Document checklist for Samoa

• A valid passport
• Visa
• Flight tickets
• Accommodation details
• Travel Insurance
• Itinerary and contact information
• Health-related documents

Essential Samoa travel information

Currency – The currency of Samoa is the Samoan tālā (WST).

Daily budget for one person:  200-300 WST.

Languages: The official languages of Samoa are Samoan and English.

Socket type – Samoa often uses Type I sockets as their standard. Samoa’s electrical infrastructure runs at 230V and 50Hz.

Time zone – Samoa Standard Time (SST) all year round. Samoa Standard Time is UTC+13:00.

The top 3 cities/islands to visit are Lalomanu, Salelologa, and Apia.

Top 3 landmarks/monuments – Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Piula Cave Pool, Malietoa Tanumafili II Mausoleum

Typical costs and budget for Samoa

Daily spending –:  200-300 WST per person.

Meals – 10-20 WST per person

Transport: Depending on how you wish to get around, the daily cost of local transit ranges from 2 to 5 WST.

Hotel: 60-120 WST per night

Travel options in Samoa and the finest modes of transportation

Car renting is a standard option for those who prefer to view Samoa independently. In significant cities like Apia and at airports, vehicle rental companies are accessible. Renting a car allows you to travel more extensively and independently around the islands. Just be aware that Samoan roads might be congested and that driving is done on the left side of the street.

Some tourist sites offer scooter rentals, a practical and exciting way to explore the islands. However, before hiring a scooter, ensure you have the requisite driving abilities and experience because traffic and road conditions might change.

In Samoa, taxis are widely accessible, especially in metropolitan areas and close to well-known tourist attractions. Before boarding the taxi, it’s a good idea to haggle over the fee or request that the driver run the meter. Taxis are a practical and reasonably priced choice for shorter trips or airport transfers.

Safety in Samoa

It’s crucial to take the appropriate procedures to guarantee your safety constantly. When it comes to safety in Samoa, bear the following in mind:

In Samoa, violent crimes against visitors are uncommon, and the country has a low overall crime rate.

To avoid minor theft, watch your possessions, especially in crowded places.

Samoa has a sparsely developed road system. Thus the driving environment could be unfamiliar to you. Driving should be done cautiously as certain roads may not be in good condition. Be cautious when driving, and watch for stray animals, bikers, and pedestrians. Consider taking public transit or hiring a local driver if you need more driving confidence.

Natural catastrophes, including tropical cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunamis, frequently occur in Samoa. It’s crucial to remain current on the weather and heed any instructions or cautions from local authorities. Know the escape routes and emergency protocols in case of an emergency.

Weather in Samoa

The South Pacific island of Samoa experiences a tropical environment all year long, marked by warm temperatures and heavy humidity. The two main seasons that the country experiences are the rainy and dry seasons.

The Southern Hemisphere’s summer months correspond to Samoa’s rainy season. You should anticipate extreme heat, frequent rain, and elevated humidity throughout this period. The likelihood of tropical storms and cyclones increases in the afternoons and nights when rainfall is more frequent. Flowing waterfalls can be seen among the rich, colorful foliage. Due to the warm ocean waters, the wet season presents fantastic chances for diving, snorkeling, and surfing.

The winter months in the Southern Hemisphere coincide with Samoa’s dry season. Less precipitation, reduced humidity, and warmer temperatures are the defining characteristics of this time. With sporadic, quick showers, the weather is mainly sunny. In Samoa, the dry season is considered the busiest travel time. It draws tourists eager to take advantage of the island’s beaches, discover its coral reefs, and partake in outdoor pursuits like trekking and sightseeing. Swimming and other water activities are still welcomed in the still-warm ocean.

Must do and see in Samoa

Take a boat to Savai’i, Samoa’s largest island, and explore it to discover its natural splendor. Visit the Alofaaga Blowholes, where strong saltwater blasts through lava tunnels into the air. Investigate the Saleaula Lava Fields, a historic location where lava from an eruption in the early 20th century has hardened.

Take a tour of Upolu, the largest island in Samoa, and the location of Apia, the nation’s capital. Explore Apia’s bustling marketplaces, historical attractions, and cultural icons, including the Samoa Cultural Village and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.

Visit Lalomanu Beach, situated on the southeast coast of Upolu, to get a taste of the beach. This pristine beach is renowned for its breathtaking white beaches, glistening seas, and spectacular coral reefs. It’s the perfect location for swimming, snorkeling, or just lazing around in the comfort of the coconut palms.

Typical Samoa food to try

Traditional Samoan raw fish salads include oka. Fresh raw fish is used in its preparation. The fish is marinated in coconut cream, onions, lemon or lime juice, and different seasonings. Oka is a very refreshing dish that is frequently offered as an appetizer.

Taro leaves are cooked in coconut cream to create the traditional Samoan delicacy known as palusami. For a rich and savory taste, the leaves are wrapped around a mixture of onions and coconut cream and cooked in an umu.

The popular dish sapasui, commonly called Samoan chop suey, is influenced by Chinese food. It involves stir-fried egg noodles with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions, and frequently adds chicken, beef, or shrimp. A tasty and filling supper is produced by seasoning the dish with soy sauce and other herbs and spices.

Vaccine information for Samoa

Before visiting Samoa, it is advised to ensure you are current on routine vaccines, including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, varicella, polio, and influenza.