(Independent) Samoa
The information below is provided by Lonely Planet readers and is not verified by Lonely Planet. For the official lowdown, contact your nearest embassy or check out our Travel Links.
Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings
Apia:The Immigration Department is behind the Visitor's Bureau in the large building across the car park. Go in the door around the side/back of the building. It is ST$50.00 for a visa extension. They take ages to get these but they are cheaper if you buy once in Samoa.
Jenny Price, UK (Nov 01)
The departure tax at the airport is now ST$30.00.
Drew & Sue Tierney, New Zealand (Aug 01)
Travel Tips
Bring very little and learn how to wear a lava lava.
Samoans are both trusting and trustworthy. Give them the benefit of the doubt in trying situations and they will come through for you. Don't take advantage of their generosity. Mail them those photos and tee-shirts you promised them. You may want to return.
Angela McWhirter, Canada (Aug 01)
Do not drive to Uafato, the road is absolutely terrible and you are likely to do damage to the car and/or get stuck.
Keith Parsons, New Zealand (July 01)
There's a tentative bus schedule at the Tourist Office and you can pick up a copy there too. It might not be perfect but it gives you a rough idea when buses MIGHT go. Anyway, it's always good to know the connections between the villages and the places the buses go on their journeys.
Siegfried Stapf, Germany (Mar 01)
Water is far more expensive in Samoa than everything, even beer, so it is probably a good idea taking a water purifier with you.
Sue Hirschberg, Germany (Aug 00)
For anyone considering a South Pacific holiday, you certainly won't be disappointed with a holiday in Samoa and Tonga, But, most importantly, don't forget to take PLENTY of mosquito repellent.
Karen Bruk & Wayne Finucane, Australia (Aug 00)
In the guide it states that it is not possible to visit Swains Island. However, I have found out that the boat that leaves from Apia approximately once a month for Tokelau will sometimes stop in at Swains Island. So, if you are lucky you can get to see the extremely seldom visited Swains Island en-route to Tokelau. Also, this same boat service is occasionally used to make private charters to Rose Island (with the proper US permission, of course).
Duncan McIntosh, Samoa (May 00)
When you're in Samoa don't waste too much time in Apia. It's not a very nice place, in fact, there are no beaches, the harbour is polluted, the streets are dirty and most people are less friendly compared to those out of town. Once you leave the city, the scenery is beautiful, even breathtaking. If you really like beaches, then Samoa is not the best place to go - there are only a few good ones. Also, it's not the best place for activities like snorkelling, diving, fishing, para-sailing, waterskiing etc. It seems as though time stands still in this country and it is extremely difficult to arrange anything at all, probably due to the sometimes overwhelmingly hot climate. Bring all your necessities because very little can be bought in Samoa and everything imported is very expensive.
Volker Maschmann, Denmark (Apr 00)
The ANZ Bank has replaced the Bank of Samoa and has branches in Apia (same site as the old Bank of Samoa) and Salelologa. It has a 24-hour ATM at the branch in Apia with two more ATMs inside the bank. Opening hours are 9 am to 3 pm, Monday to Wednesday and 9 am to 4 pm, Thursday and Friday. There are no bank fees for exchange of traveller's cheques, although stamp duty applies.
Tuan-Anh Nguyen, Australia (Jan 00)
Independent Samoa no longer has a Visitors Bureau Office in Australia (Sydney). Apparently the office has moved to another location and is no longer a public office.
Lone S Christensen, Denmark (May 99)
Scams & Warnings
Some foreigners (and occasionally Samoans themselves) can experience a violent allergic reaction to kava, the ubiquitous, ceremonial drink. It starts with a swelling of the lips and face and develops as a rash across the entire face and upper torso. The appearance of these symptoms can be pretty frightening for even seasoned travellers and are often assumed to be the result of other things. The cure, a three or four day course of cortisone- based tablets named Prednisolone, is rapid and effective. With a large initial dose of four tablets, twice a day, the symptoms should subside within 48 hours. Both pharmacies in Apia carry Prednisolone and though strictly speaking you need a prescription to obtain it, this reaction is so common amongst tourists that they will often simply let you have it after a quick glance at you face and a knowing grin. By the way, NOTHING ELSE WORKS.
Mike Galvin, Ireland (Aug 02)
On a nice Sunday afternoon I was going to snorkel on the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve and rented my snorkeling gear and made myself ready to walk to the reef which is about a couple hundred yards off the beach through shallow water. After a couple of yards, maybe 100, I felt that something was biting me on my ankles and feet. Running back to the shore I was a little panicked since I did not know what that was. After I arrived at the beach I looked down at my ankles which where bleeding a bit out of two small wounds. I was going to the entrance and talking to the ladies there who told me that this happens often and that the fish, a Triggerfish is not dangerous, thanks for telling me afterwards.
So if someone goes there for an underwater experience please make sure that you wear maybe good shoes or ask the ladies at the entrance if there is a route to bypass the area where the Triggerfish are hunting for tourists.
Mathias Ulmer, Germany (Sep 01)
In response to below: there is no such thing! My grandmother lives in the next village and I used to go to that beach everyday. If the ignorant traveller had bothered to ask any of the locals, they would have found that there is an underground spring there. I have experienced this phenomenon myself, and it is a little scary. The village is famous for these underground freshwater springs that are a result of the inactive volcanic crater in that region. Next time mate, find out the facts before lying about my beautiful country!
Anon (Aug 99)
There is QUICKSAND at Stevensen Resort, Manase Beach, Savai'i. I had the unfortunate experience of falling in it. I was unhurt, but frightened, and lost a US$300 camera. The sand is completely unmarked and is not discernible at night from the rest of the sand and water. The owner of the resort was hostile to me when I presented her with these facts and refuses to put up a sign or fence on this dangerous bit of beach. She calls it a fresh water spring! An Australian geologist living there had had the same experience and was also unable to effect any change.
Jonathan Rosser, USA (Dec 97)
Gems, Highlights & Attractions
My first trip to the beautiful islands of Samoa (which hopefully won't be my last) took place in March 2001. I agree that Apia is not the prettiest of places, yet I found the people very warm and friendly, peaceful even, to hear them singing as they walk along or to wave and smile at you with a 'Talofa'. If it's beach that you want make your way round to Lalumanu, it would have to be one of the most amazing spots on the island! You can stay in a fale' for next to nothing right on the beach. There is a small kiosk right there too that sells food and COLD beer. Take your insect repellent - you're going to need it!
Leanne Harvey, Australia (Feb 02)
The Taga Blowholes are absolutely awesome and we feel they are a 'must see' on Savai'i.
Drew & Sue Tierney, New Zealand (Aug 01)
The food market in Apia, Samoa is well worth a visit. It's a hive of activity and a great place to get some traditional food.
Lynda Shepherd, (Oct 00)
Yarns, Fables & Anecdotes
Last year I went on a trip round the usual Asia, Australia and New Zealand, it was very good but I never felt I was really travelling in the 'beach' kind of way! That was until a wise man told me to go to Samoa. At the airport I felt like the only foreigner checking in but I soon found there were loads of holiday makers and Samoa isn't that remote, unless you make it, which is what I did. Take buses, walk from village to village, stay with the people, accept their gifts, it's all safe. It's the most beautiful place in the world.
Craig Patton, UK (Feb 01)
found the national park hard to access - the road was fine but there were no markings on where you could and could not go, a hindrance given the following. The NPS office was always empty and closed. A sign at the head of the park said, 'NPS' and 30 yards away, a second sign said, 'You are trespassing on private property and will be shot on sight.' I went in anyway. Exiting without incident, across the road from the trespass sign was a third. It said, 'Thanks for visiting, please come back again.'!
John Coakley, USA (Mar 00)
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