Last update: 22 Oct 2026
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Samoa Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Samoa – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I
Type I:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Samoan Tala (WST) £1 ≈ WST 3.68 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are accepted in some larger towns and tourist areas, but cash is still commonly used in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not expected in Samoa, but small tips for good service in restaurants and hotels are appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not allowed in Samoa, and alcohol is typically consumed in licensed venues such as bars and restaurants. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available outdoors. |
| Independence Day (1 June) |
Celebrates Samoa’s independence from New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
A time for festive family gatherings |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | Samoa is known for its tropical landscapes, coral reefs, and Polynesian culture, making it a popular destination for nature and cultural tourism. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Samoa, Samoa
Cyclone season November to April, flights and ferries between Upolu and Savai'i may be disrupted
Dry season May to October is best for beaches, hiking and snorkelling
Don't miss
- 🌊 Swim in the stunning To Sua Ocean Trench
- 💦 Slide down natural waterfalls at Papase’ea
- 🌳 Explore the lush jungle on the Canopy Walk
- 🏖️ Relax on white sandy beaches of Lalomanu
- 🐚 Discover marine life at Giant Clam Sanctuary
- 📚 Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Samoa?
What makes Samoa truly special is its remarkable combination of natural beauty and authentic Polynesian culture largely untouched by mass tourism. The islands feature stunning white-sand beaches framed by palm trees, alongside dramatic volcanic landscapes covered in lush rainforest. With mountains like Mt Silisili rising to 1,858 meters, adventurous travelers can explore diverse ecosystems from coastal areas to highland forests. Beyond the natural attractions, Samoa offers visitors a chance to experience genuine Polynesian culture and hospitality. Traditional village life continues across the islands, with opportunities to stay in beachfront fales (traditional huts) and participate in local customs. However, travelers should be aware that Samoa is vulnerable to tropical cyclones, particularly between December and February and the wet season from November to April brings heavy rainfall with January being the wettest month, receiving an average of 644mm of rain.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Teuila Festival
-
Independence Day Celebrations
-
Samoa Arts Festival
-
Palolo Festival
-
Samoa Food Festival
-
Savaii Games
-
White Sunday
-
Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament
-
Miss Samoa Pageant
-
Samoa Jazz & Arts Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Carry cash; many small places don’t take cards.
- Dress modestly in villages and churches, especially on Sundays and during services.
- Don’t rely solely on Google Maps; signage is limited, ask locals for directions.
- Many beaches and attractions are on village land; expect small entry fees and request permission.
How to travel to Samoa
Most international visitors arrive in Samoa through Faleolo International Airport, located on Upolu island about 40 km from the capital Apia. The airport receives flights from several destinations including New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and American Samoa, operated by airlines such as Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, Virgin Samoa and Samoa Airways. Round‑trip tickets typically range from WST 800 – 1,500 (£215.80 – 404.62) depending on the departure location. Cruise ships from Australasia, the US and Europe occasionally dock at Apia on Upolu island. There is also a ferry service operated by Samoa Shipping Corporation that connects Samoa with American Samoa.
Access summary
- Fly into Faleolo International Airport (APW) from Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, Nadi.
- From American Samoa and nearby islands: short regional flights and occasional ferries.
- Samoa Airways based at Apia; independent carrier, partnerships with Fiji Airways, others.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Samoa
Accommodation in Samoa ranges from luxury resorts to traditional beachfront fales (open-sided huts), offering options for every budget. Budget travelers can find basic accommodations starting around WST 30 (£8.09) per night, mid-range options average WST 370 (£99.81) per day including meals and activities, while luxury experiences start at from WST 510 (£137.57) daily. Traditional fales provide an authentic cultural experience, allowing visitors to sleep near the beach with minimal barriers to nature. Most accommodations are concentrated on Upolu and Savai'i islands, with the greatest variety found near Apia and along the popular south coast beaches.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Samoa
Getting around Samoa is relatively straightforward with several transportation options. Buses are the most popular and affordable way to travel on the main islands, with colorful vehicles connecting major towns and villages. Fares are inexpensive, typically ranging from WST 2.80 – 8.40 (£0.76 – 2.27) depending on distance. Taxis are readily available in urban areas, with short trips costing around WST 14 – 28 (£3.78 – 7.55). For more flexibility, car rentals start at about WST 112 (£30.21) per day, while scooter rentals offer a more budget-friendly option at around WST 280 (£75.53) per day including fuel. Ferry services operate between the main islands of Upolu and Savai'i, as well as to smaller islands like Manono.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Samoa are around 24% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to WST) is 7% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Samoa is generally safe for tourists with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions regarding personal belongings. The main safety concerns relate to natural hazards including rough surf, strong currents at certain beaches and tropical cyclones during the wet season (November-April).
Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Samoa are basic, with limited services available outside Apia. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended. Mosquito-borne illnesses can occur, so take precautions against insect bites, especially during the wet season.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is limited throughout Samoa. Most natural attractions, beaches and traditional accommodations present challenges for those with mobility issues. Major hotels in Apia offer better accessibility features, but advance planning is essential.
Tap water
Tap water quality varies throughout Samoa and is generally not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is widely available and affordable in tourist areas. When traveling to remote areas, carry water purification tablets or a portable filter.
Packing recommendations for Samoa
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
🧥
Waterproof jacket
especially November–April
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
👛
Cash in small denominations
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
for village visits
👟
Water shoes
🤿
Snorkelling gear
though hire is available
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
👕
Quick-dry clothing
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Samoa
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