TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
U.S Driving Permit accepted |
| Currency |
(USD) American Dollar |
| Electrical |
120 Volt |
| Telephones |
Country Code 684 |
Electricity:
95% of the populated area of Upolu is served combined hydro and
diesel electricity, while 95% of the populated area of Savaii
is served by diesel engine installations. The current is 240V
AC 50 cycles but can be converted to 110 V in most hotels.
Telecommunications:
The larger hotels have ISD dialing from rooms. Telephone services
do not cover all area of Western Samoa.
Banking and Currency: The Western Samoa decimal
currency is "TALA" for dollar and "SENE" for
cent (100 sene = WS$1). The currency is not changeable off-shore
so visitors are advised to change any money before departure.
Banking hours are Monday to Friday 09.00 am to 03.00 p.m. and
also Saturday morning at the Bank of Western Samoa. The two commercial
trading banks are the Bank of Western Samoa and the Pacific Commercial
Bank. Airport Banking facilities are available.
Tipping:
not mandatory, but a gift for excellent service would be well
appreciated.
Water:
It is advisable to boil drinking water. Alternatively, bottled
water supplied by the Vaitele Spring Water, Le Vai, and Aquarian
Water Company is available in stores.
Airport
Departure tax: the airport departure tax is WS$ 20 per
person.
