Country guides
Australasia
Electricity
The voltage used in American Samoa is 120V, 60hz. Plugs are type I with an earthing pin and two flat pins forming an inverted V-shape.
Language
English and Samoan are spoken in the territory.
Money
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, and exchange facilities are available at the airport and through trade banks. American Express is widely available accepted; ATMs are provided by the ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank and the Bank of Hawai'i on Tutuila.
Tipping
Tipping is not practised or expected in American Samoa. However, if a guest wishes to tip an employee, they are welcome to do so.
Health
It is advised that travellers get routine vaccines before travelling, such as vaccines for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and a yearly flu shot. Visitors should consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid as well; all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Medical services in Western Samoa are somewhat limited, with the LBJ Tropical Medical Center in Pago Pago being the only facility, so it is best that travellers take prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs with them in case of illness. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
Safety
Most visits to American Samoa are trouble free. For optimum safety, travellers should ensure that they are alert when on foot and choose a safe vehicle when using transport. They should ride only in cars that have seatbelts and avoid overcrowded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Local customs
American Samoans are known to be friendly and generally welcoming, but travellers should be sensitive to local cultural conventions. Many American Samoans have adopted Western-style dress but the traditional wraparound lavalava is still worn by many of the older generation.
In keeping with Samoan custom regarding modesty, visitors should not wear swimwear or other skimpy clothing away from the hotels; women should confine their bikini tops to the beach. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in American Samoa since 1980 but visitors should be aware that same-sex couples are not eligible for the rights and benefits available to different-sex married couples.
Doing business
Business in American Samoa is professional and largely based around agriculture and fishing, which are the economy's strongest industries. Lightweight suits for business visits are acceptable and ties need only be worn for formal meetings and occasions.
Professional and authoritative positions are held mostly by men, but women do occupy important roles in businesses and government agencies. Businesses generally operate between 8am and 5pm on week days, though some businesses and banks are open on Saturday mornings.
Duty free
Travellers to American Samoa may bring with them up to 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars, 1 litre of alcohol, and an amount of perfume reasonable for personal use.
Communications
The international country dialling code is +1. The country area code for phones in American Samoa is 684. Visitors can purchase local SIM cards and pre-paid mobile credit; WiFi is available at hotels and restaurants in Pago Pago.
Passport & Visa
Visitors must have a passport valid for six months beyond arrival in American Samoa. Visas are not usually required for touristic stays of up to 30 days, but there are exceptions. Visitors must also have proof of sufficient funds, documents for their next destination, and an onward ticket.
Entry requirements
A passport or other valid form of ID is required, but nationals of the USA do not require a visa.
A passport valid for six months beyond arrival date is required, but no visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days for British Citizens.
Canadian nationals require a passport that is valid for six months beyond the arrival date, though no visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days.
Australian nationals require a passport that is valid for six months beyond the arrival date, but no visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days.
A passport valid for six months beyond the arrival date is required for South African nationals, as is a visa.
A visa, and a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date are required for Irish nationals.
A passport valid for six months beyond arrival date is required for New Zealand nationals, but no visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days.
Useful contacts
American Samoa Visitors Bureau, Pago Pago: +1 684 633 9805
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