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Weather & climate
Weather in Samoa
Samoa
29°
Thunderstorm
Thu
23°
29°
Fri
23°
28°
Sat
23°
27°
Sun
23°
29°
Mon
23°
30°
Tue
24°
29°
Wed
24°
29°
SPF level in Samoa
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Samoa
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Samoa without a visa for up to 60 days.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
You must be able to show an onward or return ticket to enter.
You must have proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement, for entry.
You must have confirmed accommodation, like a hotel booking, to enter.
Good to know:
If flying from Samoa to American Samoa, you must pay a departure tax of 40 Samoan tala.
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 20,000 talas or more when entering.
Safety in Samoa
Tips when travelling
Samoa is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not leave your belongings unattended and use hotel safes for valuables.
Dress modestly in towns and villages, as swimwear is only acceptable on the beach.
It is illegal to drink alcohol in public except at bars or restaurants.
Take local advice before swimming or surfing due to powerful currents and hazardous waves.
You must buy a temporary driving permit using your UK licence to drive in Samoa.
Bonus tips:
Stray dogs are common and can be aggressive, so keep your distance when walking or cycling.
Many UK mobile phones may not work, so consider buying and registering a local SIM card.
More information
Driving in Samoa
A UK driving license is accepted for a short tourist visit. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
40 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Health in Samoa
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that your policy covers all the activities you plan to do in Samoa. You should seek medical advice from your GP prior to travelling.
Medical facilities in Samoa are limited, particularly outside of Apia. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. There are risks of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever and Zika Virus. Consider consulting your GP or a travel clinic for vaccinations and advice. Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended.
Cards & payments
Limited
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Samoa
Tipping is not customary in Samoa, and service charges are generally not added to bills. While not expected, small tips for exceptional service are appreciated.
Restaurant
Not customary. 5-10% for exceptional service.
Bar/Café
Not customary. Rounding up is appreciated.
Taxi
Not customary. Rounding up is appreciated for good service.
Hotel Porter
WST 2-5 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
WST 5-10 per day
Tour Guide
WST 10-20 for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be very high in Samoa. Check with your UK mobile provider for specific rates and consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates. EU roaming regulations no longer apply post-Brexit.
Local SIM
10 GB for 50 WST (~£14)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Samoa
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type I
WiFi & internet
Limited
Average speed
10 Mbps
Wi-Fi is available in some hotels, cafes, and restaurants primarily in Apia, but coverage can be limited and speeds may vary. Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan for more reliable internet access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Samoa
Country code
+685
To call the British High Commission in Apia from the UK, you would dial 00 685 21701.
To call Samoa, you'll need the country code 685. When calling from abroad, first dial your country's exit code, then 685, and finally the local number. Mobile coverage can be limited in some areas.
UK Embassy
British High Commission Apia
c/-Level 2, SNPF Plaza, Beach Road, Apia, Samoa
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.