Travel to Samoa to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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Image  Samoa

Intro

Backpacking or traveling in Samoa?

  • Discover true Samoan culture, learn about fa'asamoa, dance and sing, explore the beautiful rainforest, waterfalls and exceptional beaches on this small archipelago in the middle of nowhere.  

Studying in Samoa?

  • There are two universities on Samoa, one of which is a medical one, with a limited number of studies to choose from. Studies are taught mainly in English! 

Internship in Samoa?

  • There are few internships available on Samoa for foreigners, but there are options in marine conservation, with children and possibly with international organizations. 

Volunteering in Samoa?

  • Volunteering is mainly through large organizations such as the UN, but there are also options in conservation and education if you search carefully. 

Working in Samoa?

  • There are mainly jobs to be found in the tourism industry, but if you have good qualifications you can also find a job in other companies such as banks. 

Work as a digital nomad in Samoa?

  • If you want to feel like you're on vacation every day while working in the meantime, Samoa is the perfect place! Internet is pricey, but in turn the cost of living is affordable. 

Living in Samoa?

  • You will find a small expat community in Apia and very friendly and open locals on the rest of the island. It is a safe country, cheaper than most countries in the west and you are surrounded by tropical paradise. Living in Samoa is peaceful, adventurous and fun! 
Samoa Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Samoa Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Samoa on WorldSupporter

Samoa: Updates & Travel
How does healthcare work in Samoa, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Samoa, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Samoa?

What is the quality of healthcare in Samoa?

  • In Samoa everything is chill. Not only the beach life, but also the health care is good, free and there are few epidemics.
  • There are both private and public institutions in Samoa.
  • Most doctors are trained abroad, mostly in Australia and New Zealand.
  • The national hospital is located in Apia.
  • In complex cases, patients usually have to be evacuated to Australia, Japan or New Zealand.
  • There are also no decompression chambers in Samoa. In the case of compression sickness, people usually have to be evacuated to Suva, Fiji or Auckland.
  • Local pharmacies often have a limited stock of medicines. If you are dependent on medicines, bring your own.

How does the public healthcare system work in Samoa?

  • The quality of public health care is generally good, but this does vary between cities and more remote areas.
  • There are shortages of health care personnel and facilities, which means that care is limited.
  • There are two larger hospitals (in Apria and on Savaii) and 11 more rural health centres. Most care is provided in Apia. In rural areas, there are usually only nurses present.

How does the private healthcare system work in Samoa?

  • Private care is very limited, but often of better quality and with shorter waiting times.
  • There are several private care centers, but these are concentrated in Apia.
  • Most foreigners opt for private care.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Samoa?

  • Samoa does not have a general practitioner system. With limited care, people generally just go straight to the nearest clinic or hospital.

How is the dentist arranged in Samoa?

  • Dental care generally does not meet international standards.
  • For good oral care, LBJ Tropical Medical Centre in Pago Pago (American Samoa) is a good option.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Samoa?

  • Maternity care in Samoa is reasonable, but limited. Maternal mortality is below the average for the region.
  • (Traditional) midwives (TBAs) play an important role in Samoa.
  • Travel times to healthcare facilities are long, as are the waiting times once you get there.
  • As a foreign mother-to-be, it is probably wiser to spend your pregnancy and delivery in a country with a more extensive healthcare system.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Samoa?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Samoa?

  • Samoa is reasonably safe for expats. There is some crime, but not much serious crime.
  • Places where you should be careful are downtown Apia (especially when you go to the pub) and at the sea wall along the harbour.
  • Theft and pickpocketing are the most common. House burglaries also sometimes occur.
  • There are many stray dogs and sometimes they attack. Stay away from the dogs and be careful when you are exercising, for example.
  • Samoa experiences extreme weather such as cyclones (especially November to April), earthquakes and tsunamis. Pay close attention to local warnings and make sure you know what to do if something like this happens.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Samoa?

  • Mosquito-borne diseases are common in Samoa. For example, there are sometimes outbreaks of dengue and zika and chikungunya. So make sure you protect yourself well against mosquitoes.
  • There are also infectious diseases that are transmitted via water and food. It is therefore advisable to only drink boiled or filtered water and to avoid raw food.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Samoa?

  • In 2009, Samoa changed from driving on the right to driving on the left!
  • The roads in Apia and the main roads around the islands are usually reasonable, but watch out for holes and bumps in the road surface!
  • The rest of the roads are often unpaved.
  • Don't be surprised if you share the roads with pedestrians and cattle. This is normal, but can be dangerous in the evenings!
  • Many roads go through small rivers. Be careful with these crossings, because sometimes the current can become very strong in a short time.
  • Taxis are widely used. Make sure you use a good and reliable company, or find a good taxi driver through someone else.
  • Buses are mostly not on time or not showing up on time, slow and unreliable.
  • Renting a car is an option, but the chance of getting roadside assistance is minimal. In any case, make sure you choose a four-wheel drive.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Samoa?

  • Is the trip to Samoa and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Samoa if you are going to live there for a while?

  • Due to the limited healthcare options, good, international health insurance is essential for expats living in Samoa.
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Samoa: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Samoa: Updates & Travel

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Why get specific insurance when going abroad: per activity abroad
Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

What is round the world travel insurance or long-term travel insurance?

  • Round the world travel insurance means that you take out insurance that continues to provide coverage during all your activities abroad, and which is specifically intended for those who travel for long periods of time, such as world travelers, globetrotters, and nomads.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

  • Round the world travel insurance provides coverage for a much longer trip than regular travel insurance.
  • World travel insurance is specifically intended for longer trips, whereas regular travel insurance may offer coverage on paper, but in practice handles it differently.
  • World travel insurance is suitable for many types of activities, ranging from high-altitude trekking to more risky sports.
  • World travel insurance continues to provide coverage if you start working during your trip, whether planned or unplanned. If you did not take out insurance before departure that allows you to work, there is no guarantee that you will be able to take out insurance that provides coverage while abroad.
  • Long-term travel insurance continues to provide coverage when your home country's health insurance no longer does.
  • Worldwide travel insurance also covers your medical expenses up to the actual cost, and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • Worldwide travel insurance can also continue to provide coverage if negative travel advice is issued.

What is important to insure when you are going to travel around the world?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the countries where you are going to travel and posibly work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your full period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work or voluntary work during your world trip.

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Why should you take out specific insurance when you go on a trip or vacation?

Why should you take out specific insurance when you go on a trip or vacation?

What is insurance for traveling abroad?

  • Travel insurance is insurance that provides coverage for risks during a trip or vacation abroad. This mainly concerns loss of or damage to your luggage, medical assistance, or repatriation costs if you need to be transported back home urgently. In some cases, travel insurance coverage also applies on domestic trips.
  • With annual travel insurance or multi-trip travel insurance, you are insured for all your trips throughout the year.
  • With temporary travel insurance or single-trip travel insurance, you take out insurance for each trip for the duration of the trip.
  • Cancellation insurance reimburses (all or part of) the travel sum, cancellation or accommodation costs if you have to cancel or interrupt your vacation.

Why should you take out travel insurance for a short trip, vacation, or long-distance trip?

  • Travel insurance can provide coverage in the event of an accident or emergency while you are abroad.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage for damage and accidents during the adventurous or sporting activities you plan to do.
  • Travel insurance can continue to provide coverage if your health insurance no longer provides coverage, or if the damage is only reimbursed at cost price of your home country.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage in the event of damage, loss, or theft of your luggage.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage if you are held liable for damage you cause to other people or their property.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage if you have to return home early because something has happened to you or your immediate family.

What is important to insure when you are going to travel abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries that you are going to visit.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad.
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work alongside your travels.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for working abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for working abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for paid work, voluntary work or an internship abroad?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • During work, internships, or volunteer work abroad where you receive financial compensation (or, for example, food or housing), your national health insurance coverage may expire. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • During specific work abroad, additional requirements may apply if your work involves additional risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during this type of work.
  • During your work, the risk of accidents is sometimes greater, for example because you are doing work with which you have little experience or because of the nature of the work.
  • During your work, local employers generally offer no or limited insurance that provides insufficient coverage.

What is important to insure when you are going to work abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to travel and work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for volunteering abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for volunteering abroad?

What is insurance for volunteering abroad?

  • Insuring volunteer work abroad means taking out insurance that continues to provide coverage while you are working as a volunteer abroad

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for voluntary work abroad?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when volunteering abroad.
  • During specific activities abroad, additional requirements may apply if your work involves extra risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during these activities.
  • The risk of accidents is sometimes higher during your work, for example because you are doing work you have little experience with or because of the nature of the work.
  • Local projects or employers generally offer no or limited insurance that provides insufficient coverage during your work.
  • When volunteering abroad and receiving minor financial compensation (or, for example, food or housing), your home country's health insurance coverage will potentially lapse. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally provide coverage for trips of a limited number of days. If your trip or stay abroad exceeds the maximum number of days, this generally means that for the entire travel period, you will not be covered.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally only provide coverage for recreational travel without voluntary work activities. If you engage in activities other than recreational activities (such as volunteer work), this generally means that for the entire travel period, you will not be covered.

What is important to insure when you are going to work as a volunteer abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to travel and volunteer.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That when performing work in healthcare, with wild animals, and with dangerous (agricultural) machinery, you take care to choose the right coverage.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

What is insurance for an internship abroad?

  • Insuring an internship abroad means taking out insurance that continues to provide coverage during your internship abroad
  • Insurance for internships abroad are also referred to as internship insurance. This internship insurance is specifically for when you go abroad for a long period of time to work as an intern, take courses, or conduct research abroad.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance for an internship abroad.
  • During internship activities abroad, additional requirements may apply as soon as you start performing work that involves additional risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during these activities.
  • During your internship, the risk of accidents is sometimes greater, for example because you are doing work with which you have little experience or because of the nature of the work.
  • During your internship, local employers generally do not offer insurance, or offer limited insurance that does not provide sufficient coverage.
  • During an internship abroad where you receive financial compensation (or, for example, food or accommodation), your home country's health insurance coverage will potentially lapse. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally provide coverage for trips of a limited number of days. If your trip or stay abroad exceeds the maximum number of days, this generally means that for the entire travel period, you will not be covered.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally only provide coverage for recreational trips without work activities.

What is important to insure when you are going to be an intern abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the area where you will be traveling and doing your internship.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you will be participating in.
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return in case something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost (what it actually costs), and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability and, preferably, also for liability during your internship.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless the coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • Make sure you choose the right coverage for internship work in healthcare, with wild animals, or with dangerous machinery!

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for studying abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for studying abroad?

What is insurance for studying abroad?

  • Insurance for studying abroad means that you take out insurance that continues to provide coverage during your studies, your education, and your related activities abroad.
  • Insurance for studying abroad is also referred to as study insurance. This study insurance is specifically for when you go abroad for a long period of time to take courses, study, or conduct research abroad.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a study abroad?

  • Study insurance is specifically designed for studying abroad, whereas regular travel insurance policies may offer coverage on paper but handle this situation differently in practice.
  • Study insurance offers coverage for longer stays than regular (vacation) travel insurance.
  • Study insurance is also suitable for many types of activities, ranging from various sports to hiking at high altitudes.
  • Study insurance continues to provide coverage if you start working during your trip, whether planned or unplanned. If you have not taken out insurance before departure that allows you to work, there is no guarantee that you will be able to take out insurance abroad that provides coverage.
  • Study insurance continues to provide coverage if your own country's health insurance no longer provides coverage.
  • Student insurance also covers your healthcare costs above the rates in your own country; with regular insurance, you have to pay the extra costs yourself.
  • Student insurance can also continue to provide coverage if (study) visa issuers impose additional requirements on how you insure yourself, for example if you are going to the US and applying for a J-1 visa.
  • Student insurance continues to provide coverage if you are staying abroad for a longer period of time and want to visit your own country in between.

What is important to insure when you are going to study abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to travel and work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work alongside your studies.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized insurance for moving abroad as an emigrant or an expat?

Why should you take out specialized insurance for moving abroad as an emigrant or an expat?

What is an emigration insurance and what is an expat insurance?

  • Emigration insurance is an insurance that continues to provide coverage if you move abroad permanently or for an indefinite period of time.
  • Emigration insurance is not only intended for emigrants, but for anyone who leaves their home country for an extended period of time and does not intend to return in the foreseeable future.
  • Expat insurance is insurance that continues to provide coverage if you go to work abroad for a local or international employer for an extended period of time.
  • Expat insurance is not only intended for expats, but for anyone who has a more permanent job abroad.

Why should you take out specialized insurance for emigration or working as an expat abroad?

  • Emigration or expat insurance not only provides coverage for acute assistance in the event of illness or accident abroad, such as travel insurance, but can also provide coverage for existing conditions and ailments or non-urgent care.
  • Emigration or expat insurance does not require you to maintain valid health insurance in your home country.
  • Emigration or expat insurance provides coverage for preventive care or costs related to pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Emigration or expat insurance also provides coverage for long-term treatments and chronic conditions without you having to return to your home country.
  • Emigration or expat insurance often has no restrictions on the duration of the insurance, unlike travel insurance.
  • Emigration or expat insurance usually maintains coverage in cases such as negative travel advice or acts of war.
  • Emigration or expat insurance offers various solutions in the areas of disability, home and household insurance, goods transport, and liability.

What is important to insure when you are going to move abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to live and/or work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work with additional health risks

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out travel insurance and why through the JoHo Foundation?

Why should you take out travel insurance and why through the JoHo Foundation?

Why Insurances through JoHo

  • Specialized: in emigration, work, internships, study and travel abroad.

  • Service: JoHo offers multiple travel insurances by multiple companies. Thanks to JoHo's extensive experience, it can offer support in case of problems with insurers, as well as advice and fast and personal handling.

  • Safe: JoHo is recognized as a trustworthy intermediary for insurances.

  • Social: by purchasing an insurance through JoHo you provide a talented student in The Philippines with health insurance

Why Should You Take Out A Travel Insurance?

  • The chance of getting injured or ill is generally higher than when you would have stayed at home. The medical care you will need can be very expensive, even more so if you are treated in a private clinic.

  • If you have to fly back because of family circumstances, the flights might be more expensive than your original flight because you have to fly on short notice.

  • You might have to deal with the damage, loss or theft of your luggage.

  • In case of emergency it can be difficult to figure out what to do. A good travel insurance will have an assistance team on standby for you 24/7 and will be able to tell you what steps to take.

Why Should You Specifically Take Out A Travel Insurance For A Long Trip Abroad?

  • Often regular travel or health insurances only cover trips for a maximum number of days (for example 60, 90 or 180 days).

  • Depending on your home country, your health insurance might not offer any coverage for treatment abroad.

  • During a long trip you might consider specific activities, like paid work or volunteering. Regular travel insurances often don’t cover these kind of activities. The same goes for adventurous/ hazardous sports like skydiving, scuba-diving and bungee jumping.

More on why to use JoHo

  • JoHo is one of the few organizations where you can directly purchase a comprehensive range of foreign insurances from a variety of insurers. As with our other products and services, we believe that you should be able to choose between the best, the most cost effective and the most specialized insurance.

  • JoHo offers various possibilities from combining insurances to assisting in transferring from one insurer to another.

  • When you purchase an insurance policy through JoHo, you will not pay more than if you had purchased it directly from the insurer. Sometimes (through special collective agreements) you will even pay less.

  • JoHo offers support with problems that may arise with the insurer. Sometimes disagreement with claims, cancellation notice or insurance premiums can occur. In this situation it helps if you have the assistance of an organization who has an established relationship with the insurer.

 

Read more about JoHo and JoHo Insurances

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Safety and insurances for Samoa

How does healthcare work in Samoa, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Samoa, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Samoa?

What is the quality of healthcare in Samoa?

  • In Samoa everything is chill. Not only the beach life, but also the health care is good, free and there are few epidemics.
  • There are both private and public institutions in Samoa.
  • Most doctors are trained abroad, mostly in Australia and New Zealand.
  • The national hospital is located in Apia.
  • In complex cases, patients usually have to be evacuated to Australia, Japan or New Zealand.
  • There are also no decompression chambers in Samoa. In the case of compression sickness, people usually have to be evacuated to Suva, Fiji or Auckland.
  • Local pharmacies often have a limited stock of medicines. If you are dependent on medicines, bring your own.

How does the public healthcare system work in Samoa?

  • The quality of public health care is generally good, but this does vary between cities and more remote areas.
  • There are shortages of health care personnel and facilities, which means that care is limited.
  • There are two larger hospitals (in Apria and on Savaii) and 11 more rural health centres. Most care is provided in Apia. In rural areas, there are usually only nurses present.

How does the private healthcare system work in Samoa?

  • Private care is very limited, but often of better quality and with shorter waiting times.
  • There are several private care centers, but these are concentrated in Apia.
  • Most foreigners opt for private care.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Samoa?

  • Samoa does not have a general practitioner system. With limited care, people generally just go straight to the nearest clinic or hospital.

How is the dentist arranged in Samoa?

  • Dental care generally does not meet international standards.
  • For good oral care, LBJ Tropical Medical Centre in Pago Pago (American Samoa) is a good option.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Samoa?

  • Maternity care in Samoa is reasonable, but limited. Maternal mortality is below the average for the region.
  • (Traditional) midwives (TBAs) play an important role in Samoa.
  • Travel times to healthcare facilities are long, as are the waiting times once you get there.
  • As a foreign mother-to-be, it is probably wiser to spend your pregnancy and delivery in a country with a more extensive healthcare system.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Samoa?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Samoa?

  • Samoa is reasonably safe for expats. There is some crime, but not much serious crime.
  • Places where you should be careful are downtown Apia (especially when you go to the pub) and at the sea wall along the harbour.
  • Theft and pickpocketing are the most common. House burglaries also sometimes occur.
  • There are many stray dogs and sometimes they attack. Stay away from the dogs and be careful when you are exercising, for example.
  • Samoa experiences extreme weather such as cyclones (especially November to April), earthquakes and tsunamis. Pay close attention to local warnings and make sure you know what to do if something like this happens.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Samoa?

  • Mosquito-borne diseases are common in Samoa. For example, there are sometimes outbreaks of dengue and zika and chikungunya. So make sure you protect yourself well against mosquitoes.
  • There are also infectious diseases that are transmitted via water and food. It is therefore advisable to only drink boiled or filtered water and to avoid raw food.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Samoa?

  • In 2009, Samoa changed from driving on the right to driving on the left!
  • The roads in Apia and the main roads around the islands are usually reasonable, but watch out for holes and bumps in the road surface!
  • The rest of the roads are often unpaved.
  • Don't be surprised if you share the roads with pedestrians and cattle. This is normal, but can be dangerous in the evenings!
  • Many roads go through small rivers. Be careful with these crossings, because sometimes the current can become very strong in a short time.
  • Taxis are widely used. Make sure you use a good and reliable company, or find a good taxi driver through someone else.
  • Buses are mostly not on time or not showing up on time, slow and unreliable.
  • Renting a car is an option, but the chance of getting roadside assistance is minimal. In any case, make sure you choose a four-wheel drive.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Samoa?

  • Is the trip to Samoa and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Samoa if you are going to live there for a while?

  • Due to the limited healthcare options, good, international health insurance is essential for expats living in Samoa.
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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Activities abroad: home page

Activities abroad: home page

From language courses to gap year abroad, from work experience to volunteering abroad, from paid work to internship abroad, from mountaineering to diving and from backpacking to travel around the world

    What social activities can you do abroad?

    • Opportunities are found in the areas of helping, learning or studying. You can get involved to volunteer in a social project at a school in Africa, Asia or Latin America. You can get involved in nature, in a project with animals or cleaning the sea or beaches. Those who want to learn more can choose for example a language course in Latin America, Spain or South Africa.

    What work related activities can you do abroad?

    • If you want to gain work experience, and/or also earn money, go and work abroad. You can combine backpacking in Australia with temporary work. You can work on campsites in Europe or bush camps in Africa. You can pretty much go all over the world to work in the hospitality industry, hotels and hostels, in the healthcare sector or for example at a diving school.

    What sports activities to do abroad?

    • Have you ever thought of mountain biking, rafting (going down a wild river on a raft or rubber dinghy, climbing or canoeing), survival (which involves building rafts, climbing or canoeing), abseiling (descending a rock face while secured to ropes), zip-lining (whizzing down a cable), canyoning (starting at the top of a river and then climbing, swimming, diving down the bed) or caving (scrambling, wriggling and crawling through caves and crevices)?
    • Maybe you feel more comfortable on a bodyboard (on a half-wave surfboard, you surf the high waves lying down-with flippers), on a hang glider or while paragliding (with a parachute you float down a mountain or dune), hydrospeeding (on a bodyboard with flippers and a wetsuit on you go down a wild river via rapids) or Tiefschneeskiing (racing down through powder snow)?

    Check the pages below for more activities and inspiration and where to go and how to arrange it

      Activities abroad: for gap year, sports, travel and outdoor abroad

      Activities abroad: for gap year, sports, travel and outdoor abroad

      Bundled content for gap year, sports, travel and outdoor abroad

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      Image How does healthcare work in Samoa, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
      How does the healthcare system work in Samoa? What is the quality of healthcare in Samoa? How does the public healthcare system work in Samoa? How does the private...
      Image Samoa: Updates & Travel
      Why travel to Samoa? Samoa is a small archipelago in the Pacific Ocean with a rich cultural tradition.
      Countries & Destinations: home bundle

      Bundled content, suggestions, stories and tips about the countries and destinations in the world

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      Africa: country bundles

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      Asia: country bundles

      Asia: country bundles

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      Europe: country bundles

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      Image Vets Beyond Borders
      Vets Beyond Borders is an animal welfare foundation that uses volunteer veterinarians and veterinary assistants to improve the lives of animals and developing...
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      Bundled content, suggestions, stories and tips about organizations and their products and services

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      Organizations: home page
      Organizations: for administrative, tax and legal work and consulting
      Organizations: for agriculture, grape picking, farming and vineyards
      Organizations: for animal protection, animal care and working with wildlife abroad
      Organizations: for au pairs, youth work and child care abroad
      Organizations: for bush camping and working at a campsite abroad
      Organizations: for catering, hospitality and entertainment abroad
      Organizations: for civil society and social work abroad
      Organizations: for corporate business services
      Organizations: for customer services abroad and help desks
      Organizations: for diving, snorkeling and water sports abroad
      Organizations: for education and schools abroad
      Organizations: for expatriate insurances, travel insurances, and emergency call centers
      Organizations: for gap year activities abroad and sabbaticals
      Organizations: for internship placement abroad
      Organizations: for insurances and finance abroad
      Organizations: for IT, engineering and construction
      Organizations: for language travel and language teaching abroad
      Organizations: for marketing, communication and PR
      Organizations: for mediation in au pairs, childcare and elderly care in the Netherlands
      Organizations: for moving, international relocation and transport abroad
      Organizations: for nature conservation, environmental protection and working in nature abroad
      Organizations: for nonprofit projects, development work and international cooperation
      Organizations: for online work as digital nomad, freelancer, or independent entrepreneur from abroad
      Organizations: for outdoor activities and sports
      Organizations: for providing accommodation and hospitality work in hotels, guesthouses, ecolodges and hostels abroad
      Organizations: for providing healthcare and working in medical care abroad
      Organizations: for psychological assistance and mental health care abroad
      Organizations: for real estate, brokerage abroad and property rental abroad
      Organizations: for research and scientific work abroad
      Organizations: for student support and student associations
      Organizations: for tour guidance and adventure tours abroad
      Organizations: for tourism and organized travel and leisure work abroad
      Organizations: for voluntary work mediation and project placement abroad
      Organizations: for yacht and shipping crew and working on a cruise ship abroad

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      Samoa: Updates & Travel
      • Travel in Samoa?
      • Updates Samoa
      • Travel in Samoa?

        • Samoa is a small archipelago in the Pacific Ocean with a rich cultural tradition. The islands have Polynesian influences, and the beaches, jungle-like forests and waterfalls are in many cases protected.
      Vets Beyond Borders

      Vets Beyond Borders is an animal welfare foundation that uses volunteer veterinarians and veterinary assistants to improve the lives of animals and developing communities around the world with a focus on Oceania and Asia.

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