Discover
Samoa with this essential travel guide, covering culture, beaches,
safety tips, visas and transport. Explore coral reefs, rainforests
and traditional Samoan life across the islands of Upolu and Savai’i.
Country: Samoa
Continent / Region: Oceania / Polynesia
Capital City: Apia
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy
Population: ~220,000
Official Language(s): Samoan, English
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: Around 60% (widely understood in towns and tourist areas)
Currency: Samoan Tala (WST)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+13 (GMT+14 during daylight saving)
Driving Side: Left
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type I plugs, 230V
Adapter Needed: Yes — UK travellers require an adapter
Emergency Numbers: 995 (ambulance), 994 (fire), 999 (police)
Travel Time from the UK (London): Approx. 24–30 hours (two or three connections)
Best Time/Months to Travel: May – October (dry season); November – April is cyclone and rainy season
Main International Airports:
Visa Requirements: Visa-free entry for UK travellers
Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required for stays up to 60 days
Visa Duration / Cost: Free entry upon arrival
Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines recommended; hepatitis A, typhoid; dengue precautions during wet season
Embassy Information (UK Embassy for Samoa):
Average Daily Costs (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £35 / £75 / £150+ per person
Tipping Culture: Not customary; tipping is appreciated but not expected
Public Transport Options: Buses, taxis, ferries between Upolu and Savai’i
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: Local bus £0.50–£1; taxi from airport ≈ £15–£25
Internet / SIM Availability: Good coverage in urban areas; Digicel & Vodafone offer SIM/eSIM
Main Climate Type: Tropical rainforest climate
Average Temperature Range (by Season):
• Dry Season (May–Oct): 23–30 °C
• Wet Season (Nov–Apr): 24–31 °C, heavy rain and storms possible
Major Cities: Apia (only major urban centre)
Natural Attractions: To Sua Ocean Trench, Alofaaga Blowholes, O Le Pupu-Puʿe National Park, Papaseea Sliding Rocks, Lalomanu Beach
Popular Tourist Destinations: Upolu, Savai’i, Apia waterfront, Lalomanu, Manase Beach
Main Religions: Christianity dominates (Congregational, Methodist, Catholic)
Cultural Etiquette / Customs: Respect Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way); dress modestly in villages; ask permission before entering private land; remove shoes when entering fale (traditional homes)
National Dishes / Cuisine Highlights: Oka (raw fish in coconut cream), palusami, taro, breadfruit, Umu (earth oven feast), fresh tropical fruits
Local Festivals / Public Holidays: Teuila Festival (Sept), Independence Day (June 1), Fire Knife Festival, White Sunday
Famous Landmarks / Heritage Sites: Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, To Sua Ocean Trench, Ancient Star Mounds, Falefa Falls
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe; petty theft possible in busy areas
Common Scams / Warnings: Overpriced taxis, unmetered fares, beach fale bookings must be confirmed
Health Risks: Dengue fever, dehydration in hot months; limited medical care on Savai’i
Recommended Travel Clinics: Moto’otua Hospital (Apia), Samoa Family Health Association
Travel Insurance Recommendation: Essential — especially for tropical illnesses and remote travel
Internet Speed / Connectivity: Good in main towns; slower in rural and island regions
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: To Sua Ocean Trench, Lalomanu Beach, Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Papaseea Sliding Rocks, Savai’i Lava Fields
Unique Experiences: Traditional umu feast, fire-knife dance shows, staying in beach fale huts, village cultural tours
Hidden Gems / Off-the-Beaten Path: Aopo Forest Walk, Afu Aau Waterfall, Saleaula Lava Church ruins, Manono Island
Popular Areas to Stay: Apia (hotels), Lalomanu (beach fales), Savai’i north coast (eco-resorts), Manase Beach (guesthouses)
Average Hotel Prices (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £25 / £60 / £150+ per night
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Popular Nightlife Areas: Apia waterfront bars, resort lounges, cultural shows
Local Drinks / Bars to Try: Vailima beer, fresh coconut juice, tropical rum cocktails
Entertainment Options: Live Polynesian dance shows, beach nights, music performances, cultural storytelling
Car Rental Availability: Available; driving conditions vary and roads may be poorly lit
Domestic Flights / Trains: Inter-island ferries operate daily; no rail system
Average Taxi / Ride Share Costs: £2–£10 depending on distance; negotiate fares before travel
Best Markets / Districts: Apia Flea Market, Old Apia Market, Savai’i roadside craft stalls
Local Crafts / Souvenirs: Hand-carved wood, tapa cloth, woven mats, jewellery, lava rock carvings, coconut-shell crafts
Local SIM Card Providers: Digicel, Vodafone
Typical Business Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat mornings; small local shops vary
Tap Water Safety: Not recommended — use bottled or boiled water
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?: Samoa was the first nation to greet the year 2000 after shifting to the western side of the International Date Line.