Is American Samoa safe for tourists?

Yes, it's generally safe, but exercise normal precautions and respect local customs.

Do I need a visa to visit American Samoa?

U.S. citizens and nationals can enter freely; others may need a visa. Check requirements before traveling.

Can I use my cell phone in American Samoa?

Yes, but check with your provider for international rates. Local SIM cards are available.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

In major establishments, yes, but carry cash for smaller vendors and villages.

Modest clothing is preferred, especially in villages. Swimwear is for beaches only.

Is tap water safe to drink?

In urban areas, yes, but bottled water is recommended in remote locations.

What languages are spoken?

Samoan and English are official languages.

Are there any unique laws I should know?

Sunday activities are restricted; avoid loud noises and public drinking.

What's a must-try local dish?

Palusami (coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves) and fresh seafood.

How can I travel between islands?

Inter-island flights and boats are available, but schedules can be irregular.

Tipping is not customary, but appreciated for exceptional service.

U.S. citizens need a valid passport; others may need a visa or ESTA.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, English and Samoan are official languages.

Can I use my cell phone?

Check with your carrier; coverage is limited outside Pago Pago.

What is the time zone?

UTC-11 (same as American Samoa).

Do I need a rental car?

Recommended for exploring Tutuila; public transport is limited.

Are credit cards accepted?

Only in major hotels and some restaurants; cash is king.

What is the food like?

Fresh seafood, taro, breadfruit, and coconut-based dishes.

Can I visit the outer islands?

Yes, via flights or ferries; check schedules in advance.

American Samoa

countryOceania

American Samoa is a COUNTRY in Oceania.

American Samoa, a tropical paradise in the South Pacific, offers breathtaking landscapes, rich Polynesian culture, and pristine beaches. This unincorporated U.S. territory is known for its stunning national park, vibrant coral reefs, and warm hospitality. Visitors can explore the lush rainforests of Tutuila, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Ofu Beach, or immerse themselves in traditional Samoan ceremonies. The local fa'a Samoa (Samoan way of life) is deeply rooted in community and respect, making it a unique cultural experience. Don't miss the chance to savor fresh seafood, taro dishes, and the iconic palusami (coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves).

Best time to visit American Samoa

May to October (dry season with cooler temperatures and less humidity)

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 26-31°C, some rain

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Start of wet season

Know before you go

Getting there

PPG

Pago Pago International Airport

International

5 km away

OFU

Ofu Airport

Domestic

120 km away

TAV

Ta'u Airport

Domestic

140 km away

Getting around

"Rental cars, taxis, and buses (aiga buses) are available. Roads are well-maintained on Tutuila, but inter-island travel requires boats or small planes."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

10 Mbps

Mobile data

Fair

WiFi

Available in hotels and cafes in Pago Pago

Local SIM

Local SIM from Bluesky or ASTCA at airport from $10

Calling code

+1-684

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low crime but natural hazards exist.

Night safety

7/10

Low crime but natural hazards exist.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Low crime rates, but secure valuables. Be cautious when swimming due to strong currents."

Police

911

Fire

911

Ambulance

911

Entry and health

Visa requirements

"U.S. citizens and nationals do not need a visa. Others should check with the U.S. Embassy."

Health information

"No major health risks, but ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Dengue fever is a concern; use mosquito repellent."

Culture

Local customs

"Respect the fa'a Samoa traditions, including modest dress (especially in villages), removing shoes before entering homes, and participating in communal activities. Sunday is a day of worship and rest."

SamoanEnglish

Costs and practicals

Currency

United States Dollar (USD) · $

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$10-15 | a local meal costs around $10-15

Hotels

$80-150 | budget hotels range $80-150/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Prices are higher than mainland US due to imports.

Timezone

Pacific/Pago_Pago -11:00 (GMT-11)

More facts

Population

55,465

Area

199 km²

Government

Unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States with local self-government.

ISO code

AS, ASM

Type

country

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Amerikos Samoa, Amerika Samoa, Sàmóà Amẹ́ríkà, Sāmoa ʻAmelika, Samoa anméricaines, Samoa Aimearaganach, ამერიკაშ სამოა, Amerikanska Samoa, ଆମେରିକୀୟ ସମୋଆ, ASV Samoa, Американське Самоа, 美属萨摩亚, Samoa Americane, Amerikanska Sámoa, Samóa Amérika pegua, Amerikan Samoası, Samoa Miricana, አሜሪካዊ ሳሞዓ, امریکی سمووا, Samoa American, Amerikaans-Samoa, আমেরিকান সামোয়া, Samoa Amerika, ساموای ئەمریکا, Haʻamoa-ʻAmelika, ᎠᎺᎵᎧ ᏌᎼᎠ, Amerikaansk-Samoä, アメリカ領サモア, Samoa américaines, അമേരിക്കൻ സമോവ, Amerihká Samoa, Amerika Samoası, Samowa Nyamerika, امریکی ساموا, Samoa Amerikan, Samoo Usona, Bandaríska Samóa, Ամերիկյան Սամոա, Samoa Amerykańskie, Amirika Samwa, Самоаи Америкоӣ, AS, Америцька Самоа, Amerikalıq Samoa, Samoa America, Samoa Amerikane, US-AS, Samoa Americană, Америка Самоасы, Америчка Самоа, 아메리칸사모아, Americká Samoa, ساموآی آمریکا, 美屬薩摩亞, Samoa amèriquènes, Usana Samoa, ساموا الامريكيه, Америка Самоаһы, अमेरिकन सामोआ, סמואה האמריקנית, ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਸਮੋਆ, अमेरिकी समोआ, Америкæйы Самоæ, Американское Самоа, Ameriška Samoa, Mî-koet liâng Samoa, Amerika Sāmoa, Samoa Americana, Samoa thuộc Mỹ, Ameerika Samoa, अमेरिकी सामोआ, মার্কিন সামোয়া, Hāmoa Marikena, Američka Samoa, Samöa Americann-e, Амерыканскае Самоа, அமெரிக்க சமோவா, သႃႇမူဝ်းဝႃႇ ၶွင်ဢမေႇရိၵၼ်ႇ, Samó Mheiriceá, Американска Самоа, Samoa Nord-americana, Amerikaans Samoa, אמעריקאנישער סאמאא, Αμερικανική Σαμόα, Samoa Americanas, Samoa Amérika, Amerikansk Samoa, Amerikan Samoa, Amerika Samoasi, ساموا الأمريكية, อเมริกันซามัว, ئامېرىكىغا قاراشلىق ساموئا, Samoa Amirika, އެމެރިކަން ސަމޯއާ, Amerikanisch-Samoa, ამერიკის სამოა, Samoa ya Marekani, Америкин Самоа, Samwa Tamarikanit, Samoa Estatubatuarra, Amerikai Szamoa, Amerikoonsk Samoa, American Samoa

BeachNational ParkDivingCultural ExperienceEco-Tourism