Samoa
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 219 thousand people live in Samoa, on 2,842 km². The capital is Apia.
- Capital
- Apia
- Population
- 219,306
- Area
- 2,842 km²
- Official languages
- English and Samoan
No land borders
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Samoa?
Sockets take plug type I, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Samoa?
Call 994 for the police, 996 for an ambulance and 995 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Samoa?
Not expected.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Samoa?
Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when you cross the street.
What currency is used in Samoa?
Prices are in Samoan Tala (WST).
What language do they speak in Samoa?
Official languages: English and Samoan.
How do I call a number in Samoa from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +685.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
