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| General
Information Entry Requirements Faleolo International Airport is on the island of Upolu and is located 35 km from the capital of Apia. No entry permit is required for visitors staying up to 30 days, however, an onward or return ticket and valid passport are required. Visitors may extend their stay to more than 30 days by applying to the Immigration Office. Customs / Departure Tax A written declaration is required from every visitor to Samoa. One litre of spirits and 200 cigarettes per person may be brought in duty free. Firearms, ammunition, explosives, drugs and indecent publications of any kind are prohibited. Departure Tax is SAT* $30. * SAT = Samoan Tala Banking / Currency There are three commercial trading banks in Apia. ANZ Bank and Pacific Commercial Bank are open Monday to Wednesday 9am to 3pm, Thursday to Friday 9am to 4pm. National Bank of Samoa opens Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm and Saturday 9am to 12 noon. Banks offer money exchange facilities at Faleolo International Airport for all arrivals and departures. Major hotels also offer money exchange facilities. Western Union has offices on both Upolu and Savaii to process money transfers. The Samoan decimal currency is the tala (dollar) and sene (cent). 100 sene = SAT $1.00 (one tala).
Language Samoan is the national language but English is the official language of business. Most Samoans are competent English speakers. Population Samoa's population is approximately 162,000 Health Vaccination for yellow fever is required if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting infected areas. There are over 31 district hospitals and sub centres. Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (the main hospital) is located in Apia. Electricity 240 volts / AC 50 cycles but can be converted to 110 volts in most hotels. Telecommunications The main Post & Telecom Department is situated on Beach Road, Apia. It offers the following services:
E-mail Service Available at Computer Services Ltd (CSL) (Tel: +685 20926) and Cyber Booth (Tel: +685 21016), both located in the Lotemau Shopping Centre, diagonally across the road from McDonalds. Commercial Hours Monday to Friday : 8am to 4.30pm, with lunch from 12 noon to 1.30pm (some shops and offices close for lunch). Saturday : 8am to 12.30pm. Sunday : All shops and businesses close on Sundays except for small convenience stores. Dress Light summer clothing is appropriate all year round, with perhaps a light seater for the cooler evenings. Smart casual evening wear is appropriate for hotels and restaurants. Visitors are requested not to wear bathing suits in Apia township or in the villages. No nude or topless (for women) swimming or sunbathing. Women are recommended to wear a lavalava (sarong) or dress rather than short or trouser if they attend church. You may like to read the 'Village Protocols' page for further information. |
