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SAMOA ISLANDS: DOCUMENTS
All visitors to the Samoa Islands must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the scheduled return date. For citizens of most countries of the world a visa is not necessary if you are staying for less than 30 days.
For the documents needed to travel to the Samoa Islands, we always recommend checking the country’s official website.
SAMOA ISLANDS: HEALTH INSURANCE, TRAVEL INSURANCE AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The Samoa Islands have decent hospital equipment, with a good hospital in Apia and other smaller hospitals in some villages on the two islands. These centers are suitable for general medical treatments, in case of need for special care the transfer to New Zealand will be necessary. For the tourist, it is highly recommended to take out a medical insurance that covers all health costs and also allows the repatriation of the patient in urgent cases.
SAMOA ISLANDS: VACCINATIONS
No vaccination is mandatory.
SAMOA ISLANDS: DRIVE A CAR
For driving in the Samoa Islands, a national driving license is required. This licence must be validated at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure by paying a small fee. The guide has been on the left since September 7, 2009 (before it was on the right). The use of seat belts, a child seat and a helmet for motorcyclists are mandatory. Strongly recommended insurance for damage to the rented car.
SAMOA ISLANDS: POWER PLUGS AND ELECTRIC SOCKETS
The voltage in the Samoa Islands is 240 volts 50 Hz, the same that is used in Australia and New Zealand. The power plugs and sockets used in the Samoa islands are the 3-blade type I ones. Therefore the use of an adapter is required for European appliances.
SAMOA: MOBILE PHONES AND INTERNET
The country code for calling Samoa is 00685.
The Samoa Islands have two mobile operators: BlueSky Samoa and Digicel. Digicel operates on a GSM mobile network system (900MHz-1800MHz), Samoatel operates on a GSM mobile network system (900MHz).
Internet is available in the islands. Most hotels offer free WIFI to their guests.
SAMOA ISLANDS: MONEY AND BANKING
Currency: Tala (WSD).
Banks in Samoa Islands are open Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 15.00. ATMs (ATMs) are widespread in Apia and its surroundings while only one is found in Savai’i. Credit cards are accepted in the most important hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are the most popular.
SAMOA ISLANDS: TIMEZONE
UTC +13 hours (summer UTC + 14 hours).
The climate of the Samoa Islands.
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