season is between June and August during the
Southern Hemipshere winter when hundreds of Kiwi's and Auzzie's descend
on the islands of the South Pacific. To experience Samoa for lower, try
and plan your visit during the shoulder months of May and October. Our
best piece of advice is to make sure you book your flights and
accommodation well in advance in order to get the best deal.
The Samoan decimal currency is the Tala (dollar)
and Sene (cent): 100 Sene = ST$1 (Tala). The exchange rate is
approximately ST$1.85 = NZD$1. To find the most up to the minute Samoan
currency exchange rates, go to XE.com Currency Converter.
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.
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.
All major foreign currencies are exchangeable when in Samoa. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners and 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.
Sample prices
Here are some sample prices of a few common items in Samoa to help you budget for your visit.
•Vailima beer = ST $3.50 small ST $5.80 large
•1 litre bottle of water = ST $3.00
•Fresh coconut = ST $1.50
•Average room prices = Beach Fales ST $50 (incl breakfast & dinner)
•Average meal prices = Market chop suey ST $5 to ST $40 for a main at a good restaurant in Apia.
•1 litre bottle of water = ST $3.00
•Fresh coconut = ST $1.50
•Average room prices = Beach Fales ST $50 (incl breakfast & dinner)
•Average meal prices = Market chop suey ST $5 to ST $40 for a main at a good restaurant in Apia.
These prices are in Samoan Tala, are correct as of 11/09/09 and are subject to change.
Get your Samoa tourist and work visa information
right here! Whether you're wanting a lazy beach holiday or you're keen
to find work or volunteer, you'll find all you need to know before you
go about Samoa's visa requirements.
Samoan holiday visa
Tourist visitors to Samoa are allowed to stay up to 60 days while
holidaying in Samoa without a visa. You must also have a return or
onward ticket and your passport must be valid for six months or more at
the time you enter the country.
If your visit is for more then 60 days or you are intending to work
in Samoa then you must apply for a permit to enter the country from the
nearest Samoan Consulate General, High Commission or Embassy to you in
New Zealand, Australia, United States of America and Belgium.
The following foreign diplomatic offices are represented in Samoa – Australia, Chile, China, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America and Sweden.
The following foreign diplomatic offices are represented in Samoa – Australia, Chile, China, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America and Sweden.
Samoa is one of the safest travel destinations
in the world, boasting a low crime rate, no terrorist activity, and very
few diseases to worry about. The main hospital is in Apia and there are
also a number of district hospitals throughout both islands.
However, it is still recommend that you apply the same common sense approach to your health and safety as you would at home, by not leaving valuables unattended, and investing in both travel insurance and a basic travel first aid kit.
Vaccinations are not required to enter Samoa unless you are arriving
from, or transiting through, an area infected with yellow fever
within six days.
The water in Samoa is generally safe to drink, although travellers are recommended to purchase bottled water, which is widely available. Ice used at most eating spots, nightclubs and bars is generally prepared from treated water, and is therefore usually safe to drink - but if in doubt, ask your waiter first.
There is no risk of catching malaria in Samoa, but there are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever. Dengue fever is transmitted by a daytime-biting mosquito, and travellers are recommended to apply a tropical strength insect repellent to avoid the risk of transmission, and to make your time here more comfortable.
The water in Samoa is generally safe to drink, although travellers are recommended to purchase bottled water, which is widely available. Ice used at most eating spots, nightclubs and bars is generally prepared from treated water, and is therefore usually safe to drink - but if in doubt, ask your waiter first.
There is no risk of catching malaria in Samoa, but there are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever. Dengue fever is transmitted by a daytime-biting mosquito, and travellers are recommended to apply a tropical strength insect repellent to avoid the risk of transmission, and to make your time here more comfortable.
Don't leave home without it! Accidents happen - and they can happen
in the strangest places at the strangest times, like on the beach in
Savaii or hiking up a cliff to catch a view over Upolu. Travel insurance
can cover you for all sorts of mishaps during your travel, and even
before you leave. Did you know up to 25% of all insurance claims are due
to cancellation of travel? Check out our travel insurance policies and grab an online quote today.
In Samoa things don’t move too fast. Roads are
often used by locals for socialising, so be sure to slow down and always
watch for children and livestock. Don’t forget to wave, smile and call
out talofa! Below are a few more hints and tips to ensure you have a
hassle-free trip to Samoa.
Hints & tips
• The electricity is the same as New Zealand, 240 volts/AC 50 cycles, but can be converted to 110 volts in most hotels.
• Fa’a Samoa culture has a strong focus on welcoming visitors, however it is important that visitors follow protocol when entering villages and family homes as well as using and accessing village resources.
• Avoid walking through villages during the evening prayer curfew (usually between 6pm and 7pm). This usually lasts for 10 to 20 minutes and is often marked at the beginning and end by a bell or the blowing of a conch shell.
• Respect Sunday. While many visitor attractions are open on Sunday, you are expected to behave quietly and to travel slowly through villages.
• Skimpy clothing is not recommended in villages, and will cause offence.
• Women are recommended to wear a lava lava (sarong) rather than shorts or pants, especially if they attend church.
• Almost all shops are shut on Sunday, so buy what you need the day before.
• No nude or topless (for women) swimming or sunbathing.
• Shoes should be removed before entering a fale.
• Never stand within a fale when elders are seated.
• When sitting in a fale, avoid pointing your feet at others. Either tuck them away, cross them (yoga style) or cover them with a lavalava or mat.
• Always ask permission from your host before taking photos in a village.
• Don’t offer children money, even if they ask.
• If in any doubt, ask your host or a village member.
• Smile lots, you’ll always get a smile in return.
If you need more assistance whilst in Samoa you can stop in at the Samoa Tourism Authority Fale on Main Beach Road in front of the Government Building in Apia.
Travelling to Samoa from New Zealand is easier
than ever with both Air New Zealand and Polynesian Blue flying into
Faleolo International Airport. There are flights almost every day
between Auckland and Apia so you have plenty of flight options to choose
from. Search our cheap flights to Samoa or contact us about getting a round the world ticket that includes Samoa.
Samoa’s airportSamoa’s main airport is Faleolo International Airport, located on the northwest corner of Upolu island. It’s located 40kms away from Apia and taxis are always available outside the terminal. The fare from the airport to Apia is approximately ST $50.
How to get around
Planes, trains and automobiles
There are 24 rental car companies to choose from and you can hire everything from sedans and soft top 4WDs to 12 seater vans if you have a big group. Most vehicles are still left hand drive as the country has only recently changed (in September 2009) from driving on the right hand side of the road to driving on the left. There are lots of signs to remind the driver which side of the road they should be on however so no need to fear.
If you do decide to drive in Samoa you will need to validate your foreign driver’s license by taking it to the Ministry of Works Transport & Infrastructure in Apia, situated across the road from the flea market, or to the Transport Control Board office in Vaitele near the Vailima factory. Cost for validation is ST $12, and some rental car companies will also assist in getting your license endorsed.
There are 24 rental car companies to choose from and you can hire everything from sedans and soft top 4WDs to 12 seater vans if you have a big group. Most vehicles are still left hand drive as the country has only recently changed (in September 2009) from driving on the right hand side of the road to driving on the left. There are lots of signs to remind the driver which side of the road they should be on however so no need to fear.
If you do decide to drive in Samoa you will need to validate your foreign driver’s license by taking it to the Ministry of Works Transport & Infrastructure in Apia, situated across the road from the flea market, or to the Transport Control Board office in Vaitele near the Vailima factory. Cost for validation is ST $12, and some rental car companies will also assist in getting your license endorsed.
Samoa transport
Another fun way to explore the islands is to take a map and board a local bus. These are very colourful and offer an opportunity to experience the local life. Buses come in a variety of colour schemes and all the seating is wooden. If the bus is full when you board locals will sit on a persons lap, if the bus is heading into to either Apia or Salelologa, the locals will carry their produce on board to the markets.
There are no bus stops around the
islands, so just wave down a bus if you want to get on, and when you
want to get off simply pull the cord to ring the buzzer. You pay your
fare as you leave the bus.
The Samoa Shipping Corporation runs the passenger/vehicle ferry between the mains islands of Upolu and Savaii. The ferry departs from the Mulifanua Wharf on Upolu near the international airport, so if you are coming from Apia, allow 45 minutes for the journey. The ferry departs from the Salelologa Wharf on Savaii for the return journey. The trip takes 75 minutes each way and it pays to arrive early at the wharf to purchase your tickets.
There is usually a ferry leaving from either wharf every 2 hours from 6am till 4pm, the one way passenger fares are ST $9 for adults and ST$ 5 for children 2-12 years. Vehicle charges (depending on the size of the vehicle) are between ST$ 50 – ST $100 each way.
To get the Manono Island, boats operate from the Manono-uta at the western end of Upolu, just down the road from Mulifanua Wharf. One way fares cost ST $1 for children and ST $3 for adults one way.
The Samoa Shipping Corporation runs the passenger/vehicle ferry between the mains islands of Upolu and Savaii. The ferry departs from the Mulifanua Wharf on Upolu near the international airport, so if you are coming from Apia, allow 45 minutes for the journey. The ferry departs from the Salelologa Wharf on Savaii for the return journey. The trip takes 75 minutes each way and it pays to arrive early at the wharf to purchase your tickets.
There is usually a ferry leaving from either wharf every 2 hours from 6am till 4pm, the one way passenger fares are ST $9 for adults and ST$ 5 for children 2-12 years. Vehicle charges (depending on the size of the vehicle) are between ST$ 50 – ST $100 each way.
To get the Manono Island, boats operate from the Manono-uta at the western end of Upolu, just down the road from Mulifanua Wharf. One way fares cost ST $1 for children and ST $3 for adults one way.
Check out our extensive list of exciting things
to see and do while in Samoa, including popular tourist attractions and
the best places for sightseeing, and this is just a taster of what the
beautiful islands of Samoa have to offer.
8-1-Apia
Upolo’s budding metropolis of Apia, where 35,000 of Samoa’s 177,000 inhabitants live, is the perfect place to acclimatise to island life. You should definitely fit in a visit to the colourful Maketi Fou (food market) on Apia’s Fugalei Street, to stock up on fresh fruit like pawpaws or a bunch of sweet little ladyfinger bananas.
About a 10-minute walk from the food market is the flea market – the perfect souvenir haunt where you’ll find everything from clubs and kava bowls to lava lavas (the Samoan sarong), baskets, jewellery and authentic Samoan music.
8-2-Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve
This is an excellent spot for snorkelling, diving and swimming just round the corner from Apia Wharf at the eastern end of the harbour. The highlight is a sudden drop into a deep blue hole, flanked by walls of coral populated by a myriad of tropical fish.
8-3-Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and Mt Vaea Scenic Walk
The famous author came to live in Upolo five years before his death, and his mansion, Vailima, features many of his belongings, including part of his library and travel mementos. Stroll through the lovely gardens and rainforest trails surrounding the house or take a walk up the hill to the author’s tomb at the top of Mt Vaea to enjoy splendid views over Apia.
8-4-Papaseea Sliding Rocks
The Papaseea Sliding Rocks are a must see attraction and an ideal spot for a swim or picnic. Just 6km out of central Apia, the main attraction is a 5m rock slide down a waterfall into a deep freshwater pool.
8-5-Piula Cave Pool
Located just past Saoluafata, the fresh water pool is a great place to cool off in crystal clear water with just a few fish to keep you company. If you are feeling brave you can dive down and swim through a short tunnel to the adjoining pool.
8-6-Le Pupu-Pue National Park
Get into the rainforest here in the 29sq km national park. There are some good hiking trails including tracks to the lovely Togitogiga Falls, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and picnic and the Peapea Cave, an old lava tube.
8-7-Lalomanu to Lotofaga
Possibly the most beautiful stretch of beach at the south east end of Upolo. A great place to swim, snorkel or just lie on the white sand soaking up some rays.
8-8-Swimming with the turtles
For an animal encounter with a unique twist, head to the wetlands sanctuary at Savaii’s Satoalepai village and take the plunge with half a dozen or more green turtles. They are raised in a part fresh, part salt water pool and once they’re grown up, are released back into the ocean, where they prepare for parenthood. Make sure to ask if you can feed them!
8-9-Saleaaula Lava Fields
Along the north coast of Savaii, are the remnants of the village of Saleaula that was destroyed by lava. This lava flow between 1905 and 1911 emanated from Mount Matavanu. The ruins include a concrete Methodist church and the grave of a Catholic nun, Virgins Grave, that escaped destruction.
8-10-Alofaaga Blowholes
These impressive blowholes near Taga village on south-west Savaii are power in its purest form, as they propel a roaring jet of water hundreds of feet up into the air. They are particularly worth watching when locals throw coconuts into the holes and these are blasted into the air as well. The entrance to the blowholes is at the village of Taga.
8-11-Falealupo
This is the last place in the world to see the sunset. Situated at the western most end of Savaii you can enjoy a walk through the rainforest, swimming at a stunning white sand beach and then settle in to watch a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Samoan is the national language, although
English is the official language of business in Samoa. English is widely
spoken, but you’ll find the following Samoan words useful to learn
before you go.
| English | Samoan | Pronounciation |
| Hello | Talofa | Tah-low-far |
| Hi | Malo | Mar-lor |
| Goodbye | Tofa | Tor-far |
| Thank you | Fa'afetai | Far-ah-fay-tie |
| Please | Fa'amolemole | Fah-ah-moh-le-moh-le |
| Yes | Loe | Eh-oh-e |
| No | Leai | Le-eh |
| Maybe | Masalo | Mar-sar-lor |
| That's all right | 'Ua lelei | Oo-a-lelay |
| big / small | tele / la'ititi | teh-leh / lah ee-tee-tee |
| quick / slow | tope / gese | toh-peh / nge-seh |
| early / late | vave / tuai | vahveh / two eye |
| near / far | latalata / mamao | lah-tah-lah-tah / mah-mah-oh |
Get advice straight from the horses' mouth. What
better way to research a destination, than from other travellers who
have been there! Check out these Samoa travel reviews and tips below, as
well as STA Travel blogs for Samoa travel.
'After a few hours drive we arrived at Lalomanu beach which I heard is the best beach in Samoa, and they were not wrong. The beach was a stunning golden colour and the water was a beautiful blue.'
'We stayed in a beach hut for 2 nights. It was so romantic.'
'The day after we headed to the south coast where the tropical beaches awaited us! It was paradise down there and the location of our accommodation was perfect.'
What other travellers say
Get the inside info on the best bars, beaches, tours, destinations, food and hotels you can find in Samoa!
A white sanded paradise, the island nation of Samoa
is just a short flight from New Zealand. Visit the two main islands of
Upolo and Savaii and indulge in the slow pace of Samoan life. Spend your
days swimming, reading and snorkelling, and your evenings socialising
with travellers and friendly locals. Try your hand at feeding and
swimming with turtles, or spend a few days getting your diving
certificate. Whatever you do in Samoa, it will be slow and relaxed, just
the way the locals like it.
Samoa fast facts
Population:182,000
Languages spokenSamoan
CurrencyName: Tala
Code: WST
Symbol: ST
Electricity
The electricity is the same as New Zealand, 240 volts and AC 50 cycles, but can be converted to 110 volts in most hotels.
Time zones
GMT - 11
Country dialing code:+685
Weights and measuresSamoa uses both the Metric and Imperial system
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