Samoa
Samoa is the Pacific at its least commercial: villages of open-sided fale houses, Sunday church singing and beaches such as Lalomanu where you sleep steps from the lagoon. The To Sua Ocean Trench, a swimming hole in collapsed lava, is the famous sight, and family-run beach fales offer a simple alternative to resorts.
Overview
Samoa's two main islands make an easy loop. Upolu, home to Apia and the international airport, has the To Sua trench, the south-east coast beaches around Lalomanu and waterfalls in the green interior. A ferry of about an hour crosses to Savai'i, larger but far quieter, where lava fields, blowholes and villages that run largely on fa'a Samoa — the traditional way of life — set a slower pace. Most visitors spend a week to ten days, splitting nights between a beach fale on each island, perhaps adding a resort or a few days in Apia.
Samoa is one of the more affordable South Pacific destinations, and beach fales — simple huts with a mattress and mosquito net, usually including breakfast and dinner — put you in touch with the families who run them. Life follows church and village rules: Sundays are quiet, an evening prayer curfew (sa) is observed in many villages, and swimming spots belong to communities who charge small fees. The pace suits travellers who want to switch off; nightlife is minimal outside Apia. What surprises most visitors is how strongly traditional culture endures, from the full-body pe'a tattoo to the chiefly matai system.
Map of Samoa
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
To Sua Ocean Trench
A 30m-deep swimming hole in the lava coast at Lotofaga, connected to the ocean by an underwater tunnel. Climb down a steep wooden ladder to swim in the clear, tidal water, set in tropical gardens above the cliffs.
- 2Beach
Lalomanu Beach
On Upolu's south-east tip, a long arc of white sand faces a turquoise lagoon and the offshore island of Nu'utele. Stay in a family-run beach fale, snorkel at high tide and watch for strong currents beyond the reef.
- 3History
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
The Scottish author spent his last years at Villa Vailima above Apia, now a restored museum. Afterwards, climb the steep trail up Mount Vaea to his hilltop grave, inscribed with his poem 'Requiem'.
- 4Nature
Alofaaga Blowholes
On Savai'i's south coast near Taga, Pacific swells force seawater through lava tubes in roaring jets tens of metres high. Locals throw coconuts into the blowholes for visitors; pay the village fee and stay well back.
- 5History
Saleaula Lava Fields
Eruptions of Mount Matavanu between 1905 and 1911 sent lava across northern Savai'i, burying villages. Walk across the black, rippled flows to the roofless walls of a church filled with lava, and a grave the flow left untouched.
Biggest cities
Apia
Samoa's small, low-rise capital has the Maketi Fou produce market, an early-morning fish market and the Palolo Deep marine reserve for snorkelling just off the waterfront.
Apia is Samoa's only town. Almost everyone else lives in villages; the largest, such as Vaitele, are effectively Apia's suburbs, and Salelologa, Savai'i's ferry port, is the only other commercial centre.
When to go to Samoa
Best time: May–Oct.
Average climate in Apia
Festivals & events
- JunIndependence celebrations
Although Samoa became independent on 1 January 1962, it celebrates on 1 June, with parades, fautasi longboat races in Apia harbour and cultural performances.
- SepTeuila Festival
Apia's week-long celebration of Samoan culture each September features fire-knife dancing, siva dance contests, tattooing demonstrations, food stalls and the Miss Samoa pageant.
- OctWhite Sunday (Lotu Tamaiti)
On the second Sunday of October, children dressed in white lead church services with songs and Bible readings, then are served first at the family feast.
How much does Samoa cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Oka i'a
Raw fish marinated in lime or lemon juice, then mixed with coconut cream, onion, chilli and diced vegetables — Samoa's answer to ceviche.
Palusami
Young taro leaves wrapped around thick coconut cream and onion, then baked in an umu, a hot-stone oven, until silky; a Sunday feast staple.
Koko Samoa
A rich drink of locally grown cacao beans, roasted and ground into paste, then mixed with hot water and sugar and drunk at breakfast.
Getting around
On Upolu, brightly painted wooden buses run from Apia's markets to most villages, though not to a fixed timetable and rarely on Sundays. Taxis are cheap but unmetered, so agree fares first. Hiring a car gives the most freedom; driving is on the left, and you need a temporary local licence, usually arranged by the hire company. Ferries cross from Mulifanua wharf to Salelologa on Savai'i in about an hour.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- I230V — bring a UK-to-I adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +685
- Time zone
- UTC+13 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Varies — bottled or filtered is safer
- Driving
- On the left
- Tipping
- Tipping is not part of Samoan custom and is not expected, though leaving something for the staff at a beach fale you enjoyed is appreciated.
- Etiquette
- Dress modestly in villages, covering shoulders and knees. Respect the evening prayer curfew (sa) by stopping and staying quiet, avoid swimming at village beaches on Sundays, and ask before entering village land.
- Main airports
- Faleolo International Airport (APW), Apia
Visas & entry for Samoa
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can visit Samoa without a visa for up to 60 days. Border officials will issue a free visitor permit or business visitor permit using your arrival card. You may need to show: an onward or return ticket; sufficient funds – a bank statement is acceptable evidence; confirmed accommodation such as a hotel booking or letter of invitation.
To stay longer than 60 days, or for work, study or other reasons, apply for a Samoan entry permit.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- DengueHepatitis BBat LyssavirusTyphoid
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Samoa
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Boxing Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Sat 2 Jan 2027 | The Day After New Year's Day |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 27 Mar 2027 | Day After Good Friday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Mon 10 May 2027 | Mother's Day |
| Tue 1 Jun 2027 | Independence Day |
| Mon 9 Aug 2027 | Father's Day |
| Mon 11 Oct 2027 | White Sunday (Lotu a Tamaiti) |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Samoan
| English | Samoan | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Talofa | tah-LOH-fah |
| Thank you | Fa'afetai | fah-ah-feh-TIE |
| Please | Fa'amolemole | fah-ah-moh-leh-MOH-leh |
| Excuse me | Tulou | too-LOH-oo |
| How much is this? | E fia le tau? | eh FEE-ah leh tow? |
Know before you go
- Almost everything shuts on Sundays, including most shops and buses: stock up on Saturday, then join a church service for the extraordinary harmonies.
- Beaches, pools and waterfalls usually belong to villages, which charge a small customary fee at the entrance; carry small tālā notes and coins.
- Try at least a night or two in a traditional beach fale: the open-sided huts are family-run, usually include meals, and are the best way to meet Samoans.
Samoa travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Samoa?
The best time to visit Samoa is generally May–Oct. Peak months are May, June, July, August, September and October. Average highs in Apia range from 29°C to 30°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Samoa cost per day?
Roughly £45 a day on a tight budget, £100 mid-range and £230+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Samoa?
Samoan tālā (WST).
What plug type does Samoa use?
Type I sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Samoa?
Traffic drives on the left in Samoa — the same as in the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Samoa?
Varies — bottled or filtered is safer.
Do I need a visa for Samoa?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can visit Samoa without a visa for up to 60 days. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Samoa before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/samoa/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Samoa?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Dengue, Hepatitis B, Bat Lyssavirus and Typhoid sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
