Currency
The local currency is the Samoan Tala (WST), divided into 100 sene. Prices are often written as SAT$ or WST$. Most hotels and larger restaurants in Apia accept Visa and Mastercard, but cash is essential outside the capital — carry enough before heading to Savai'i or rural villages.
ATMs are found at Faleolo Airport, in Apia, and at Salelologa on Savai'i. Currency exchange is available at the airport, major banks, and some hotels.
Language
Samoan and English are both official languages. English is widely spoken in Apia and tourist areas. Learning a few Samoan words — talofa (hello), fa'afetai (thank you), tofa (goodbye) — goes a long way.
Health
No vaccinations are required, though Hepatitis A, typhoid, and up-to-date routine jabs are sensible. Tap water in Apia is generally treated but bottled water is cheap and widely available. There is a main hospital in Apia; for anything serious, medical evacuation to New Zealand or Australia may be necessary. Travel insurance is strongly advised.
Electricity
230V/50Hz. Power points are the Australian/New Zealand type (two or three flat pins). Adaptors are available in Apia.
Time zone
Samoa is UTC+13 (UTC+14 during daylight saving). It is one of the first countries to greet each new day.
Dress and behaviour
Modesty matters. Cover up when visiting villages, churches, or markets — shorts and sleeveless tops are fine at the beach but not in most other public settings. Remove shoes before entering a fale (traditional house). On Sundays, many villages observe a quiet period (sa) at dusk when families pray; it lasts about 15 minutes and you should sit quietly until it ends.
Communications
Mobile coverage (4G) is good in Apia and most of Upolu, patchier on Savai'i. Local SIM cards from Digicel or Vodafone Samoa are cheap and sold at the airport and in town.