Capital city in Tuamasaga, Samoa
Apia
Samoa's small, friendly capital: cheap by Pacific standards, with waterfalls, swimming holes and fales a short drive away. Few nightlife or coworking options; Sundays are quiet and a car is the best way around.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,280–2,010Comfortable, one person · WS$3,500–5,500Details
- Value for money67/100Better value than 66% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–OctWarmest: Jan, 29°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDo not drink the tap water; buy bottled water or use treated water from your accommodation.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$15–36Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundLocal busWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work at larger hotels and some restaurants; bring cash for buses, markets, fales and village visits.Details
Where to stay in Apia
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Apia town center | Markets, bus station, guesthouses and restaurants on foot |
| Vailima–Tuaefu | Quiet hillside stays, long rentals and expats |
| Mulinu'u peninsula | Seafront walks and government buildings; limited accommodation |
Apps that work in Apia
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Messenger, WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis are unmetered; agree the fare first or ask your hotel for a driver.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Samoa.
- Mostly cash Cards work at larger hotels and some restaurants; bring cash for buses, markets, fales and village visits. ATMs are in Apia.
- Currency: Tala (WST). US$1 ≈ WS$2.74 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs at Faleolo airport, in Apia and in Salelologa on Savai'i; few elsewhere, so carry cash.
- Tipping: Not expected and not part of local custom.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phones work only at resorts and bigger Apia businesses; elsewhere it's cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- A free visitor permit is issued on arrival from your arrival card; you may need a return ticket, proof of funds and booked accommodation.
- Declare all food, plant and animal products; import rules are strict.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type I · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Digicel and Vodafone sell prepaid SIMs at Faleolo airport and in Apia; coverage is good along the main coasts. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Apia solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Apia meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.