Samoa is a place where piglets roam freely and everyone waves as you pass by. It is a country full of welcoming people, incredible beaches, and stunning waterfalls. Follow this Samoa travel guide to experience the first independent nation in the South Pacific and what is thought to be the birthplace of the tatau (tattoo). Samoa is composed of two large islands, Upolu and Savaii and both are packed with sites to explore.
Samoans are large, not only in stature but in the heart. The food is great and plentiful! The To-Sua Ocean Trench is one of the coolest natural land formations in the world. For these reasons and many more, Samoa is our favorite country in the South Pacific. So pack your flip-flops and bikini (or mankini), and get on your way to the beautiful island of Samoa!
Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon.
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The Ultimate Samoa Travel Guide
Visa to Visit Samoa
A visa is not required for most visitors for stays up to 60 days. You must have a return ticket or onward travel, and a passport valid for at least six months.
Language in Samoa
Samoan is the official national language; however, most people speak English as it is the first language taught in schools. Here are a few basic Samoan words:
- Hello – Malo or Talofa
- Thank you – Faafetai
- No – Leai
- Yes – Ioe
- Please – Faamolemole
Culture in Samoa
Samoan culture is rich and proud of its Polynesian roots. Many people still reside in remote villages and live off the land and sea. The traditional houses are called “fales”. They are open-air bungalows and are the standard for beachside accommodation.
Fia Fia shows are a great way to experience Samoan culture. The show usually includes dancing, singing, and a fire show. Sunday is church and family day, with most shops closed and buses not operating. Unless you’re traveling by rental car or scooter, you can expect to stay at the same place Saturday and Sunday night. “Sunday umu” is food cooked on hot stones on the earth and is usually shared with friends and family.
Tattoos, or “tatau” in Samoan, are believed to have originated in Samoa. The tatau is still used today as a sign of responsibility towards family and loved ones. A Pe’a is the traditional male tattoo that covers from the waist to the top of the knee. This very painful process takes many weeks to complete.
If a Samoan man starts the process of Pe’a and is unable to fully finish the tatau, it is shameful to himself, his family, and his village. The traditional female tatau is called the malu. It starts from the top of the thigh to the knee and is a much lighter ordeal, usually just taking an afternoon to finish.
Tourism in Samoa
The tourism infrastructure is great in Samoa. It is fairly easy to get around both islands independently. However, with every stop – whether it is a waterfall, natural landmark, or beach – payment is required. This is because all of the land is owned by villages and the local people. The fees help support the local families and communities.
While all tourist locations cost money, the majority are only 5 Tala ($2 USD) for entry. If the price seems absorbent, you may want to try bargaining.
Best Time to Visit Samoa
The best time to visit Samoa is during the dry season between May and October. The rainy season is between February and April. December holidays see a huge influx of Aussie and Kiwi tourists.
Samoa is very hot and humid year-round, with high temperatures continuing into the night.
Currency in Samoa
The national currency in Samoa is the Tala. ATMs are not widely available, so be sure to take out enough cash in Apia or Salelologa. In 2021, the Tala was valued at:
- $1 USD = $2.58 Tala (WST)
- €1 = $2.9 Tala (WST)
- $1 AUD = $1.86 Tala (WST)
- $1 NZD = $1.8 Tala (WST)
Food in Samoa
Traditional Umu is common on Sundays when a fire is set outside on top of stones. Food is wrapped in palm leaves and covered with hot stones and banana leaves to steam/cook. Typical Umu consists of palusami, a taro leaf with coconut cream and onions, roasted taro, fish, and at times pork or octopus. Coconut cream sauce is common in most or all dishes.
In Upolu, there are many roadside BBQ stands offering chicken or ribs. Fried chicken and Chinese takeaway are also common in Apia. Savaii is more remote and with less food availability. Food is more basic and simple (rice, taro, vegetables).
Samoans also do not eat lunch. Fales will cook lunch for an extra price, but it is common that restaurants are not open during these times. We commonly would eat snacks and fruit, or have a light lunch from a local store.
Average Prices
Typical prices for various food and drink items in Samoa are as follows:
- BBQ $8 – $10 Tala ($3 – $4 USD)
- Vailima beer $6 Tala ($2.25 USD)
- Wine $15 – $30 Tala ($6 – $12 USD)
- Spirits $35 Tala 1L of rum ($14 USD)
- Fale $60 – $70 Tala (incl breakfast and dinner) ($25 USD)
Transportation in Samoa
Bus
Local bus transport is a great way to get around Upolu. Buses originate in Apia and run throughout the day. Some locations (i.e. Lalomanu) have the last bus mid-day (2 pm), so you’ll need to plan accordingly. Only one bus operates on Sunday to the ferry terminal and back. Bus fares originating in Apia cost around $1.50 Tala locally, $4.50 to the airport, and up to $7.50 Tala to Lalomanu.
Taxi
A taxi costs $5 locally within Apia and $60 Tala to the airport.
Ferry
There are two ferries between Savaii and Upolu that depart several times each day. Sundays have reduced ferry departures. Times often change, so inquire at the visitor center in Apia for an updated schedule. The ferry costs $12 Tala per person.
Moto Rentals
Moto Samoa rents scooters for around $60 Tala per day. They are available in both Upolu and Savaii for pickup/dropoff.
Car Hire
Several car companies in Upolu are available for $90/day Tala for weekly rentals and from $120/day Tala for daily rentals.
Hitchhiking
Hitching rides are very easy and accepted among locals. If you’re standing on the side of the road, locals may slow down and honk to see if you are going in the same direction. Wave cars down to ask for a ride. It is common to give them the same as the bus fare, but they often will decline the gesture.
American Samoa
The Samoa Shipping Company has a ferry between Apia and Pago Pago that departs once a week. The journey takes seven hours and costs $75 USD. However, when we were there the ferry was under maintenance for over four weeks. We heard that was a common occurrence.
With less time on the islands, it is safer to book one of the daily flights that leave from Apia to Pago Pago, American Samoa. Polynesian Air and Talofa Air fly several times a day for a $150 USD return.
Accommodation in Samoa
Beach fales are open-air bungalows and are the typical accommodation in Samoa. Waking up to the sound of the waves is a beautiful experience. However, it is not for everyone. With very heavy rain it could potentially be a very uncomfortable night. Many offer tarps, just in case.
There are some closed fales as well as proper hotel rooms in the larger towns. It is also possible to stay in Apia and take the bus or taxi for day trips around the island, but we recommend staying in fales. Most fales include dinner and breakfast in their prices.
Recommended Budget Places to Stay in Samoa:
- Insel Fehmarn Hotel in Apia is a good choice if you’re on a budget
- Taufua Beach Fales in Lalomanu. Breakfast and dinner are included, and we recommend staying on the weekend to enjoy an amazing Sunday Umu lunch feast
- Namua Island Beach Fales is a perfect beach getaway on a small private island with transfers, breakfast and dinner included.
- Lauiula Beach Fales in Lano, Savaii is reasonably priced and includes breakfast and dinner
- Tailua Beach Fales in Manase, Savaii is reasonably priced and includes breakfast and dinner
- Falealupo Beach Fales in Falealupo, Savaii is reasonably priced and includes breakfast and dinner
- Satuiatua Beach Resort in Satuiatua, Savaii is reasonably priced and includes breakfast and dinner
Safety in Samoa
Samoa is a very safe country to visit. As with traveling anywhere, it is best to care for your belongings. We heard a couple of stories of theft; however, for the most part, there are no issues related to safety in Samoa.
While walking, running, or driving a scooter, dogs are known to be aggressive and can bite. This is the number one reason for injuries in Samoa. It is good to carry a small stick to intimidate groups of barking dogs, as some will get very close and appear as though they may bite you.
We felt very safe while in Samoa, even while sleeping with our belongings at an open-air beach fale. If you are worried about staying at beach fales, we recommend buying a travel security cable and locking your bag to the fale posts.
Top Places to Visit on Upolu Island
If visiting for one week, it is best to stay on the main island of Upolu. It has the most well-known attractions and seven days will be enough to see them all without feeling rushed. These were our favorite places to visit:
To-Sua Ocean Trench
This is the absolute number one reason to visit Samoa. The ocean trench is more of a sinkhole with stairs leading down to this amazing natural wonder.
It is better for jumping/swimming during high tide, but if you are courageous enough to swim through the cave out to the beach, ONLY attempt this at low tide. Unfortunately, there have been fatalities here, so be careful if you swim out.
Cost: $20 Tala
Lalomanu Beach
The best beach in Samoa and one of our favorites in the South Pacific. Easily reachable from Apia, come for the day or stay in one of the local beach fales.
Fuipisia Waterfall
One of the most picturesque falls in Samoa.
Cost: $10 Tala
Namua Island
This private island is like an escape to paradise. You can enjoy the beautiful beach for a day trip, or stay the night. At low tide, you can walk around the entire island, which has a dramatic and rocky coastline.
Cost is $40 Tala for a day trip or $120 Tala overnight including breakfast, dinner, and boat transfers.
Sopo’aga Falls
Only a short walk from the car park leads you to the viewpoint of this massive waterfall.
Cost: $5 Tala
Togitogiga Falls
These small cascading waterfalls are amazingly picturesque. There is a 16-foot jump into a large swimming hole over the bottom falls. It’s a great spot for swimming.
Cost: Free
Apia Cultural Village
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10:30 am, there is a free cultural show and lunch here. There are several stations of traditional craftsmen and workers. And unlike some tourist traps, they actually work there every day, not just for the show.
The highlight was watching local Samoans get traditional tatau. We cannot stress how awesome this experience was. If you are in Apia mid-week do not miss this show!
Cost: Donation-based
Other Places to Visit
- Apia fish market
- Papapapaitai Falls (free)
- Papase’ea Sliding Rock ($5 Tala)
- Giant Clam Observatory ($10 Tala)
- Cape Nouato’i coastal walk
- Manono Island
- Piula Cave Pool ($5 Tala)
Top Places to Visit on Savaii Island
Savaii is larger and more rugged than Upolu, yet with fewer sights. The road encircles the island and passes small villages and untouched coastline. Much of the island is undeveloped land. If you enjoy cycling or want to try something different, rent a mountain bike from Outdoor Samoa and cycle the entire island in one week.
Below are our favorite and recommended places to see in Savaii.
Afu Aau Falls
The best falls in Savaii are also perfect for an afternoon swim on a hot day. Surrounded by lush jungle, these falls are only .6 miles off the main road near the village of Vailoa.
Cost: $5 Tala
Alofaaga Blowholes
This rocky coastline near the village of Taga is defined by the rock formations and lava tubes. There are multiple blowholes and the main blowhole is one of the largest in the world. Water rockets up through the blowhole over 100 feet high. It is best to see during mid or high tide.
Cost: $5 Tala
Saleaula Lava Fields and the Lava Church
This old church was directly in the path of the lava flow from the massive eruption of Mt Matavanu in 1905. You can explore the lava field and the church, and see where the lava field ends into the ocean.
Cost: $5 Tala
Manase Beach
This popular beach is the closest Savaii has to a “resort town.” There are six beach resorts all located side by side along the beach. We went to each resort to compare and some do not have an actual beach, but more of a retaining wall with stair access to water.
We recommend Tailua Beach Fales, which has beach access in front of the nice fales.
Falealupo Beach
Located on the west end of Savaii, Falealupo is the best beach in Savaii. It is great for swimming and a very good site for snorkeling. The area is beautiful with a long white sand beach, palm tree-lined road, and a nearby abandoned church.
Snorkel at Satuiatua Beach
While the beach is nothing to brag about, Satuiatua Beach Resort is a charming resort with a massive banyan tree and treehouse in the center of the property (with a cool swing too). The massive fales are somewhat like an open-air cottage and the food is excellent.
But the real reason to make this a stop is for the snorkeling. Just next to the property is a marine reserve and the coral is absolutely breathtaking and thriving in this area. It was some of the best snorkeling we have seen anywhere in the world.
Should You Visit Samoa?
While Samoa is not likely the closest or easiest place for many to get to, this country is one of our favorites in our years of traveling. The culture is unique, the food is great, and the beaches are very accessible.
In addition to everything we loved about Samoa, it was surprisingly more budget-friendly than we expected. Almost always the cost of a fale included breakfast and dinner, so our accommodation was the majority of our expenses for the duration of our stay.
We absolutely recommend going to Samoa, our favorite country in the South Pacific.
That’s It – we hope you have an amazing visit to the Cradle of Polynesia, Samoa!
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