American Samoa Travel Guide
GENERAL
Capital
Pago Pago.
Geography
At 84.8 square kilometers, Tutuila is the largest of the seven islands that make up American Samoa. Aunu’u is in front of it. Ta’u, Olosega and Ofu make up the Manu’a group, which is of volcanic origin and very mountainous. The uninhabited coral atolls Rose and Swain’s are north and west of the other two island groups.
Government
American outer territory, the administration and defense of the islands are under the US government. Constitution of 1967. Parliament (Fono) made up of two chambers: Senate with 18 senators, who are elected by the tribal chiefs for four years each, and the House of Representatives, whose 21 members are elected for two years each.
Head of state
Donald Trump, since January 2017.
Head of government
Lolo Matalasi Moliga, since January 2013.
Electricity
110 V, 60 Hz. US two-pin plug. Adapter required.
Time zone
Samoa Standard Time: CET -12
MONEY
Currency
1 US dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: US $, USD (ISO code). For more information see USA.
Credit cards
American Express is accepted almost everywhere, Mastercard is only partially accepted. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions on the import and export of foreign currencies and the local currency. Obligation to declare from a sum equivalent to US $ 10,000.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and in large hotels. There is an exchange office at the airport. ATMs are located in the branches of the Bank of Hawaii and America Samoa Bank.
LANGUAGE
Overview
Samoan, many islanders also speak English. Most people are bilingual.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into American Samoa duty-free in hand luggage:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450 g of tobacco;
5 bottles of alcoholic beverages;
Perfume and eau de toilette for personal use.
A special permit for the import of weapons is available from the Attorney-General in Pago Pago. A special permit from the Agricultural Office in Pago Pago is required for the import of vegetables, plants and poultry.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Casual clothing is advisable, and men only wear ties on formal occasions. The best time to travel on business is between May and October.
Economy
Office of Economic & Business Development, Department of Commerce
American Samoa Government, Pago Pago, AS 96799
Tel: 633 51 55/6.
Internet: www.asg-gov.com/departments/doc.asg.htm
Business contacts
Office of Economic & Business Development, Department of Commerce
American Samoa Government, Pago Pago, AS 96799
Tel: 633 51 55/6.
Internet: www.asg-gov.com/departments/doc.asg.htm
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing.
Cellphone
GSM 1900 cellular network operated by Blue Sky (Internet: www.blueskynet.as); also not GSM-compatible, US-American cellular network (no GSM) operated by American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (Internet: www.samoatelco.com). There are currently no roaming agreements. The reception / transmission area covers the populated regions of the island.
Internet
The main provider is the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (Internet: www.samoatelco.com). Internet cafes are available.
Post Office
The main post office in the Lumana’i Building in Pago Pago is open 24/7. There are additional post offices in the villages of Leone and Faguita, which are open Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat 8.30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Hand- woven tapas are particularly popular souvenirs ; a puletasi (woman ’s dress) or lavalava (man’s suit), handcrafted by local tailors; Shell beads and purses; Wood carvings; woven Laufala (table and floor mats); carved kava cups; Samoan music records and duty-free goods. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Evening entertainment mainly means music and dancing. Fia Fias, feasts with traditional dances, are organized by many hotels and restaurants. Local tour operators also organize Fia Fias. In general, visitors are also welcome to church and village events.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
Predominantly Christian (50% Christian Congregational Church, 20% Catholics, Protestants and another 30%).
Social rules of conduct
Traditional society is built on a complex system of manners, which the older generation in particular still strictly adheres to and which visitors should also familiarize themselves with. For example, except for on the beach, clothes that are too tight are not welcome. The strike of the gong in the early evening announces the hour of prayer, the first strike of the gong calls for people to return home, the second indicates the beginning of prayer and the third the end of prayer time. Loud noises are undesirable during prayer time. In some villages it is not allowed to swim or fish on Sundays. Anyone who is invited to a private home only presents a gift, a Mea Alofa, when they leave(“Object of love”) such as shirts, belts or clothing material. It is rude to leave a host before the pre-arranged time. Tips are not common.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
As a country located in Oceania listed on mathgeneral, American Samoa has a very warm, tropical climate. Heavy rains occur between December and April. It is most pleasant in winter (May – September) with southern trade winds. The tropical cyclone season is from November to April.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +1 684 Area (km2) 201 Population 54,343 Population density (per km2) 270 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 911
