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S A M O A I S L A N D S B E A C H E S - T R A V E L - G U I D E
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Visitor Info.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Airports
Faleolo International Airport, west of Apia, is the main airport and can take aircraft up to 747s. Domestic flights operate between the Fagalii airstrip on Upolu Island and Maota on Savai'i Island.
Airlines
State-owned Polynesian Airlines, Air New Zealand, Air Pacific and Royal Tongan Airlines offer flights into Samoa and out to New Zealand, Australia, Tonga, Fiji, Hawaii the Cook Islands and American Samoa. Samoa Air also operates services between Samoa and American Samoa.
Polynesian Airlines also has daily flights between Upolu and Savai'i
Ports
There are ports at Apia, Asau, Mulifanua and Salelologa. There is a daily shipping connection between Upolu and Savai'i and weekly services to Pago Pago in American Samoa.
Departure Tax
Departure tax is WST$20.
Visas
Visitors do not require an entry permit if staying 30 days or less. Those intending to stay longer should apply for an entry permit at the Immigration Office prior to arrival.
Goods and Services Taxes
There is a 10% goods and service tax.
Electrical Appliances
240 volts / AC 50 cycles, but can be converted to 110 volts in most hotels. Power-points can accept three-pronged plugs as used in Australia and New Zealand.
Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged
Clothing
Due to the modesty of this deeply religious nation, women are requested not to wear shorts in public places, and men should wear shirts. The local lavalava, which can be purchased anywhere, is comfortable and suitable.
Time
With the International Dateline passing just to the west of Samoa, the sunset of each day is last seen in Samoa. It is 11 hours behind GMT and six hours behind New York.
Water
It is advisable to check the source of all drinking water. Tap water should be boiled, but mineral water sourced from mountain springs is usually available, sometimes free, and is safe. Bottled water is sold at stores and some hotels in the country.
Health
Visitors are advised to have typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations if travelling to Samoa and are required to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting an infected area.
While there is some tuberculosis and filariasis in the country, if proper sanitation and hygiene are followed, the risks are minimal.
Visitors should take the usual precautions to avoid drinking untreated water. Give immediate attention to coral cuts and other skin problems.
Medical Facilities
Samoa has one national hospital, four district hospitals and 28 health centres, and a number of private doctors and dentists, including the Alama Medical Clinic, Apia Medical Clinic, Dr. John Atherton, Faletoese Clinic, LTP Surgery and Saleufi Medical Clinic.
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