Packing list for Samoa, travel insurance for Samoa, and taking your belongings

What to take to Samoa: brief

To check and pack:

• Documents: a passport valid for at least another 6 months, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient proof that you can support yourself during your stay. For some European nationals, a pre-arranged visa is usually not required for shorter stays for tourist purposes, but always check the current regulations.
• Money: the Samoan tala (WST). You can withdraw cash and pay by card in Apia, but cash is convenient on smaller islands and in villages.
• Personal care: sunscreen with a high protection factor, lip balm with SPF, and mosquito repellent. The sun is strong, and mosquitoes often reach you before you reach your repellent.
• Outdoors and handy Items: a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, and a dry bag – there is a chance you will spend a lot of time at waterfalls, beaches, and natural pools.
• Clothing: light clothing for tropical weather. Additionally, bring something that covers your shoulders and knees for visits to villages, churches, and cultural events. Shoes: water shoes for coral beaches and rocky coastal areas. Flip-flops are handy, but not always sufficient.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a small first-aid kit with ORS, plasters, tweezers, and painkillers. Facilities are more limited outside Apia.
• Mosquitoes and sandflies: bringing DEET or Picaridin is useful.
• Technology and equipment: Type I travel adapter (Australian/New Zealand model) and possibly a power bank if you use your phone a lot.

To consider:

• A snorkel set for the colorful reefs.
• A UV-protective swim top for long days in the water.
• A lightweight sarong or cloth. In Samoa, this functions effortlessly as a beach towel, skirt, blanket, or towel.
• Earplugs if you are sensitive to roosters crowing you awake at 4 a.m.

What knowledge is useful when you go to Samoa?

• Knowledge of Fa'a Samoa, the traditional Samoan way of life, is perhaps even more important than knowledge of the weather. Family, community, and respect play a major role in daily life.
• On Sundays, public life largely comes to a standstill. Many shops close, and church services are important to many Samoans.
• Learning a few words of Samoan, such as "Talofa" (hello) and "Fa'afetai" (thank you), is often appreciated.
• Also useful to know: Samoa is famous for its umu, a traditional underground oven in which meals are cooked slowly.

Are there mosquitoes in Samoa?

• Yes. Especially during the wet season and around stagnant water.
• Mosquitoes can spread dengue and sometimes other mosquito-borne diseases. Malaria does not occur.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Samoa?

• Yes. Especially around beaches, mangroves, and damp coastal areas.
• Although they are less notorious than in New Zealand, they can still cause quite a bit of itching.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET in Samoa, or other mosquito repellents?

• Yes, especially in Apia and larger stores.
• In remote locations, the selection may be limited, so preferably bring enough from home.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Samoa, or bring it to Samoa?

• Cannabis is illegal in Samoa. Use, possession, sale, and import can result in severe penalties.