Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers.
Hepatitis B: Consider if you might have close contact with locals or medical procedures.
Typhoid: Especially if you plan to eat or drink outside major hotels and restaurants.
Routine Vaccines: Ensure you’re up-to-date on MMR, DPT, varicella, polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. Always check for updates on vaccination requirements.
vaccination requirements When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in American Samoa, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for American SamoaCulture & Customs
Respect local customs: dress modestly, especially in villages. Cover shoulders and knees. Sundays are for church and rest; avoid loud activities and business.
Do ask for permission before taking photos of people or private property. Always remove shoes before entering someone’s home.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, public displays of affection might draw attention. Be discreet.
Women should be aware that gender roles are traditional; take cues from local women on behavior.
Always use your right hand for giving and receiving, as the left hand is considered impolite in many contexts.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for American Samoa.
- Palusami: This dish is a staple in Samoan cuisine, made from young taro leaves wrapped around coconut cream and often mixed with onions or sometimes corned beef. The parcels are then baked or steamed. It’s creamy, rich, and delivers a taste of both the land and sea, embodying the essence of local flavors.
- Oka: Oka is a raw fish salad, somewhat similar to ceviche, made from fresh fish marinated in coconut milk with a mix of lime juice, onions, and chili. It’s a refreshing and zesty dish, perfect for the tropical climate, and showcases the island’s abundant seafood.
- Pani Popo: These are sweet coconut buns that are soft, fluffy, and soaked in a sweet coconut sauce. A popular treat for breakfast or dessert, they highlight the Samoan love for coconut in their cuisine.
- Fa’ausi: A sweet treat made from grated taro or breadfruit that’s mixed with coconut cream and sugar, then baked. It’s a delightful dessert that offers a taste of traditional Samoan ingredients, making it a favorite at local gatherings.
- Laufusi: This is a unique dish made from the banana heart (blossom) cooked with coconut milk, onions, and sometimes meat. It’s a lesser-known dish but offers a truly local taste, showcasing the versatility of local ingredients.
Tap water in American Samoa is generally not recommended for tourists to drink as locals often opt for filtered or bottled water. While some locals might drink tap water, it’s safer for travelers to stick with bottled or filtered options. Bottled water is widely available and is a reliable choice for peace of mind.
The main language in American Samoa is
Samoan. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Samoan skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for American Samoa includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In American Samoa,
English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among younger generations. While Samoan is the primary language and is used in daily life, government, and cultural expressions, English serves as a second language and is commonly used in education, business, and tourism. Signs, menus, and official documents are often bilingual, reflecting the territory’s connection to the United States.
Visitors will find that most locals, particularly those working in the hospitality and service industries, are proficient in English. However, in more rural areas, you may encounter individuals who are less fluent in English, as Samoan is the dominant language in those communities. Overall, English communication should not pose significant challenges for travelers, making it relatively easy to navigate and engage with the local culture while exploring the beautiful landscapes and rich traditions of American Samoa.
Money & Payments
The local currency of American Samoa is USD ($).
Cash is King: In American Samoa, cash is your best friend. ATMs can be a bit scarce, especially outside of Pago Pago. When you find one, it’s usually in a bank or a big supermarket. Keep a few hundred dollars in cash on you, but don’t keep it all in one place.
Dollars Only: The currency here is the U.S. dollar, so leave your euros at home. Make sure to have small bills; locals might not have change for larger denominations.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are mostly accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants, but don’t count on it everywhere. Always have cash as a backup, especially in more remote areas.
Exchange Options: If you’re arriving with foreign currency, exchange it at a bank in Pago Pago. Avoid airport kiosks due to unfavorable rates. Remember, exchanging outside the main town can be a hassle, so plan ahead.
Tipping in American Samoa isn’t a common practice, as service charges are often included in bills at restaurants and hotels. However, if you feel you’ve received exceptional service, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated. When taking taxis, rounding up the fare is a considerate gesture.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.