Samoa / Independent State of Samoa / Malo Saʻoloto Tutoʻatasi o Sāmoa – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Samoa?
Samoa is located in Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean, north of Tonga and north east of New Zealand. It consists of two main islands (Savai’i and Upolu), two smaller, inhabited islands (Manono and Apolima) and several smaller, uninhabited islands. It is about the same size as Luxembourg or Hong Kong, and the population is around 206,000 people. The capital and only city is Apia, which is located on the central north coast of Upolu. Apia’s population is around 36,000 people.
The terrain of the larger islands consists of a narrow coastal plains with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in the interior. The highest point in Samoa is Mt Silisili, at 6,096 ft (1,858 m) above sea level.
A bit about the history of Samoa
Early History and Settlement
The islands that make up Samoa were settled by Polynesians around 3,000 years ago. These early inhabitants developed a distinct culture, with a social structure based on chiefly systems and a strong connection to the land and sea.
European Exploration and Colonization
European contact began in the 18th century, with explorers like Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen arriving in 1722. In the 19th century, missionaries and traders from Europe and the United States began arriving, significantly influencing local culture and society. By the late 1800s, Samoa became a point of interest for colonial powers.
German and New Zealand Rule
In 1899, after a series of conflicts and negotiations, the islands were divided between the United States and Germany. The eastern part of the islands became a US territory (now American Samoa), while the western part was taken under German control and became German Samoa. Following World War I, New Zealand took control of the German part of Samoa as a League of Nations mandate, and later as a territory of New Zealand.
Path to Independence
Samoa’s push for independence grew throughout the 20th century. In 1962, Samoa became the first Pacific Island nation to gain independence from colonial rule, adopting the name ‘Western Samoa’ and becoming a member of the United Nations. The country established a parliamentary democracy with a strong focus on traditional governance.
Modern Samoa
In 1997, the country officially dropped ‘Western’ from its name, becoming simply Samoa. Since independence, Samoa has focused on strengthening its economy, maintaining cultural heritage and balancing modernisation with traditional values. Today, Samoa is known for its rich cultural traditions, thriving tourism industry and political stability within the Pacific region.
Samoa road trip
We haven’t finished our planning for our road trip though Samoa yet. When we do though, we’ll post it here, and in the blog.
When flying from Samoa to American Samoa, you must pay a departure tax of 40 Samoan tala.
Hopefully our journey will improve our knowledge of this intriguing and beautiful country, and enable us to meet some interesting people. We’ll be updating this page at that time – don’t forget to check back 🙂
Map of Samoa
What’s it like to drive in Samoa?
They drive on the left hand side of the road in Samoa. Road conditions are mostly quite good in Samoa, although there are many unsurfaced dirt tracks. Driving standards are also poor.
We’ve also created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which you might find helpful 🙂
What are the speed limits in Samoa?
The speed limits for cars in Samoa are:
- 25mph (40 km/h) for urban driving
- 25mph (40 km/h) outside of built up areas
- 35mph (56 km/h) on dual carriageways
- 35 mph (56 km/h) on motorways
What currency do they use in Samoa?
In Samoa they use the Samoan tālā. The use of credit / debit cards is not widespread, you should take cash in more remote areas. Travellers cheques are only accepted in very touristy areas. There are ATMs in most large urban areas.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Samoa?
They speak English and Samoan in Samoa.
What time zone is Samoa in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Samoa?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Samoa?
Yes, wild camping is fine in Samoa.
What plug / socket type do they use in Samoa?
In Samoa they use plug / socket types A, B, F and I.
Health issues in Samoa
Is it safe to drink water in Samoa?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Samoa. Bottled water is readily available throughout the country.
What vaccinations are required for Samoa?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Samoa.
Phones in Samoa
Phone coverage in rural areas and the outlying islands is very limited at best. Most UK mobile phones do not work.
You can buy Vodafone and Digicel SIM cards at supermarkets and the airport. You must register your SIM card if you buy it locally.
What is the country calling code for Samoa?
The country calling code for Samoa is +685
What are the emergency phone numbers in Samoa?
- The emergency number for police in Samoa is: 999 / 995
- In Samoa, the emergency number for ambulance is: 999 / 996
- The emergency number for fire in Samoa is: 999 / 994
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!