LOCATION
Samoa is located in the Pacific Ocean north east of the Fiji Islands and 14 degrees below the equator. You can best reach it, by flying to Fiji and catching a connecting flight to Apia. Actual flight time is approximately 11 ½ hours.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
Samoa’s airport, known as Faleolo Airport, is located approximately 25 miles from Apia on the island of Upolu. It handles both International and Domestic flights.
VISITOR VISAS
Visitors to Samoa do not require an entry visa for stays of up to 30 days, however you must have an onward or return ticket and valid passport (six months or more). An entry visa is only required for visits longer than 30 days. Contact the nearest Samoa High Commission or Embassy to apply for one.
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE
A written declaration is required for every visitor entering Samoa. Firearms, ammunition, explosives, drugs and indecent publications of any kind are prohibited.
Apart from their own personal effects, each traveler over the age of 18 is allowed to bring the following into Samoa. These allowances are a guide only and are subject to change.
| Item |
Limit |
| Cigarettes |
200 |
| Liquor |
1 liter |
CLIMATE
Samoa has a warm tropical climate with an average of 2500 hours of sunshine per year. December through April is the rainy season averaging between 120-280 inches of rain per year.
In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 70-90F and in winter between 50-60F.
POPULATION
The population of Samoa is 178,000.
Most people live in villages, each containing an average of 350 people who identify strongly with the Samoan culture.
LANGUAGE
Samoan is the national language, however most Samoans speak English. English is the language used in commercial and government business.
CURRENCY
Samoa’s currency is the Tala (dollar) and Sene (cents). The currency is only available in Samoa and cannot be changed off shore.
The Bank of Samoa, Pacific Commercial Bank and Post Office Savings Bank are all located in Apia. They are open weekdays from 9.00am to 3.00pm. The Bank of Samoa also provides Saturday service from 8.30am till 11.30am.
ATM machines are located throughout Apia and one is found in Savaii.
BUSINESS HOURS
| Monday to Friday |
8.00am to 12.00n and 1.30pm to 4.30pm |
| Saturday |
8.00am to 12.30n |
SHOPPING
Colorful markets selling handcrafts, lavas, jewellery and clothing are located on the waterfront of Apia. Here you can also find the local fish market with stands of colorful tropical fish.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2008
| Date |
Holiday |
| January 1 & 2 |
New Year |
| March 21 - 24 |
Easter |
| April 25 |
ANZAC Day |
| May 12 |
Mother's Day |
| June 1 |
Independence Day |
| August 11 |
Father's Day |
| October 11 |
Lotu a Tamaiti Holiday |
| November 3 |
Arbor Day |
| December 25 |
Christmas Day |
| December 26 |
Boxing Day |
ELECTRICITY
240 voltage which can be converted to 110 volts
DRIVING
Driving is on the right hand side of the road and road signs are in English. Roads are in good condition and are paved in most tourist areas.
A local license is necessary and can be obtained from the local police station for a small fee.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
In Apia rental cars, public buses and taxies are all available. Taxis are not metered and it is recommended that you negotiate a fare before departure. Buses are not on a regular schedule and it is recommended that you consult with the local Tourist Bureau for details.
DRINKING WATER
Bottled water is easily available in most stores throughout Samoa. We recommended however that you boil water from taps or any other sources.
HEALTH
A vaccination is required for yellow fever if arriving from or passing through an infected area within 6 days of visiting.
In the event of an emergency there are two hospitals located on the island of Upolu and one on the island of Savaii. We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before leaving the United States.
NIGHTLIFE
The larger hotels have a variety of entertainment from string guitar musicians to resident bands for dancing. Fiafia nights offer buffet or a la carte dinners with island foods and Samoan dancing. Entertainers from local villages, including fire dancers from the age of 8 perform at these functions.
DINING OUT
There are a variety of restaurants available on the island of Upolu ranging from fine dining at some of the hotels to Chinese food and Pizza at local restaurants.
Coconut Beach Resort offers an extensive a la carte menu with American, French and Italian food. The restaurant is set in a scenic and relaxing atmosphere.
TIPPING
Tipping is not compulsory in Samoa, but acceptable. A small gift is as welcome as a monetary tip.
The above information has been derived from various sources and Travel Arrangements Ltd is not responsible for the accuracy of the content.
