Samoa is a postcard of natural beauty consisting of ten islands, each offering very distinct and different environments to explore. From the rainforest covered rugged volcanic mountain peaks of the two main islands to the vast valleys leading down to a coastline ringed with a necklace of white sandy beaches.

Getting Around

Taxis are abundant around the islands and offer their services at very good value. They don’t use meters though so it’s good to have an idea of what the journey will cost before setting off.

Buses are also a great way to get around. They come in a variety of colour schemes and provide a uniquely Samoan experience. If a bus is full when you board, don’t be alarmed if someone offers you their seat or you find passengers (usually young children) sitting on another person’s lap. If a bus is heading into either Apia or Salelologa, many Samoans will carry their produce on board to the markets. You can generally wave down or stop a bus at any location. More and more bus stops can now be found around Apia and passengers are encouraged to use these. You pay your fare as you leave the bus.

There are also many rental companies to choose from and you can hire everything from sedans and soft top 4WDs to scooters. Driving in Samoa is on the left-hand side.

To get to Savaii, the Samoa Shipping Corporation runs passenger/vehicle ferries between the main islands. Ferries depart from Mulifanua Wharf on Upolu near Faleolo International Airport, so if you are travelling from Apia, allow 45-60 minutes for the journey. On Savaii, ferries arrive at and depart from Salelologa Wharf. The trip takes just over one hour each way and it pays to arrive early at the wharf to purchase your tickets.

Accommodation

Samoa has a very good range of accommodation options at very affordable prices. From deluxe beach resorts and hotels to simple fales (huts) right on the beach, there is something for everyone. Get in contact with the Samoa Tourism Authority Visitor Information Service to discover your options

Banks

ANZ, Westpac, National Bank of Samoa and Samoa Commercial Bank all offer full international banking services. There are banks at Faleolo International Airport as well as a Foreign Currency Exchange outlet. ANZ, Westpac and Samoa Commercial Bank all offer ATMs.

Dress

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, tourists 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.

Religion

Samoa is a Christian nation and the main denominations are Congregational Christian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Assemblies of God and Seventh Day Adventist. Visitors are welcome to attend church. Check with your hotel reception for service times.

More Information

The Samoa Tourism Authority provides visitor information services at the Faleolo International Airport (located on your left after Quarantine) and on Main Beach Road in downtown Apia (in the Samoanstyled building next to the Main Government Building). The Visitor Information Centre in Apia is open 9am-5pm from Monday to Friday and 8am-12pm on Saturday. The STA can also be reached via phone on 63521, 63522, 63523 and 63524 or email at info@samoa.travel.

samoa.travel: the web site offers a wealth of information on both islands including sightseeing, things to do, accommodation, upcoming events and all those other titbits of practical information you might need to know when travelling to a tropical paradise.