FAQ

1. What airlines fly to Samoa?

From the USA, Air New Zealand and Air Pacific fly into Samoa with a connection in either New Zealand or Fiji. You can also fly into Samoa from Australia, Tonga and American Samoa.

2. How long does it take to fly to Samoa?

This will depend on which airline you fly and where they stop. There is no non-stop flight from the US.

3. Where do I arrive?

The main airport on Samoa for international flights is Falelolo International Airport which is 35 kilometers from Apia on Upolu.

4. Entry Requirments?

Visitors to Samoa do not need a visa or entry permit for stays of less than 60 days. However you must have a return or onward ticket and your passport must be valid for at least six months past your travel dates.

If you plan to stay more than 60 days, you must apply for a permit to enter the country from the Samoa Consulate General, High Commission or Embassy which can be found in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Belgium.

There are a number of foreign diplomatic foreign offices to be found in Samoa, including the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

5. Departure Tax

There is a departure tax of ST$40 for all travelers over 12 years of age.

6. What time of the year is the best time to visit Samoa?

Samoa has a tropical climate year round with two distinct seasons. The dry season is from May to October with November to April being the wet season. The average daily temperature is 29 degrees Celsius (86F) with an ocean temperature in the low 20’s.

7. Getting from the airport?

There is an airport shuttle to all the major hotels which can be booked ahead of time, or you can arrange when you clear customs. One way fares start from ST$15 per person.

Taxis are available with a ride into Apia costing around STS50. However confirm the price with the driver before you get in.

For flight arrivals during the day, you can catch the local bus into Apia. It departs from the main gate of the airport but there is no set schedule. The cost is ST$5 one-way.

8. Visitor Information

The Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm and Saturday morning, 8am – 12pm and is located in a fale in front of the Government Building on Beach Road in Apia. There is also an information booth at Faleolo International Airport, which is open for all international flight arrivals into Apia.

9. What currency is used in Samoa?

Samoa uses the decimal currency of the Tala or dollar, and Sene or cents. 100 Sene = ST$1. The notes (bills) are $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 and the coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50 and $1.

All major currencies can be exchanged in Samoa. It is possible to purchase some currency outside the country, however you would need to check with your bank.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners and JCB credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, stores and restaurants. Major banks and hotels will also accept travelers’ checks. ATM or Eftpos machines can be found in major hotels, resorts and supermarkets. They accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Plus Cards, Cirrus and Access International Debit Card. There is only one ATM on Savaii.

10. Banks

The main international banks found in Samoa are ANZ Bank, Westpac, National Bank of Samoa and Samoa Commercial Bank. Westpac and ANZ Bank have branches at the airport. Most of these banks also have branches in Salelologa on Savaii.

11. What is the main relegion on Samoa?

Samoa is a Christian country with the main religions being Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Congregational, Assembly of God, Seventh-Day Adventists, Bahai, Latter Day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Travelers are welcome to attend church.

12. Getting Around

English is the common language of New Zealanders with indigenous Maori the second official language. Japanese, Korean, and major European languages are also spoken in some restaurants, hotels, visitor centres and by tour guides. In New Zealand translators are available for most languages.

13. What is the time difference?

Samoa is 3 hours behind US Pacific Time and 12 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Samoa is to the east of the International Date Line.

14. What is the recommended dress in Samoa?

With a tropical climate, light summer clothing is appropriate year round with a sweater for cooler evenings. For evenings, smart casual is recommended for hotels and restaurants. It is not appropriate to wear bathing suits in Apia or in the villages, due to their strong culture and Christian faith. There is also no nude or topless (for women) sunbathing or swimming. If attending a church service, women are asked to wear either a sarong or dress rather than shorts or trousers.

15. Should I buy travel insurance?

Yes. However there are no shots required for Samoa, unless you are coming from a yellow fever infected area within the past 6 days. Drinking water is purified at hotels and restaurants and there is bottled water readily available.

16. Are there doctors and hospitals?

There are about a dozen medical clinics in Apia, along with two hospitals in Upolu and one in Savaii.

17. Language

Samoan is the first language of the people of Samoa. However everyone learns English and it is spoken and understood all over the country.

A few words to know are:

English		Samoan		Pronunciation
Hello		Talofa		Tah-low-far
Goodbye		Tofa		Tor-far
Thank you		Fa’afetai		Fa-ah-fay-tie
Please		Fa’amolemole		Fah-ah-more-le-more-le
Yes		Ioe		Ee-or-e
No		Leai		Le-eh

18. Are there internet cafes?

There are 8 broadband Internet cafes to be found around Apia and two on Savaii.

19. What is the phone service?

There are pay phones in different parts of the islands, and you can use a phone card to make local or international calls.

Samoa has introduced GSM cell phone services. You can bring your own cell or mobile phone, buy a sim card, rent a phone or roam.

20. Post Office

There are 8 broadband Internet cafes to be found around Apia and two on Savaii.

21. What is the electrical current?

The electrical current is 240 volts, but this can be converted to 110 volts in most hotels. Power-points are three pronged plugs similar to those used in Australia and New Zealand.

22. What is the system of measure?

The metric scale is used in Samoa for distance and Celsius scale for temperatures. For example:

50kms = 30 miles
10kms = 6 miles
1 meter = 3.3 feet
17 Celsius = 63 Fahrenheit
25 Celsius = 82 Fahrenheit

23. What is the tipping policy?

Tipping is not practiced in Samoa or expected. However if you want to leave a tip for good service then you can do it directly with the employee.

24. What do I need to bring to Samoa?

You should bring sunscreen, brimmed hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, reef-walking shoes, insect repellent, and prescription medicine. You will want to have a still and/or video camera and make sure to bring plenty of batteries, your charger or memory cards. These will be expensive if you have to buy them whilst there. Light clothing, a sweat shirt or a windbreaker are recommended. If diving, you must bring your certification card with you.