Travel Preparation Guide · Connectivity
Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
⚡230V / 50Hz
🔌Type I(Angled flat 2-pin + ground (same as AU/NZ))
🔄Needed from Japan/US/Europe/UK
💡Power can be intermittent on outer islands.
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
📱Digicel, Vodafone Samoa
🏪Faleolo Airport, Digicel/Vodafone shops in Apia
📋Passport required
💰SIM from $10-20 for 7-30 days
💡Digicel has better coverage on Upolu; limited connectivity on Savaii.
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
📶Very limited — International eSIM providers only
🏢Airalo (limited coverage)
💰$12-30 for 1-3GB / 7-15 days
💡Coverage limited to Apia area; physical SIM recommended for reliability.
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
📡Limited — available in Apia hotels, limited elsewhere
🏨Available in hotels in Apia; speeds are slow
☕Very limited; a few cafes in Apia offer WiFi
💡Internet is expensive and slow; enjoy the offline experience.
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
🔒None — unrestricted internet
🚫None — all services freely accessible
🛡️Not needed
💡Samoa has open internet; speeds are limited but no content restrictions.
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
🚗Local buses and taxis (no apps)
🗺️Maps.me for offline, Google Maps
💬Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp
💡No ride-hailing available; buses are cheap but have no fixed schedule.
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
📞+685 (Samoa)
🆘994 (Police), 993 (Fire), 996 (Ambulance)
📲Dial 00 + country code + number for international calls
💡Connectivity limited on Savaii; buy credit in Apia before island-hopping.