Samoa

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Power-points are designed for plugs with three flat pins as commonly used in Australia and New Zealand.

Language

Samoan and English are the official languages. English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas but is far less common outside of major centres.

Money

The local currency is the Samoan tala (WST), which is divided into 100 sene. Visitors should declare amounts over WST 20,000 when they arrive and depart; this covers all forms of currency, not only cash. There are foreign exchange bureaus and ATMs in the major centres, and credit cards can be used at most resorts and large shops. Not many small businesses accept credit cards.

Tipping

Tipping is not practiced or expected in Samoa, though tips for good service will be appreciated.

Health

The most significant health risk in Samoa is over-exposure to the sun, so hats, layers and sunscreen are advised. Medical care in Samoa is limited but generally adequate for routine health problems. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended but visitors should note that most doctors will expect payment in cash upfront regardless of insurance coverage.

Safety

The level of serious crime is low, but incidents of petty theft are fairly common. Visitors should not leave their belongings unattended, and should use hotel safes for passports and valuables.

Local customs

Samoan men traditionally undergo tattooing as a rite of passage and the resultant patterns and images can be seen on many faces and upper bodies around the islands. Religion is integral to many (around 98 percent of the population is Christian), with a lot of value given to Sunday church services and observing the Sabbath. Homosexual acts are illegal in Samoa.

Doing business

For business meetings, a shirt and smart trousers are appropriate for men and a blouse with smart trousers or a long skirt are the norm for women. Foreigners should dress modestly if there is any doubt as to what is appropriate. Punctuality is important, though visitors should keep in mind that meetings may not start at the designated time.

A gift is usually expected during meetings, and the presentation is formal and often done publicly. According to custom, the person accepting a gift should bow their head slightly and place the gift above their head with both hands for a moment.

Samoans tend to be very polite in business settings, meaning they may say what they think their foreign counterpart wants to hear, regardless of whether it is entirely true. This is because they want to avoid spoiling relations.

Duty free

Passengers over the age of 21 are entitled to import 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products; 2.25 litres of alcohol; and other goods up to the value of WST 500.

Communications

The international access code for Samoa is +685. Visitors will find WiFi in hotels and can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.

Passport & Visa

All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Samoa. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US passports must be valid for at the time of entry. A visa is required and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 90 days.

UK passports must be valid for a minimum for six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum of 60 days.

Canadian passports must be valid for a minimum for six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum of 60 days.

Australian passports must be valid for a minimum for six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival for a maximum of 90 days.

South African passports must be valid for a minimum for six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay 60 days.

Irish assports must be valid for a minimum for six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival for a maximum of 60 days.

New Zealand passports must be valid for a minimum for six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival for a maximum of 60 days.

Useful contacts

Samoa Tourist Office, Apia, Samoa: +685 63500 or info@samoa.travel.

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Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of Samoa, Washington D.C. United States: (212) 599 6196.

Samoan Consulate, London, United Kingdom: +44 1303 260 541.

Samoan High Commission, Canberra, Australia: (+61) 2 6273 3033.

Samoa Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 431 4000.

Samoa High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: (04) 472 0953.

Embassies / consulates in Samoa

U.S Embassy, Apia, Samoa: +685 21436.

British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Samoa): +64 (0)4 924 2888.

High Commission of Canada, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Samoa): +64 4 473 9577

Australian High Commission, Apia, Samoa: +685 23411.

New Zealand High Commission, Apia, Samoa: +685 21711.