A true paradise of deserted beaches, lush forests, waterfalls, vibrant coral reefs and inactive volcanoes. Even during high season, Samoan Islands are never crowded offering intense beautiful days and many different activities: swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving among some of planet’s most beautiful seafloors, surfing, walking tracks, kayaking or canoeing, and bicycle rides exploring this enchanting part of Oceania.

Samoan people will welcome you with great courtesy and entertain you with their typical tribal dances and harmonious songs.

Samoan Islands are the heart of Polynesia. Often referred to as Fa’a Samoa, the Samoan Way: a traditional lifestyle that is still present now like in the past. It follows traditions, customs, respect for the family and the community, religious devotion and belonging to nature. In other Polynesian islands this traditional lifestyle is often lost, while it still regulates the lives of Samoan people. The Samoan archipelago is formed by main islands Upolu (where the airport and capital Apia are situated), Savai’I also known as Big Island and eight smaller atolls, mainly unpopulated.

A Passport is necessary with a left validity of at least 6 months after schedule departure dates from the Samoan Islands.
For stay lesser than 30 days a visa is not needed. Visitors must be holding a valid return air ticket showing intention to leave the country at a schedule date.
For stay longer than 30 days it is compulsory to obtain a visa from the Diplomatic Representative of Western Samoa.

Please visit Samoan Immigration Department website for further information:

http://www.samoaimmigration.gov.ws

Every period is ideal to visit such a paradise. From November to April is the humid season where tropical rains can be expected to refresh the day. Best period to visit is during dry season, from May to October, with a prefect climate and many events in the calendar. For fishing enthusiasts, Polynesian Dive Fest and Game Fishing Tournament are in mid-August. The Rising of the Palolo Worm, one of reef’s most fascinating natural phenomenon, happens on Savai’i coral reefs. The annual cultural event Teuila Festival takes place each September.

CLIMA

From May to October season is dry, optimal for visiting the country. From November to April is the wet seasons with rains and cyclones. Visitors can still enjoy these months; despite some afternoon tropical showers, temperatures are always warm and above 25°C.

Travel between Samoan Islands is easy, we suggest not to stop to only one location but visit both main islands. Hire a car is the best way to explore the country, speed limit is slow due to poor road conditions, people walking on side of roads during the day and it is not uncommon to have dogs, pigs, cows or horses crossing roads freely. Drivers keep left.

Fuel can only be purchased in major villages and a temporary driver license is required with a cost of $20 per month.
The airport is equipped with an information point where visitors can ask for a map or pick up a local guide, like Jasons Visitor Guide, a small pink booklet with details on attractions, shows, museums and natural wonders.

When picking up a hired vehicle, make sure to check all possible pre-existing damages and report them immediately to avoid having charges at the end. Purchased an insurance covering for possible future damages, to fix them could be expensive.

Ferries link island to island, however departures may not be respected due to bad sea weather.

Bus rides are also available to move around an island. Take in consideration departure times are only indicational to Samoan people and bus drivers (avoid buses after 2 pm or weekends). Visitors must be patient, nonetheless it is a worthy authentic experience.

Local buses are called Wooden Busses: small colourful vans with wooden benches as seats and high music transferring passengers from one village to the next without scheduled stops. Buses don’t have a line number but only the final destination village written on it. It is a public service; however, the vehicle is privately owned, and it is common to see it parked outside its owner’s house at night. The owner can decorate its bus as pleased and, often, make some extra money buy renting it to educational propaganda messages. These buses are a typical photos opportunity because of their picturesque nature and extravagances. For the price of 3 Tala (a little more than 1 Euro) passengers can travel between villages. Inside these vehicles personal space is minimal and physical contact inevitable during peak hours when smaller buses are crowded with people. You may have to seat on another passenger’s lap or, to avoid so, offer to seat a child on your lap. It is normal practice to allow more people to seat down as passengers cannot stand up during journeys.
If fit why not consider a bicycle ride between villages. Be aware of heat, dogs and uneven roads.

Local currency of Samoan Island is the Tala (dollar) divided in 100 sene (cents).

ATM

Local branches of ANZ and BSP bank have ATM machines. Bear in mind ATM can run out of cash at the beginning of the week. Bring with you some cash (small notes) when travelling outside of major populated areas.

Samoan is the official language, English is also spoken and well present on road signs, news, advertising, commercial signs etc.

Communication problems are minimum. Try to learn some basic Samoan, locals love to hear it.

Simple, summer clothing is ideal. Low-necked or short clothes are not welcomed, for women it is best to wear knee length or long dresses. Everyone dresses in a simple way. Flip flops are everyday footwear used from office work to Saturday night clubbing. Look for practicality and sobriety.
Local men and women often wear the lava lava, a sarong with typical prints and a T-shirt. Girls also dress in puletasi, traditional dresses.
When venturing on beaches away from main resort and near villages, it is not welcomed for women to wear a bikini. Local women never undress so bring shorts and a T-shirt to swim as a sign of respect.

In Samoa electrical plugs are the same as Australia (Tension: 230 V – Frequency: 50 Hz). Italian visitors must bring an adaptor.

For further information visit Tourism Samoan official website:

www.samoa.travel