Social ConventionsEven more than their American Samoan neighbors, Samoans adhere to traditional moral and religious codes of behavior. According to the Government, the Samoan is the purest surviving Polynesian type, with a reputation for being upright and dignified in character. Life in each village is still regulated by a council of chiefs with considerable financial and territorial power; this ‘extended family’ social system is intricately and unusually linked with the overall political system. Visitors should avoid walking through villages during evening prayer (usually
between 1800 and 1900). Sunday is a day of peace and quiet, and visitors should behave quietly and travel slowly through villages. It is recommended for women to wear a
lavalava (sarong) rather than shorts and pants; nude or topless bathing is prohibited. When entering a
fale, shoes should be removed, visitors should never stand when elders are seated, and when sitting down, the soles of your feet should not be shown (the yogic cross-legged style is a good option). Permission should always be asked before taking photographs in a village. Visitors should not offer money to children, even when they ask. For access and fees to certain areas and villages, see
Top Things To Do.
International Travel:Getting There by AirSamoa’s national airline is
Polynesian Airlines (PH) (website:
www.polynesianairlines.com).
Departure TaxTala40 for adults. Transit passengers and children under 12 years of age are exempt.
Main AirportsApia (APW) (Faleolo) is 34km (21 miles) from the capital (journey time – 40 minutes). Airport facilities include banks/bureaux de change, post office, duty-free shop and car hire (national firms). Buses and taxis operate to the city.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: The international port is
Apia, on Upolu. It is served by both cargo and passenger
ships from Australia, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and the USA.
There is also a
ferry service from Pago Pago on American Samoa.
OverviewThe following items may be imported into Samoa by persons of 16 years of age or more without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 250g of cigars or tobacco;
1l of spirits;
other goods for personal use up to Tala250.
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, non-prescribed drugs and indecent publications. Live animals and plants (including seeds, fruit, soil, etc) may not be imported without prior permission from the Director of Agriculture.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirPolynesian Airlines (PH) operates daily flights from Faleolo on Upolu to Maota and Asau on Savai’i. Charter and sightseeing flights are available.
Getting Around by WaterThere are passenger/vehicle ferries between Upolu (Apia) and Savai’i (travel time – 65 minutes). Check with
Samoa Shipping Corporation for up-to-date schedules (tel: 20935/6).
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 40kph (25mph) within the Apia area and 56kph (35mph) outside the Apia area. Drivers should be alert, especially at night, to the hazard of roaming pigs, dogs and people.
Bus: Public transport covers most of the islands. There are no timetables; policepeople at the New Market Bus Stand in Apia have information on bus departures.
Taxi: Cheap and readily available in Apia. They are not metered and prices should be negotiated in advance. There is a minimum charge of Tala2. Longer trips are at a higher rate but are government regulated.
Car hire: Available from several agencies. Deposit and insurance are usually required.
Bicycles and
motor scooters are also available.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit for drivers over 21 years of age or a valid national license. The Transport Ministry issues a local license for a small fee. An International Driving Permit is required for car hire.
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