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 and B, typhoid, and routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) are recommended for Samoa. Consider rabies if you’re planning extended stays or animal interactions. Check current health advisories for updates.
vaccination requirementsWhen 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 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 SamoaCulture & Customs
Respect the **Fa’a Samoa** (The Samoan Way), which emphasizes community and respect. Remove shoes before entering homes and always ask permission before taking photos of people or villages. Dress modestly; women should wear skirts or dresses below the knee, and men should avoid going shirtless.
On Sundays, many activities pause for church and family time; it’s best to follow suit. Avoid public displays of affection, which can be frowned upon. For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised as homosexuality is not widely accepted in traditional settings. Women, particularly solo travelers, should be mindful of their surroundings and consider dressing conservatively to respect local customs.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Samoa.
- Oka I’a: This is Samoa’s take on ceviche, featuring raw fish marinated in coconut cream, lime juice, and a bit of salt. It’s refreshing, creamy, and a perfect way to beat the island heat.
- Palusami: A rich dish made from taro leaves wrapped around coconut cream, onions, and sometimes corned beef, then baked. It’s often served during traditional feasts and is a comforting staple that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
- Fa’ausi: This dessert combines taro or breadfruit with a sweet coconut caramel sauce. It’s a beloved treat that highlights the importance of coconut in Samoan cuisine.
- Sapasui: Samoa’s version of chop suey, this dish is a flavorful mix of vermicelli noodles, soy sauce, and typically beef or chicken. It reflects the multicultural influences in Samoan cooking due to Chinese immigration.
- Pani Popo: Soft buns baked in sweet coconut cream. It’s a popular snack or dessert and showcases the Samoan love for all things coconut.
The tap water in Samoa is generally not recommended for tourists. While locals might drink it, it’s safer for travelers to stick with bottled or filtered water to avoid any digestive issues. Always opt for sealed bottled water, especially in more rural areas.
The main language in 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 Samoa includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Samoa,
English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among the younger population. It is one of the official languages, alongside Samoan, and is commonly used in government, education, and business. Most Samoans are bilingual, and you’ll find that many locals, particularly those working in the tourism industry, are fluent in English.
In rural areas, English proficiency may vary, with some older generations primarily speaking Samoan. However, basic English phrases are generally understood, making communication manageable for travelers. Road signs, menus, and public information are often available in both languages, enhancing accessibility for English-speaking visitors.
While English is prevalent, embracing some Samoan phrases can enrich your experience and foster goodwill with locals. Overall, travelers will find it relatively easy to navigate and communicate in Samoa due to the widespread use of English.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Samoa is WST (Tala).
In Samoa, ATM access is decent but not super widespread, so it’s smart to carry some cash, especially if you’re heading out of the main towns. Samoan tala (WST) is the local currency, and you’ll definitely want to have some on hand. While both USD and EUR can be exchanged, if you’re carrying either, know that USD is a bit easier to deal with. Major banks like ANZ and BSP have ATMs, mainly in Apia and at Faleolo International Airport.
Cards are accepted at bigger hotels, resorts, and some restaurants, but smaller places and local markets are cash-only. It’s worth noting that card fees can be hefty, so keep that in mind. For exchanging money, head to banks or authorized exchange places for the best rates. Avoid airports and hotels if you can, as their rates are usually not in your favor.
Tipping in Samoa isn’t a common practice, as it’s not part of the local culture. While service charges are often included in bills at hotels and restaurants, a small token of appreciation is warmly accepted if you feel you’ve received exceptional service. Always check your bill first to see if a service charge is already included.
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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.