Attraction in Samoa
Pulemelei Mound
The Pulemelei Mound on Savai'i is the largest ancient structure in Polynesia, a stepped basalt-stone platform measuring approximately 65 by 60 metres at its base and rising to around 12 metres in height. Built between roughly 1100 and 1400 AD, its exact purpose remains a subject of scholarly debate, with ceremonial and astronomical functions among the leading theories. The site sits within a rainforest setting in the Letolo Plantation, lending it an atmosphere of genuine discovery.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Samoa
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Samoa page at Yoogo.
Samoa's currency is the Samoan Tala (WST), divided into 100 sene. Credit and debit cards are not universally accepted, so carrying sufficient cash is advisable, particularly for village entry fees, markets, and smaller eateries. ATMs can be found at Faleolo International Airport, in Apia, and in Salelologa on Savai'i.
Samoa has a low violent crime rate and is generally considered one of the safer destinations in the Pacific. Petty theft, particularly in and around Apia, is the most commonly reported concern affecting visitors. Standard precautions such as avoiding unlit areas at night and keeping valuables out of sight apply.
On Upolu, buses, taxis, and rental cars serve most tourist areas, with taxis from Faleolo Airport to Apia costing approximately WST 60. A daily passenger and car ferry connects Upolu and Savai'i; booking vehicle spaces in advance through Shipping House in Apia is recommended. Foreign visitors must obtain a temporary Samoan driving licence, available from rental companies, Samoa Post, or the Land Transport Authority.
The dry season from May to October offers the most settled weather, with lower humidity and reduced rainfall, making it the most popular time to visit. The wet season runs from November to April, with December to March seeing the heaviest rainfall and the highest risk of tropical cyclones. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, typically ranging from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Samoan and English are both official languages. English is widely spoken in Apia, at resorts, and in most business contexts, so communication is straightforward for English-speaking visitors. Learning a few words of Samoan, such as 'talofa' (hello) and 'fa'afetai' (thank you), is appreciated by locals.
Travellers are generally advised to be up to date with routine vaccinations including MMR, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B before visiting Samoa. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present in the country, so mosquito repellent and protective clothing are recommended. Consult a travel health clinic or GP at least six weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Tipping is not a traditional practice in Samoa and is not expected in most settings. A small tip for tour guides, particularly on group excursions, is considered a genuine gesture of appreciation rather than an obligation. Hotels and restaurants do not routinely add service charges to bills.