Samoa Travel Guide
GENERAL
Official name of the state
Independent State of Samoa.
Capital
Apia (Upolu).
Geography
Located halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, Samoa comprises the western part of the Samoa Islands. The largest of the nine islands is Savai’i (1610 sq km), opposite it, 13 km southeast on the other side of the Apolima Strait, lies the fertile Upolu (1120 sq km). The capital Apia is in the north of Upolu. The volcanic islands are mountainous, on Savai’i the land rises up to 1857 m, on Upolu up to 1100 m. The last volcanic eruption was in 1911. Only four of the seven smaller islands are inhabited.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy (in the Commonwealth) since 1962. 1962 Constitution. Legislative Assembly (Fono) with 49 members elected every five years, two seats reserved for non-Samoans. Independent since 1962 (former trust territory under New Zealand administration). After the current head of state dies, the head of state will be elected every five years.
Head of state
Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, since June 2007.
Head of government
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, since 1998.
Electricity
230 V (some hotels 110 V), 50 Hz. Three-pole plugs as in New Zealand and Australia. Adapter required.
Time zone
West Samoa Time: CET +14 (CET +15 from September 23 to April 1, 2017)
MONEY
Currency
1 Samoan tala = 100 senes. Currency abbreviation: WS $, WST (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 WS $; Coins are in circulation to the denominations of 1 and 2 tala as well as 50, 20, 10 and 5 senes.
Credit cards
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners are accepted in larger hotels and in some restaurants and shops. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes. ATMs are mostly found in cities. ATM locations on the Internet: www.anz.com/samoa.
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. (sometimes Thurs and Fri until 4 p.m.). Some banks are open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions on the import of the local currency, but its export is prohibited. Unrestricted import of foreign currencies, obligation to declare from an amount equivalent to WS $ 10,000. Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared on entry, minus the exchange amounts.
Currency Exchange
Is possible at the airport and in banks. It is advisable to bring US dollars with you.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official languages are Samoan and English.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Samoa duty-free (people over 16 years):
200 cigarettes, 50 cigars / cigarillos or 250 g tobacco;
1 liter of alcoholic beverages (tourists only).
Import restrictions
The import of live animals, plants and fruits is only permitted with prior approval from the Ministry of Agriculture in Apia.
Prohibited imports
Weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs, prescription drugs (tranquilizers, narcotics, etc.) without a detailed medical certificate and pornographic products.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
The best time to travel on business is between May and October.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.-4.30 p.m.
Economy
Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry
PO Box 862, Apia
Tel: (685) 204 71.
Samoa Chamber of Commerce
c / o Pacific Corporate Services, PO Box 1378, Apia
Tel: 253 45.
Business contacts
Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry
PO Box 862, Apia
Tel: (685) 204 71.
Samoa Chamber of Commerce
c / o Pacific Corporate Services, PO Box 1378, Apia
Tel: 253 45.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Direct dialing service to Samoa; International calls must be made through the Samoa Communications Ltd long-distance office on Beach Road.
Cellphone
Samoa has its own analog cellular system operated by Telecom Samoa Cellular. If the traveller’s cell phone is compatible, Telecom Samoa Cellular can issue a phone number and charge for credit card calls. VIP Cellphone Rentals rents cell phones.
Internet
Internet and e-mail access is available from Computer Services Ltd. and Cyber Booth, both in Lotemau Shopping Center, Apia. There are also internet cafes in Upolu and Savaii.
Post Office
Airmail shipments to Europe take around three weeks. Main post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4.30 p.m. It is located on Beach Road in Apia. Post restante items are sent to Post Restante, Chief Post Office, Apia, Samoa. The name of the addressee must of course not be missing.
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
Siapo – (tapa) fabrics made from mulberry bark, mats, baskets, kava drinking bowls made from hardwood, shell jewelry and postage stamps.
Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.-4.30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-12.30 p.m. Some stores do not stop for lunch.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are night clubs. Some cinemas show English and Chinese films (with English subtitles).
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
The hotels in Samoa are of a high standard at moderate prices. Some hotels also offer full board. There are also some hotels in the rural regions, including on the south coast of Upolus and on Savai’i.
CULTURE
Religion
34.8% Congregationalists, 19.6% Catholics, 15% Methodists and other predominantly Christian faiths.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: The social system of the “extended family” is linked to the higher-level political system.
Clothing: Mostly casual clothing is appropriate, ties are rarely expected. Women should wear dresses in more remote resorts and hotels. Swimwear belongs on the beach.
Tips are not expected, but small gifts are welcome.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
As a country located in Oceania listed on hyperrestaurant, Samoa has a warm tropical climate; The Passat blows between May and September. There are hardly any temperature differences, only it is cooler at night. Most of the precipitation falls from December to April.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +685 Area (km2) 2831 Population 197773 Population density (per km2) 70 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 999
