American Samoa Travel Tips

Social Conventions
Traditional Samoan society is still bound by very strict customs and, despite the younger generation’s dissatisfaction with the old values, they are very much adhered to. The government issues an official list of behavior codes for both Samoas. Skimpy shorts or other revealing clothes should be avoided except when swimming or climbing coconut palms, although disapproval of shorts, if they are not too short, is on the wane.

Samoan social behavior conforms to strict and rather complicated rituals, to which the visitor will probably be introduced on arrival, and which should be respected.

In the early evening hours, even if swimming offshore, be sure to avoid making any noise that could interrupt the Samoans’ prayer period. Usually three gongs are sounded. The first is the signal to return to the house, the second is for prayer and the third sounds the all-clear. In some villages, swimming and fishing are forbidden on Sunday.

A visitor who happens to be invited to stay in a Samoan household should be mindful of American Samoan customs. On leaving, making a gift, a mea alofa (literally a ‘thing of love’) of shirts, belts or dress-length fabrics is most appreciated. Samoans are extremely hospitable and visitors may receive more than one invitation to stay with neighbors. However, it is inappropriate to leave your first hosts before a pre-arranged date.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
The international airline is Samoa Air (SE).

Departure Tax
None.

Main Airports
Pago Pago (PPG) is 12km (8 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: Buses and taxis are available. Regular scheduled trips are available plus charters and sightseeing. Facilities: Duty-free shops and a restaurant.

Getting There by Water
Main port: The international port is Pago Pago (Tutuila), which is served by a number of passenger/cruise and cargo lines.

Overview
The following items may be imported into American Samoa without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 454g of tobacco.
• One US gallon or five bottles of alcohol.
• A reasonable amount of perfume.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
Samoa Air operates daily scheduled inter-island flights and serves Western Samoa and Tonga.

Getting Around by Water
Main port: Pago Pago (Tutuila).

There is a weekly ferry service from Pago Pago to the Manu’a Islands. A government-run excursion boat sails regularly around Tutuila, calling at the north coast villages of Afono, Vatia and Fagasa.

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. There are more than 150km (93 miles) of paved roads and 200km (125 miles) of unpaved or secondary roads throughout the islands.

Bus: A local service operates between the airport and the center of Pago Pago. The Aiga bus operates an inexpensive but unscheduled service between Fagatogo and outlying villages. These buses are quaint and are often an experience in themselves, usually lively and decked out in stereo or video systems.

Taxi: Plentiful; the government-fixed fares are displayed in all taxis.

Car hire: Available; local companies impose a minimum age of 21 for drivers.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit or valid national driving license will be accepted.


Next Page »