Airlines Polynesian Blue, Air New Zealand, Air Pacific and Polynesian Airlines operate international flights from New Zealand, Australia, United States of America, Tonga, American Samoa and Fiji into Samoa. Airports The main entry point into Samoa is Falelolo International Airport, 35 kms from Apia on the island of Upolu. Upon arrival currency exchanges are open for all international flight arrivals and departures for converting your currency. Duty free allowances are one litre of alcohol, wine or spirits and 200 cigarettes per person. Airport shuttles are provided to the major hotels which can be booked prior to arrival or organised when you arrive after clearing Customs. One way fares start from ST$12 per person. Taxis are also available and a ride to Apia will cost you about ST$45 and it’s recommended you confirm the price with the driver before you depart. If your flight is arriving during the day, then you can catch a local bus into Apia from the main gate of the airport. There are no set timetables and the fare will cost you about ST$5 one way. Banks ANZ and Westpac are the two international banks found in Samoa. Both have branches at the international airport, in Apia and at Salelologa on Savaii. ATMs are located in and around Apia and one on the island of Savaii. Travellers can use credit cards in the machines but you are required to have a PIN number to withdraw cash. Climate Samoa's climate is tropical all year round, with two distinct seasons – the dry season running from May to October and the wet season from November to April. Average daily temperature is 29 degrees Celsius and ocean temperature in the in the low 20’s. Currency The Samoa decimal currency is the Tala (dollar) and Sene (cent): 100 Sene = ST$1 (Tala). All major foreign currencies are exchangeable in Samoa. Samoa Tala can also be purchased outside the country from a few selected banks, however you will need to check with your bank if you can order some before you depart. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners & JCB) are widely accepted in the major hotels, restaurants and stores. Travellers’ cheques are also widely accepted at major banks and hotels. Eftpos machines are found throughout Upolu and Savaii in major hotels, resorts and supermarkets and accept the following cards – Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Amex, JCB & Plus Cards and Access International Debit Card. Departure Tax Departure tax of ST$40 applies to all travellers over the age of 12 years. Doctors There are a dozen medical clinics found in Apia should you require a doctor. The Tupua Tamasese Meaole II National Hospital and Medcen (private hospital) are also located in Apia along with two private dentists and four pharmacies for your prescription needs. Dress Light summer clothing is appropriate all year round and packing a light sweater for the cooler evenings is recommended. As Samoa has a strong cultural structure and Christian faith, tourists are asked not to wear bathing suits in Apia or in villages. Nude and topless (for women) swimming or sunbathing is prohibited and when leaving the beach to venture into the villages, guests are asked to wear a lavalava (sarong) pants or shorts and t-shirt. If attending church on Sunday, women are asked to wear a dress or blouse and skirt and men trousers and shirt. Entry requirements Visitors to Samoa are not required to obtain an entry permit for stays of less than 60 days, however you must have a return or onward ticket and your passport must be valid for six months of more at the time of entry into the country. If your visit is for more then 60 days then you must apply for a permit to enter the country from the nearest Samoa Consulate General, High Commission or Embassy to you in New Zealand, Australia, United States of America and Belgium. The following foreign diplomatic offices are represented in Samoa – Australia, Chile, China, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America and Sweden. Internet cafes Staying connected with family and friends via the internet is easy with eight broadband internet cafes to be found around Apia and one on the island of Savaii. Major hotels and resorts also offer internet terminals for guests in their business centres. Post Office The main Post Office is located in the SamoaTel building opposite the government building on Beach Road, Apia and open Monday to Friday. Religion Samoa is a Christian nation and the min denominations are – Congregational, Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Assembly of God, Seven Days Adventist, Bahai, Latter Day Saints and Jehovah’s Witness. Tourists are welcome to attend church, check with your hotel reception for service times. Tipping Tipping is not practiced or expected in Samoa. However, if a guest wishes to leave a gift for good service then you are welcome to do so directly with the employee or the hotel reception.