- Samoa enjoys a year round tropical climate with an average temperature in Apia of 27
degrees C. (81 degrees F). The average yearly rainfall in Apia is about 290 cm (114
inches) with most rainfall occurring during the wet season from November to April.
- Monday - Friday 8.00 am - 4.30 pm with lunch from 12 noon to 1.30 pm. Some shops and
offices close down for lunch. Saturday 8.00 am - 12.30 am. Shops and offices are closed on
Sundays.
- The Samoa decimal currency is tala for dollar and sene for cent (100 sene = WS$1). The
rate of exchange is approximately WS$3.5 = US$1
Use this currency converter to get the latest exchange rates
Price
of the Samoan TalaThe
ANZ, Pacific Commercial
Bank (PCB) and National Bank of Samoa (NBS) are open during weekdays from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm with
the ANZ providing 24 hour ATM services from its main office at
Matafele.
A number of foreign currency agencies are also operating like Western
Union , Xprestrac, MoneyGram and Travellex
- 1 carton of cigarettes (200 cigarettes) or 50 cigars and one 40 or 26fl oz bottle of
spirit.
The gift shops at the Faleolo International airport (Departure and Arrival
Lounge) have a wide selection of international goods including cigarettes, liquor,
perfume, watches, jewelry, electrical goods and an attractive selection of gift items.
- At many sites of tourist interest, visitors are required to pay a small customary or
entrance fee. Please ask for permission before visiting any tourist site and the local
people will be very happy to assist.
- Lightweight summer clothes are ideal, since the temperature never varies enough to
require more than a light sweater on a cool evening. The atmosphere of Apia, the capital,
is informal. Men seldom wear ties and wearing dressy shorts and a shirt is accep table
almost anywhere. Dresses are more suitable for women outside the hotels and in keeping
with Samoan customs. Visitors are advised not to wear bathing suits in the main streets of
Apia and in the villages.
- The current is 240 volts AC 50 cycles but can be converted to 110 volts in most hotels.
- Please refer to the list of
Samoa Overseas Missions from
where information on visas can be obtained for each relevant country.
- Visitors are requested to respect local customs particularly when traveling in rural
areas and when visiting a village. Many villages observe an evening prayer curfew which,
lasts about 20 minutes. Please adhere to the curfew. More information on customs, etc. is
available from the Samoa Visitors Bureau.
- There are more that 1100 miles of road on the two large Samoan islands of which 245
miles are main roads and 161 miles are sealed. In Apia, rental cars, taxis and public
buses are available. Public Transport on the island of Savai'i is mainly confined to
privately owned buses serving the villages and surrounding districts.
A bus service is
provided for airline passengers between the two major hotels in Apia (Aggie Grey's and the
Kitano Tusitala) and Faleolo International Airport for all flights. The cost is US$3.00
per person, one way. For further information call 23 014.
All taxi charges carry a minimum of WS$2.00 within the town area. Taxis are not metered
and it is advisable to agree on a set price beforehand, or contact the Visitors Bureau for
assistance. The taxi fare from Faleolo International Airport into Apia is
WS$35.00 one
way.
Car rentals are available from a number of companies. Driving is on the right-hand side
and road signs are in English. A small fee is required by the Ministry of Transport for a
local licence.
Speed Limit:
- Within Apia area - 40kmph (25mph).
- Outside Apia area - 56 kmph (35mph).
Drivers Licences
These are the steps you go about in
obtaining a Samoan Driver’s Licence:
- If you hold an International Driver’s Licence ( IDL
)
You can either apply for a three month permit Licence
/ Full Samoan Licence.
a. Three Month Permit Licence
Present IDL at Police Traffic Division ( PTD )
Pay $12.00 Tala for Endorsement ( approx. US$4 )
Licence issue by PTD officer
b. Full Samoan Driver’s Licence
Present IDL at PTD
Pay $40.00 with two passport photos ( approx. US$14 )
Licence issue by PTD officer
- If you hold a Non-International Driver’s Licence
You can only apply for a one month permit drivers licence:
One Month Permit Driver’s Licence
Present Full Licence at PTD
Pay $10.00 Tala ( approx. US$3.50 )
Licence Issue by PTD officer
-
Drivers should always be alert, especially at night, to the additional hazard of
roaming pigs, dogs and people!
-
- It is advisable to boil drinking water. Alternatively, bottled water supplied by the
Le Vai, Vaitele Spring Water and Aquarian Water Company is available in stores throughout the
nation at very reasonable prices.
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