Explore the Beauty and Wonders of American Samoa
Nestled deep in the Samoan Archipelago lies the hidden treasure of American Samoa. Aptly referred to as the Heart of Polynesia, its white palm-fringed shores are greeted by the warm tropical waters of the South Pacific Ocean.
European explorers first arrived in the 18th century and the US occupation began in 1900, but the islands were inhabited as early as 1000 BC by Polynesian navigators. Not to be confused with Western Samoa, American Samoa comprises six islands located in the Samoan Archipelago halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. Though there is a strong American influence in the islands, American Samoans proudly retain their cultural heritage.
The main island of Tutuila is mountainous and wonderfully scenic, and will delight nature lovers. Transport around the island is cheap and buses operate from the market in Fagatogo. The island’s list of attractions includes a wealth of waterfalls, local villages, native wildlife, beautiful beaches, and captivating archaeological sites, so visitors will have plenty to keep them busy. Tutuila is also home to the capital and only port of call, Pago Pago, which is both an entertaining and informative village. The US-style stores, restaurants, and bars are a refreshing change for anyone who has been travelling the Pacific Islands for a long time, and accommodation options range from beach resorts to inns. Travellers who venture east to the Manu’a island group will find some inns and family-run hotels.
American Samoa boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches anywhere in the South Pacific, thanks to the warm, humid climate. Getting off the beaches and into the turquoise waters themselves provides a real adventure, as visitors can explore the biodiversity of marine life on offer here. The National Park of American Samoa, which is essentially three parks laid out across four extinct volcanic islands, also offers visitors some of the best scenery for miles and is well-worth the visit, especially for hiking enthusiasts. The weather is warm, the people hospitable, and the country exquisitely gorgeous. The memory of American Samoa is one that will certainly be relived for years to come by all those who visit this wonderful destination.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English and Samoan are spoken in the territory.
- Passport/Visa:
Visitors must have a passport valid for six months beyond arrival in American Samoa. Visas are not usually required for touristic stays of up to 30 days, but there are exceptions. Visitors must also have proof of sufficient funds, documents for their next destination, and an onward ticket.
- Currency:
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, and exchange facilities are available at the airport and through trade banks. American Express is widely available accepted; ATMs are provided by the ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank and the Bank of Hawai’i on Tutuila.
- Electricity:
- The voltage used in American Samoa is 120V, 60hz. Plugs are type I with an earthing pin and two flat pins forming an inverted V-shape.
Health Notes when travelling to American Samoa
It is advised that travellers get routine vaccines before travelling, such as vaccines for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and a yearly flu shot. Visitors should consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid as well; all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Medical services in Western Samoa are somewhat limited, with the LBJ Tropical Medical Center in Pago Pago being the only facility, so it is best that travellers take prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs with them in case of illness. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to American Samoa
Most visits to American Samoa are trouble free. For optimum safety, travellers should ensure that they are alert when on foot and choose a safe vehicle when using transport. They should ride only in cars that have seatbelts and avoid overcrowded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Customs in American Samoa
American Samoans are known to be friendly and generally welcoming, but travellers should be sensitive to local cultural conventions. Many American Samoans have adopted Western-style dress but the traditional wraparound lavalava is still worn by many of the older generation.
In keeping with Samoan custom regarding modesty, visitors should not wear swimwear or other skimpy clothing away from the hotels; women should confine their bikini tops to the beach. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in American Samoa since 1980 but visitors should be aware that same-sex couples are not eligible for the rights and benefits available to different-sex married couples.
Duty Free in American Samoa
Travellers to American Samoa may bring with them up to 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars, 1 litre of alcohol, and an amount of perfume reasonable for personal use.
Doing Business in American Samoa
Business in American Samoa is professional and largely based around agriculture and fishing, which are the economy’s strongest industries. Lightweight suits for business visits are acceptable and ties need only be worn for formal meetings and occasions.
Professional and authoritative positions are held mostly by men, but women do occupy important roles in businesses and government agencies. Businesses generally operate between 8am and 5pm on week days, though some businesses and banks are open on Saturday mornings.
Communication in American Samoa
The international country dialling code is +1. The country area code for phones in American Samoa is 684. Visitors can purchase local SIM cards and pre-paid mobile credit; WiFi is available at hotels and restaurants in Pago Pago.
Tipping in American Samoa
Tipping is not practised or expected in American Samoa. However, if a guest wishes to tip an employee, they are welcome to do so.
Passport/Visa Note
Visitors must have a passport valid for six months beyond arrival in American Samoa. Visas are not usually required for touristic stays of up to 30 days, but there are exceptions. Visitors must also have proof of sufficient funds, documents for their next destination, and an onward ticket.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
A passport or other valid form of ID is required, but nationals of the USA do not require a visa.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals require a passport that is valid for six months beyond the arrival date, though no visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
A passport valid for six months beyond arrival date is required, but no visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days for British Citizens.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals require a passport that is valid for six months beyond the arrival date, but no visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
A visa, and a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date are required for Irish nationals.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
A passport valid for six months beyond arrival date is required for New Zealand nationals, but no visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
A passport valid for six months beyond the arrival date is required for South African nationals, as is a visa.
Tourist Offices
American Samoa Visitors Bureau, Pago Pago: +1 684 633 9805
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