Warnings & Dangers in Samoa
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Samoa is safe enough to travel. Tourists rarely encounter problems in this country. Local diseases and dangerous marine inhabitants can cause primary concern. Take appropriate safety precautions.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is not in good condition and rarely runs on schedule. Therefore, it is recommended to use your car or taxi. Taxis are quite safe; however, discuss the price of your trip in advance.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : LOW
Pickpockets are not a problem in Samoa. Although they can be found in tourist places and bazaars, just keep your bags and wallets with you. Do not leave personal items unattended.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Samoa, a remote Pacific Island state, is exposed to many natural hazards, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, tropical storms, and volcanic eruptions. The country is also vulnerable to earthquakes.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
On Samoa, armed attacks and robberies usually do not occur. In any case, be attentive to your surroundings, do not walk around the island late at night, and are not on the beaches after sunset. Expensive items and cash are best kept in a safe.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Samoa, the possibility of attacks cannot be ruled out. Examine the political situation in the country before you travel here and also make sure that you are not participating in political or other demonstrations.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
In Samoa, cases of fraud sometimes occur. Often this is due to an attempt to deceive tourists, to overestimate the price of souvenirs, excursions, or travel by taxi. You will avoid this risk if you use licensed services for the sale of goods and services.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
In general, women traveling alone in Samoa can be completely safe if they observe certain precautions. Obscene suggestions or hints of a sexual nature often come from local men. Therefore, women in Samoa are better off avoiding late-night walks and not staying on the beaches after sunset. Lock the door of your home carefully.
How Safe Is Samoa for Tourists?
Samoa is an entirely safe country.
The crime index here ranges from low to medium.
Most often, crimes are associated with the theft of things, robberies, housebreaking, vandalism.
Locals are friendly enough and always ready to help tourists.
However, keep the conventional sense, watch your belongings, do not leave bags and valuables unattended, and be attentive to your surroundings.
Freely moving dogs can be a safety concern in the capital Apia.
The Samoa government passed the Dog Control Act in 2013 as the first step towards dog management.
Most dogs ignore you and do not see you as a threat if you ignore them.
There are local diseases on the island, such as Chikungunya.
Mosquitoes transmit this virus.
There is no vaccine and no medicine.
It is essential to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites (nets, repellents, long sleeves and trousers, air-conditioned rooms).
Samoa is a malaria-free zone.
However, outbreaks of dengue fever occur, and precautions, such as using mosquito nets and insect repellents, should be taken.
Note that the mosquito that transmits dengue usually bites during the day.
Be careful while swimming off the coast of Samoa – beware of purple shells, sea urchins, fire corals, etc.
If you do not use fins, it is highly recommended that you wear shoes while snorkeling.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Samoa?
All nationalities traveling to Samoa can enter visa-free. All visitors must hold a passport valid for six months. It’s required to have a return or onward ticket and a copy of a bank statement.
Which Currency Is Used in Samoa?
The tālā is the currency of Samoa. It is divided into 100 sene. The terms tālā and sene are the equivalents or transliteration of the English words dollar and cent, in the Samoan language.
How's the Weather like in Samoa?
The Best time to visit Samoa for the best weather is from July to September. At that time, here are pleasant temperatures with dry weather and low levels of humidity. The Cheapest time to visit Samoa: during February and March due to heavy rainfall and the possibility of typhoons.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Samoa?
There are five airports in Samoa. Faleolo International Airport is a leading airport located 40 kilometers west of Apia, the capital of Samoa. Since the airport’s expansion, most international traffic now uses Faleolo.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Just like anywhere else, the travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Samoa?
Samoa is a state in Polynesia that occupies the western part of the archipelago of the same name. Many Samoa islands are famous for their beaches, bordered by reefs, and tropical areas covered with rainforests with canyons and waterfalls. Among them are Upolu, where most of the country’s population lives, and Savayi – one of the largest islands in the South Pacific. On the small islands, there are small villages or no one lives, some of them have nature reserves.
Is the Water in Samoa Safe to Drink?
Despite pollution from improper waste disposal and sediment erosion, the Samoan government has made constant efforts to improve both of the island’s overall water quality. Tap water isn’t drinkable.
Is Uber Safe in Samoa?
There is no Uber taxi in Samoa. However, you can use any other taxi service in this country or travel by car.