Useful information on Western Samoa, including all the useful things to know before departure, for a trip or a vacation in these islands of the South Pacific Ocean.
Western Samoa in a nutshell
- Capital: Apia (located on the Upolu island)
- Area in sq km: 2,944 sq km
- Population: 178,846 (2009)
- Religion: majority congregationalist Christians, followed by Catholics, Protestants and other religions.
Where are
Samoa or Western Samoa is an island state of Oceania formed by two main islands, Savaii and Upolu (separated by the Strait of Apolina), and by various smaller islets located in the South Pacific Ocean within the Samoa archipelago, about 800 km north of the Tonga islands.
The Samoa islands are of volcanic origin.
Savaii Island is characterized by a rather rough and rough morphology and is dominated by a steep volcanic cone, Mount Silisili, which reaches 1857 meters above sea level.
Upolu Island has a gentler morphology, the main reliefs being the Tafua peak (650 m) and those of Fito and Vaaifetu (1100 m).
The islands, surrounded by the coral reef, are covered by a luxuriant vegetation that develops mainly inland, while in the coastal strip plantations mainly formed by coconut palm and bread tree prevail.
Climate
The climate of Western Samoa is tropical.
The heat is mitigated by sea breezes and, during the southern winter (May-October), the trade winds blow from the southeast, fresh and fairly dry.
The rainy season begins in November with the arrival of the southern summer which coincides with the hottest (January-March) and wettest period of the year.
The rainfall reaches its maximum intensity in the months of January and February. Typhoons can occur during the southern summer.
Population
The population is mainly made up of Samoans.
Recommended readings- Fraser (Australia): what to see on the island
- New Caledonia (Oceania): what to see
- Sydney (Australia): what to see
- American Samoa: useful information
- Oceania: useful information
Time zone
The time difference in Samoa is 12 hours behind Italy. When daylight saving time is in effect in Italy, the difference is 13 hours behind.
Spoken language
The official languages are Samoan and English.
Economy
The economy of Samoa is mainly based on agriculture.
The main commercial crops are bananas, coconut palm, cocoa and sugar cane, while the basis of indigenous food is provided by some tubers such as yam and taro, from the fruits of the bread tree and from the corn.
The trade balance shows a constant and strong deficit between the high value of imports (machinery and equipment, fuel, food and textiles) and the low value of exports (fish, oil and coconut cream, copra, taro, cocoa and pieces parts for cars).
When to go
The best time to visit Western Samoa is from June to September.
Necessary documents
To access Western Samoa you need a passport with a residual validity of at least 6 months, and you must have a return air ticket.
The visa is necessary for stays longer than 30 days. To be consulted the Honorary Consulate of Western Samoa in Rome.
Phone
- The international prefix for calling from Italy to Western Samoa is: 00685
- The international prefix for telephoning from Western Samoa to Italy is: 0039
- Cell phones work and are also used to connect to the internet through the wireless service offered by various Apia hotels (connection is possible only in GPRS).
Electricity
The electric current is 230 V 50Hz. The sockets (type I) are different from the Italian ones, therefore the adapter for the sockets is useful.
Currency
The official currency of Western Samoa is the Samoan Tala.
American dollars and New Zealand dollars are accepted as payment, while ATMs are only found in Apia and Salelologa (Savaii island).
Credit cards are accepted in the main hotels and restaurants.
How to get
Air travel to Samoa from Italy involves several stopovers.
One option is to fly with Thai via Bangkok or Singapore Airlines via Singapore to Auckland in New Zealand.
From Auckland, the airline Air New Zealand flies to Apia.
The main airlines serving Samoa are Air New Zealand, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue.
The international airport is Faleolo International Airport, it is located about 40 kilometers from the capital Apia, on the island of Upolu.
From Upolu it is possible to reach Savaii island by ferry or plane, as there are two airports on this island, Maoto airport near Salelologa and Asau airport located on the north coast.
Vaccinations
To visit Samoa no vaccination is mandatory.
Vaccination against yellow fever is required only from those who come from infected areas.
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, anti-tetanization and anti-tetanus are recommended, always after medical consultation.
It is appropriate to follow some hygienic measures, drink only bottled water without adding ice, eat only cooked meats and vegetables, fruit only if peeled personally.
Before departure, it is recommended to take out health insurance that covers medical costs and those for a possible repatriation.
