Money and costs


The currency of Western Samoa is the Tala (WST). There are ATMs at the airport and banks in the capital Apia: ANZ, Westpack and other local banks. Credit card payments are only possible at the most sophisticated establishments on the island. Get ready to spend an absolute minimum of €60/day, per person, with a rental car, interspersed stays in fales and double rooms in medium-sized hotels, meals in restaurants. You can only reduce this value by sacrificing mobility and comfort. 

ACCOMMODATION

The most basic and least expensive solutions in Western Samoa are the fales, typical huts with dry roofs, usually available near the beaches and equipped with mattresses and mosquito nets. These fales can cost around €25 per night, while a double room in a guest house in the capital Apia should cost twice as much and the more refined fales and double rooms in the best hotels on the island will have prices starting at €75 per night.

FOOD

Largely due to the relative isolation of the islands, food products are not very diversified (and much canned and preserved) in the shops and mini-markets of Apia and in the small roadside shops around Upolu and Savai'i. The prices are somewhat inflated but not outrageous. Count on complete meals from €10 for two people, this in humbler restaurants. Apia and other larger towns have their own fish and fruit markets, which are better suited for stocking up on fresh local products.

INTERNET

Almost only hotels and resorts have Wi-Fi connections that can be used by those who have their own laptop, tablet or smartphone. Most of these establishments include internet use in their stay prices. Alternatively, some internet houses in Apia (Upolu), Salelologa and Manase (Savai'i) charge for the use of their computers. Around €1,50 an hour in Upolu, almost double in Savai'i.

OTHER

Most of the beaches and other attractions in Western Samoa are private and the owners are either there to collect tickets or have someone charge them for them. Prices are usually fixed. Try to haggle with polite patience, you may be able to get a discount.