Geography

Located in Oceania, the two main islands of Samoa are Upolu and Savai'i. There are also eight smaller islands located about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. The capital city, Apia, and Faleolo International Airport are situated on the island of Upolu.

The History

Samoa was the first Pacific nation to gain independence. The country had a long battle for freedom following the invasion of Europeans in the 1700’s.  It was split in 1899 between the Germans to the West and Americans to the East. New Zealand captured West Samoa on behalf of the United Nations at the beginning of WW1. At the end of the war, Samoa gained independence but it wasn’t till the late 90’s that they dropped the  term ‘West’ from their title, becoming the independent state of Samoa. One strong colonial influence to remain is Christianity, that has been enthusiastically adopted. 

Climate

Samoa has a tropical climate year round with an average daily temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and is defined by two seasons: the dry season starting in May and the wet season from the start of November. These are perfect conditions for fishing, with the average water temperature being in the low 20’s year round.

The People

Samoa is a Christian nation and the main denominations are Congregational, Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Assembly of God, Seven Day Adventist, Bahai, Latter Day Saints and Jehovah’s Witness. 

Culture and the Arts 

Samoa's Vailima beer has won numerous international awards for its popular larger. Vailima Breweries and Samoa Beverage Company are Samoa's local breweries. The local brews are Vailima, Vailima Pure, Taula and Sama. There are also many bars and nightclubs and most are located in and around Apia open until 12am most nights.

Transport & TimeZone:

Faleolo International Airport is located 35 km from Apia on the island of Upolu. Virgin Samoa, Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways and Polynesian Airlines operate international flights from New Zealand.

• Airport shuttle services are available in the Arrivals Hall, after clearing Customs and Quarantine. One-way fares start from SAT$12 per person.
• Samoa Air operates frequent domestic services between Fagalii and Faleolo on Upolu and Maota and Asau on Savaii. For schedule and fare information, contact Samoa Air. 
• Taxis are available and a trip to Apia will cost about SAT$60. It’s recommended you confirm the price with the driver before you depart.
• If arriving during the day, the local bus service into Apia from the main gate of the airport is available. The trip into town will cost about SAT$5 one-way. 
• To drive in Samoa, visitors need to validate (coasts ST$12) their foreign driver’s license at the Land Transport Authority in Vaitele near the Samoa Breweries/Vailima factory. 
• In Samoa you drive on the left. There are many rental car companies to choose from.
• There are a couple of places in Apia that rent out scooters. Check out the Tourism Fale on Beach Road for more information.
• The Inter-island Ferry between Upolu and Savaii departs from the Mulifanua Wharf on Upolu near the international airport, so if you are travelling from Apia, allow 45 minutes for the journey. The ferry departs from the Salelologa Wharf on Savaii for the return journey. The trip takes just over one hour each way and it pays to arrive early at the wharf to purchase your tickets.
• To get to Manono Island, boats operate from the Manono-uta at the western end of Upolu, just down the road from Mulifanua Wharf. One way fares cost ST$1 for children and ST$3 for adults one way.

What to wear

Light summer clothing is appropriate all year round and packing a light sweater for the cooler evenings is recommended.

As Samoa has a strong cultural structure and Christian faith, visitors are asked not to wear bathing suits in Apia or in villages.

Nude and topless (for women) swimming or sunbathing is prohibited and when leaving the beach to venture into the villages, guests are asked to wear a lavalava (sarong), pants or shorts and t-shirt.

If attending church on Sunday, women are asked to wear a dress or blouse and skirt and men trousers and shirt.

Health

There are many medical clinics in Apia should you require a doctor. The Tupua Tamasese Meaole II National Hospital is located in Apia. There are private dental clinics and pharmacies.

Banking, currency and communications

The Samoan currency is the Tala (dollar) and Sene (cent): 100 Sene = ST$1 (Tala). All major foreign currencies are exchangeable in Samoa. Credit cards are widely accepted in the major hotels, restaurants and stores. Travellers’ cheques are also widely accepted at major banks and hotels. 

ANZ and Westpac are the two international banks found in Samoa. Both have branches at the international airport, in Apia and at Salelologa on Savaii. 

Visitors to Samoa are not required to obtain an entry permit for stays of less than 60 days with proof they will not exeed that time.

Etiquette

Tipping is not practiced or expected in Samoa. However, if a guest wishes to offer a gift for good service then you are welcome to do so directly with the employee or the hotel reception.

Staying in Touch

Internet access is provideed in numerous internet cafes, major hotels and resorts. Digicel and Bluesky are Samoa's main telecommunications providers.  Both offer extensive coverage. Prepaid SIM cards are available at Faleolo International Airport and around Apia.