Accommodation:There is a range of accommodation in Samoa which includes resorts, motels, and hotels, budget accommodation and out traditional Samoan beach fales. A fale is a simple coconut thatched hut, which helps provide shade during the day and keep you cool at night.
Plan your Samoa holiday with our lowest priced budget, mid-range and high-end hotels in Samoa. From budget accommodation in Apia town to luxury coastal resorts. Samoa is your ideal place for travelers seeking budget accommodation and cheap Samoa hotels, you’ll be pleased to find many hotels offering excellent value, facilities and clean amenities.
Additionally, on offer we have boutique resorts for travelers who just wants to unwind and be pampered. You’ll see stunning views of the Pacific Ocean; white sandy beaches and you will also get a taste of our beautifully prepared Samoan food. Simply paradise.
CurrencyLocal currency is the Samoan Tala. Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners & JCB) are accepted at most hotels and some restaurants and stores. Traveler’s cheques are widely accepted at major banks and hotels. ATM machines are available at the International Airport, in downtown Apia and at Salealoga (Savai’I). Local banks include the National Bank of Samoa, Samoa Commercial Bank, and International ANZ and BSP Bank.
ElectricityThe Samoa electricity supply provides 240 Volt / 50 Hz AC power through the same three-pronged style of plus that is used in Australia and New Zealand. The use of America appliances will require an adapter and a voltage converter which can be brought from overseas or purchased in Samoa at various retailers.
Communication and Internet
Approximately 99% of Upolu and Savaii has access to the internet and telephone communications. Global roaming services are available in Samoa although are much more costly than local telephone services.
Mobile phones are available for hire in central Apia, phones used in Apia will work in Savaii and vice-versa.
For every visitor entering Samoa a written declaration is required. 21+ years are allowed to carry on person 200g of cigarettes or 2.2Ltrs of top shelf or liquor bottle.
As it can be quite warm in Samoa throughout the year light summer clothing is appropriate all year round, with the exception of some cooler evenings and rainy days a light sweater or pants might be necessary. Smart casual evening wear is appropriate for hotels and restaurants.
When in Apia or in Villages, visitors are requested not to wear bathing suits, no nude or topless (for women) when swimming or sunbathing. Men are requested not to wear speedos but shorts instead. When attending church, it’s respectful for women to wear appropriate attire: formal top/ long skirts/ dress) whilst for men: Ie faitaga (Pocket Lavalava) with Elei shirt/ Aloha/ Polo shirt.
Getting ThereSamoa has international flights from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and domestic flights from American Samoa. Samoa Airways operates international flights from Australia via SYD twice a week and BNE twice a week. New Zealand operate flights daily throughout the week.
Other International Airlines operate flights Samoa via Fiji Airways four times a week, Air New Zealand seven times a week, and Virgin Australia three times a week..
Direct flights to America Samoa are operated by Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways at both Fagali’i Airport and Faleolo Airport with 72 flights a month. Whereas, Talofa Airways operate 5 flights a day from Monday to Saturday and four on Sunday. Tonga flights on Tuesdays and Fridays are inclusive this operation.
| FLIGHTS | MON | TUES | WED | THURS | FRI | SAT | SUN |
| Samoa Airways | AKL | AKL
BNE |
AKL | AKL
SYD |
AKL | AKL
SYD |
AKL
BNE |
| Fiji Airways | APW | APW | APW | APW | |||
| Air New Zealand | AKL | AKL | AKL | AKL | AKL | AKL | AKL |
| Virgin Australia | BNE | SYD | SYD
|
||||
| Samoa Airways
(Domestic) |
PGO | PGO | PGO | PGO | PGO | PGO | PGO |
| Talofa Airways | PGO | PGO
TGN |
PGO | PGO | PGO
TGN |
PGO | PGO |
Health– Samoa is free from most tropical diseases including Malaria
– If a person has a medical condition that requires medication on person. Please bring it with you.
– When flying with our local Airlines – Samoa Airways recommends a person with a medical condition notify the cabin crew for further assistance in case of an emergency.
LanguageSamoa has one dialect and Samoan is widely spoken. Whereas English is mostly used for commercial purposes. You’ll find people speaking in English most of the time and for local they are able to understand Basic English.
The Post Office is located in the SamoaTel building opposite the government building on Beach Road, Apia.
There is a 10% tax (VAGST) on goods and services.
Tips are not expected in Samoa.
Samoa is 11 hours behind Greenwich Time (UTC/GMT), which means that its 3 hours earlier in Samoa than in California. No daylight saving time.
Samoa has two distinct seasons – the dry season, which runs from May to October and the wet season from November to April. Average monthly minimum temperatures are in the low 70s, with maximums in the high 86°F all year round.
An airport bus service is provided by P&F Schuster Tours for airline passengers, between the major hotels in Apia and Faleolo International Airport.
The local bus service on both Upolu and Savaii provides inexpensive transport for the locals and visitors.
There are several international car rental companies. Foreign driver’s licenses must be validated prior to driving in Samoa. Validation costs ST$10, and can be performed at the Ministry of Works Transport & Infrastructure, in Apia, just across the road from the flea market.
Taxis in Samoa are un-metered, and the government sets their fares. Taxis charge a minimum of approx. ST$2.50 (e.g. for a short trip within the town area).
A passenger and vehicle ferry service operates between the islands of Upolu and Savaii.
A visa is not required, but visitors must have a passport valid for at least six more months and a valid return ticket.
A departure tax of ST$40 applies to all travelers over the age of 12.
VISITOR INFORMATIONSamoa Tourism Information Centre
Fale Samoa, Apia, Samoa
Phone: (685) 63500/ 63523
Email: info@samoa.travel
Website: www.samoa.travel
