Samoa
Travel tips for Samoa: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cash is essential. Cash dominates in Samoa; cards are mostly limited to major hotels, resorts, and rental car agencies. You will need Samoan Tala (WST) for daily expenses like buses, taxis, beach fales, village entry fees for natural attractions, and local markets.
Try the food
- Palusami: Young taro leaves are wrapped around rich coconut cream and baked in an earth oven until tender.
- Oka: Fresh raw fish is chopped and marinated in a refreshing blend of citrus juice, coconut milk, and diced vegetables.
- Panipopo: Soft, fluffy bread rolls are baked swimming in a sweet, sticky coconut cream syrup.
Say it in Samoan
- Hello: Talofa
- Thank you: Fa'afetai
- Please: Fa'amolemole
- Excuse me: Tulou
- How much is this?: E fia le tau o le mea lea?
- Yes / No: Ioe / Leai
- Goodbye: Tofa
Essentials
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- SIM tip
- Pick up a Digicel or Vodafone prepaid SIM card at Faleolo International Airport upon arrival for reliable island coverage.
Etiquette
Tipping is not customary or expected, but dressing modestly and removing your shoes before entering a traditional fale is highly respected.