Business Hours

Government departments, businesses and most shops open Monday to Friday 8am - 4:30pm, with lunch from 12 noon to 1pm. Some shops and offices close through lunch. Shops open on Saturdays 8am - 12 noon and only small convenience stores open on Sunday.

Currency / Banking

Samoa's local currency is the Samoan Tala (SAT), which is made up of 100 sene.

The most recognised foreign currencies are New Zealand, Australia and American dollars. Please note that it is local practice to quote prices in US$. A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies and is usually included in all marked prices.

There are money changing facilities at the airport, most hotels and the three commercial banks, ANZ (Samoa), Westpac Bank (Samoa), National Bank of Samoa and Western Union have main branches in Apia and some have offices in Salelologa on Savai'i. Banking hours are Monday - Wednesday 9am - 3pm, Thursday and Friday to 4pm. On Saturday the National Bank of Samoa at the Apia market opens 9am - 12 noon.

Post Office / Telecom Services

The main office is on Beach Road, Apia. Telephone and Telex operates Monday - Saturday 8am - 10pm. Facsimile service operates Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm. Stamps and philatelic operates Monday - Friday 9am - 4:30pm.

Language

Samoan is the national language however most Samoans speak English, which is the official language of business.

Time Zone

Samoa boasts the easternmost point from the dateline so it is the last place in the world to see the sun set each day. Samoan time is GMT minus 11 hours.

Medical

Samoa is free from most tropical diseases including Malaria. Medical services are available at the National Hospital, Apia, at a reasonable cost, and also from the privately operated Medcen Hospital. Most hotels and restaurants filter their water, however in villages and private homes it is advisable to buy bottled water.

Electricity

A 240 volt system operates, accepting three point plugs. Hotels can assist in converting 110 volts. If using a computer be aware that power can fluctuate.

Diplomatic Offices

Samoa has High Commissions for Australia and New Zealand; Embassies for USA and China and consular representatives for Britain, Chile, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain and Sweden.

Immigration / Entry Requirements

No entry permit is required for visitors staying up to 30 days, however all visitors must have a return or onward ticket and provide a local address. Visitors may apply to extend their stay by applying to the Immigration Office in Apia.

Departure Tax

Approx SAT45.00 is charged for departing adults and children 12 years and over. Children under 12 years are free.

Customs / Duty Free

Adult passengers may bring into Samoa duty free; one litre of liquor, one carton or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.

Transport / Travel

There are numerous ways of getting around Upolu and Savai'i so it's easy for visitors to see the sights and meet the local people.

Rental car companies are located in Apia and Salelologa on Savai'i. You must get your licence endorsed at a police station before collecting a rental car. Driving is an enjoyable way to explore Samoa at your own pace.

Driving on the right side of the road; the speed limit is 25mph in town, 35mph out of town and 15mph past schools and courthouses. Drive slowly and quietly through villages on Sunday.

Buses provide an extensive service on Upolu and Savai'i for local people and a memorable experience for visitors, if you aren't in a hurry. An approximate schedule is available from the Visitors Bureau.

Airport Bus Services transfer passengers between Faleolo International Airport and Apia's major hotels and cost about SAT 10.00 one way. For bookings or information phone 23014 or enquire at your hotel.

Taxis are always available in Apia and at the international airport. The government regulates rates, but check the cost of the journey with the driver before departing. Taxis charge SAT 2.00 minimum in the Apia area, longer trips are at a higher rate. A 35 minute airport to Apia fare is SAT 35.00-38.00

Flights leave from Fagali'i International Airport near Apia, linking Upolu with airports on Savai'i. Flights take 20 minutes and are operated by Polynesian Airlines.

Ferries leave from Mulifanua Wharf, beyond the international airport, for the 60 minute trip to Salelologa, Savai'i. Rental cars may be taken on the ferry.

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