Page 4 - Samoa

SAMOA

SAMOA

More than just tropical islands, Samoa is a very special land of extraordinary beauty, where turquoise lagoons lap onto unspoilt
white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms and where cascading waterfalls, rich virgin rainforests and mist covered mountain
peaks are all contained within a sparkling necklace of coral reefs.

Explore Upolu by car, with a good coastal road and several roads crossing the interior with small villages dotted along the rivers
and coastline these are great places to experience traditional Samoan life. Visit Samoa’s capital Apia, with a pleasant harbour
setting and the hub of tourist activity and hotels.

A visit to Savai’i is a must! As with Upolu, Savai’i’s landscape is varied – with its stunning wild beaches, pristine lagoons, rugged
volcanic craters and lava tubes, lush tropical rainforest and villages which maintain the traditional way of life. Staying in one of
Samoa’s traditional open beachfront fales is a MUST! Listen to the waves lapping on the beach and let the tropical breeze cool you
while you sleep!

We invite you to come and discover why people have been falling in love with the “Treasured islands of the South Pacific” since the
beginning of history!

Travel tips Max Temp °C Average Temperature
Min Temp °C
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
30 30 31 31 30 30 29 29 29 30 30 30
24 24 24 23 23 23 23 22 23 23 23 24

• Climate: A pleasantly warm climate. The temperatures are cooled by south- • Entry Requirements: No entry permit is required for visitors staying up

east trade winds from May to October, while November to April is the wet to 60 days, however an onward or return ticket and valid passport are
and humid season. required.

• Currency: The Samoan unit of currency is the “Tala”. Banks offer money • Transport: There are many ways to get around Samoa. Bus services are

exchange facilities at the airport for all arrivals and departures. Main hotels very economical and enjoyable but can take a lot of time and are limited
also offer money exchange facilities. on Sundays. Taxis are available in the main centres. Hiring a car is the best
way to see all the sights available and you can take as much time as you
• Language: Samoan is the national language, but English is the official like. A passenger and vehicle ferry operates daily from Mulifanua Wharf
to Salelologa, Savai’i. The ferry crossing takes an hour and whilst basic,
language for business. Most Samoans are fluent in both languages. provides a great opportunity to interact with the locals.

• Electricity: 240 volts / AC 50 cycles. Supply can be disrupted especially in • Medical: Samoa is free from most tropical diseases. Medical services are

outlying areas. available at the National Hospital, Apia and from the privately operated
Medcen Hospital.
• Duty Free: Each visitor to Samoa may bring in two litre of spirits and 200
• Village Protocol: Samoans are generous with their hospitality and smiles,
cigarettes or 50 cigars duty free.
and are generally happy to welcome you into their villages. Always ask
• Clothing: Visitors to Samoa need a light tropical wardrobe year round with permission before taking photo’s in villages, avoid walking or driving through
villages during Sa (curfew for evening prayers), leave shoes outside a Samoa
perhaps a light sweater for the cooler evenings. Wearing togs is fine at the house (if invited in), sit cross-legged on the floor and remember to cover up
resorts but should not be worn when visiting town or villages. (no skimpy clothing).

• Drinking Water: Tap water should not be consumed. It is advisable to boil

drinking water. Local purified and mineral waters are available.

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