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Diana Achatz was in Samoa in August 1997 and has provided the following observations that will prove helpful for anyone travelling to Samoa.

Accomodation and Food

Sienes beach fales at Aleipata can cost as little as 25 tala a night, which includes an inner sprung mattress, a pillow and a light bulb. However, if it is busy or their are special events taking place expect to pay about 40 tala night, although it might be possible to get a reduced price if you are there for more than 3 days. Breakfast will cost an additional 10 tala. The bar in Aleipata has closed down, but has been replaced by a store, from which you should be able to pickup beer and ice.

The beach fales at Manese, on Savai'i, cost 40 tala a night and villas US$120, but a better bet are the beach fales at Tanu Beach which, with a little bit of bargaining and a gift or two, should cost about 25 - 30 tala a night including food. However, the entertainment provided at Manaese is excellent.

It is possible to get a good lunch at Le Lagoto, next to Manese.

You still won't find any taro or palusami (lu'au) in Samoa, because of the taro blight

Staying with a Samoan Family

If you are staying with a Samoan family, the gifts you take should generally be items that are either costly (i.e. imported) or difficult to get in Samoa. Tea, coffee and cool aid are always very well received, of these tea is probably the best bet to take because it is the lightest and takes least room in your baggage. Soap is also another item that is expensive to buy locally. Tee-shirts from your home country or city are another good idea, but remember to get XL or XXL. Children in Samoa, like children everywhere, love sweets, but don't buy chocolate because it won't last long enough in the heat. Coloured pencils also go down very well with the chilren.

Transport

Jeeps and pickups, can be rented from Sisi's (Tel: 25495), at the same price, which was the cheapest place in Apia at the time. There are no restrictions on taking the vehicle to Savai'i on the ferry. Sisi's also rents scooters, and there are places in Apia that hires out bicycles.

In general you can expect to pay about US$60 a day for car hire, although you can get discount from Apia Rentals if you hire for more than a week.

If you want to get to Aleipata, you could always try travelling by bus which should cost 2 tala

Cost of Living

The government introduced a 100% price increase on tobacco and alcohol on August 1st to try and improve the health of Samoans (or was it just another way of raising revenue?) A large bottle of Vailima now costs 4.80 tala.

E-mail and internet access can be obtained from Pacific Internet Services on the main floor at the Lotemau center. They have 2 computers available for general use and receive alot of business from visitors. It costs 5 tala to send an e-mail and 20 tala an hour for internet access. If you are staying with someone who has Internet access, remember to reimburse them becuase it costs 10 tala an hour plus phone costs.

Souvenirs

One of the most popular items purchased by visitors to Samoa, are the brightly coloured lavalavas. If you are looking to pick some up before you leave visit the Lober store on Main Road, they sell the cheapest lavalavas in Apia.