Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Samoans adhere to traditional moral and religious codes of behaviour.

Permission should always be sought before taking photographs in villages. Alcohol may not be purchased on a Sunday, except by hotel guests and their visitors. Penalties for the possession and use of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe.

Sunday is a day of peace and quiet in Samoa, and visitors should behave quietly and travel slowly through villages, especially during evening prayer (usually between 1800 and 1900). Shoes must be removed when attending church or if entering a fale (Samoan house).

In business and commerce, English is the customary language. The best time to visit on business is from May to October. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1200 and 1300–1630.

Immigration and customs: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay, and an onward or return ticket must be held.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by those arriving from infected countries.

There are strict regulations regarding the import of firearms, fruits, pets and drugs.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left (since September 2009) and car hire is available in most areas with an international driving permit. Speed limits are 40kph within the Apia area and 56kph outside the region.

Polynesian Airlines operates daily flights between the two main islands and there is also a ferry service.

Public buses cover most of the islands, though there are no timetables; travel information can be gained from the bus stand in Apia. Taxis are available, but are not metered, and fares should be agreed in advance of travel.

Travel health: Health care facilities are adequate for routine medical treatment. Travellers are advised to have a comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy.

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and Hepatitis B are sometimes recommended, but all current inoculation requirements should be checked well before travel.

Mains water is chlorinated; bottled water is also available.

Money: The local currency is the tala or Samoan dollar. Credit cards are accepted on a limited basis. Travellers cheques are accepted in major hotels, banks and tourist shops. Travellers cheques should be taken in either pounds sterling or US dollars in order to avoid additional exchange rate charges. The ANZ, National Bank, Samoa Commercial Bank and Westpac have branches at Salelologa on Savai’i. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0900–1500; some banks open Sat 0900–1200.
There were 122,000 tourist arrivals in 2007.