Welcome to Samoa 😊
Samoa, also known as the Independent State of Samoa, is a small island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, as well as several smaller islands. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, including beaches, waterfalls, and volcanic mountains. The people of Samoa are known for their warm hospitality and vibrant culture, which includes dance, music, and traditional ceremonies. The official languages are Samoan and English. The currency used in Samoa is the Samoan tālā, and the country has a population of around 200,000 people.
Quick Facts About Samoa
- Currency: Samoan tālā
- Population: Around 200,000
- Languages: Samoan,English
Money and Finances
The Samoan currency is the Tala (WST). Coins are available in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 sene, while banknotes are available in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 tala.
ATM Network
While ATM networks are available in Samoa, they are not extensively available outside of urban areas. Travelers should consider carrying enough cash for their needs.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are generally not widely accepted in Samoa. Visa and Mastercard may be accepted at some hotels and larger businesses in Apia, but it's recommended to carry enough cash for your needs. AMEX is not widely accepted.
Internet and Phones
In Samoa, the average internet speed for downloads is around 7 Mbps and for uploads is approximately 1 Mbps. The government does not interfere with internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
Telecommunications in Samoa is provided by Bluesky and Digicel. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 70 Samoan Tala per month. There are no reported compatibility issues with sim cards in Samoa.
Dialling to Samoa
To call Samoa from another country, dial +685 followed by the local phone number. When dialling within Samoa, use the area code 2 for Apia and 8 for Savaii.
Transport Around Samoa
Air Travel
Samoa has one international airport, Faleolo International Airport, located on the main island of Upolu.
Train Travel
Samoa does not have an inter-city train network.
Metro / Local Trains
Samoa does not have any local train networks in its major cities.
Buses
There are public buses available throughout Samoa, with tickets usually costing between 2-5 tala. Journey times can vary depending on the distance.
Rideshare
There are no rideshare companies currently operating in Samoa.
Driving by Car
Driving in Samoa can be challenging due to narrow roads and varying terrain. The speed limit is 40km/h in urban areas and 56km/h on open roads. Samoa uses right-hand drive cars.
Local Customs
In Samoa, tipping is not common. Locals usually greet each other with a hug or a handshake. When speaking with strangers, it's important to be respectful and polite. Men and women usually address each other by their first names. It's also customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a church in Samoa.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Samoa has a public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost medical care for its citizens, but visitors are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. The cost for a visit to the doctor is approximately $30 USD. Private healthcare options are also available, but they can be expensive.
COVID Situation
Samoa has been largely successful in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, with only a few cases reported and no deaths as of September 2021. The government has implemented strict border controls and quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is a risk in Samoa and visitors are encouraged to take preventative measures, such as taking anti-malarial medication and using insect repellent. Dengue fever and Zika virus are also present in Samoa. Proper food and water hygiene is important to avoid food poisoning and other illnesses. Visitors should also be aware of the risk of dehydration and sunburn due to the hot and humid climate.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption is legal in Samoa, but there are laws in place to regulate its usage. The legal drinking age is 21 years old and it is illegal to drink in public places. There are also restrictions on buying alcohol on Sundays.
Recreational Drugs
Samoa has strict laws against drug use, possession and trafficking. Even the possession of small amounts of drugs can lead to lengthy prison sentences. Both cannabis and other party drugs are illegal in the country.
Pre-Marital Relationships
While pre-marital relationships are not illegal in Samoa, the country is quite conservative when it comes to sexual behavior. It is important to be respectful of the local culture, and public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Samoa has a strong cultural and religious opposition to LGBTQ relationships, and there are no legal protections in place for the LGBTQ community. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and can lead to significant prison sentences.
Firearms / Guns
Samoa has strict gun laws, and it is illegal for most people to own firearms. Only people in certain professions, such as police officers and security guards, are legally allowed to possess guns. The country has a relatively low crime rate, and gun violence is rare.