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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Samoa

Seasonal Clothing

Think breathable fabrics and versatile layers.

Recommendations

Cultural Dress Code

Samoa is a conservative society, deeply rooted in its traditions and strong Christian faith.

Modesty & Respect

  • Cover shoulders and knees in villages/churches.
  • Women: pack a lavalava (sarong) for versatility.
  • Men: avoid going shirtless in public areas.

Footwear Recommendations

General Wear

Sandals, flip-flops, or jandals are suitable for most casual wear, walking around Apia, and beach activities.

Easy to slip on and off.

Water Activities

For rocky beaches, snorkeling, or walking on coral to protect your feet, Water shoes or sturdy sandals are useful.

Offers good grip and protection.

Hiking

If you plan on hiking trails, sturdy Walking sandals with good ankle support or Lightweight hiking shoes are recommended.

Protects feet on uneven trails.

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Keeping your documents organized and accessible prevents stress during your travels. Copies of important papers are just as useful as the originals.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable)
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations
  • Emergency Contact Information
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable)
  • Backup Solutions for Important Data

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Consider power needs and local compatibility.

Essentials

  • Power Adapter and Voltage Considerations (Type I, 240V, 50Hz).
  • Mobile Phone Compatibility (GSM network, unlocked phones).
  • SIM Card Options (Digicel, Vodafone Samoa).

Capture & Power

Ensure your devices are ready for use.

Gear Up

Recommended Apps

Navigation

Maps.me or Google Maps: Download offline maps of Upolu and Apia.

Translation

Google Translate: Download Samoan language pack for offline use.

Utilities

Currency Converter: Xe Currency for quick Tala conversions. Weather App for monitoring conditions.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid

A well-stocked Personal first aid kit and awareness of local health concerns prepare you for minor ailments or emergencies.

Kit Contents

  • Antiseptic wipes, Band-aids, sterile gauze, medical tape.
  • Antihistamine cream/tablets for insect bites.
  • Hydrocortisone cream for rashes/skin irritation.

Medications & Protection

Ensure you have necessary prescriptions and protection from elements.

Items

  • Prescription Medications (with documentation).
  • Over-the-Counter Meds (headaches, motion sickness, cold/flu).
  • Insect Repellent (DEET or picaridin, Dengue risk).

Specific Health Needs

Altitude Sickness

  • Altitude sickness is not a concern in Samoa.
  • Focus on general heat management.
  • Stay hydrated.

Motion Sickness

  • Medication or patches can be useful for ferry crossings.
  • Winding island roads can cause motion sickness.
  • Consider remedies if you are prone to it.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling/Diving

Bringing your own mask, snorkel, and lightweight fins offers comfort and hygiene.

  • Own mask and snorkel for fit.
  • Lightweight fins for packing.
  • Rental gear available at resorts.
  • Hygiene consideration for rentals.

Hiking Gear

For hiking, a Small daypack carries water, snacks, and a rain jacket.

  • Light, quick-drying clothing.
  • Sturdy sandals or lightweight hiking shoes.
  • Long sleeves/pants for sun/insects.
  • Small daypack for essentials.

Swimming Essentials

Multiple swimsuits allow one to dry while you use another. A rash guard provides extra sun protection.

  • Several swimsuits.
  • Rash guard for sun protection.
  • UPF 50+ sun shirt.
  • Waterproof dry bag for valuables.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Items to Bring

  • Own Mask and snorkel (comfort/cleanliness).
  • High-quality outdoor gear (hiking boots).
  • Specialized items (e.g., specific camera lenses).
  • Items you will use frequently across multiple trips.

Items to Rent

  • Snorkeling gear (if occasional use).
  • Surfboards (at local camps).
  • Kayaks and paddleboards (at resorts).
  • Bulky items that are hard to transport.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small, often overlooked items can make a big difference in your travel comfort and security.

Essentials

Reusable Items

Minimize your environmental impact and save money by using reusable items.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Region-Specific Essentials

Lavalava Sarong

Versatile: beach cover-up, modesty in villages, lightweight towel.

Beach Bag

For carrying towels, sunscreen, books to the beach.

Power Bank

Keep devices charged during day trips and outages.

Headlamp/Flashlight

Useful for walking at night or in areas with limited lighting.

Difficult or Expensive Local Purchases

Bring from Home

  • Specific brands of sunscreen or insect repellent.
  • High-quality hiking boots or outdoor apparel.
  • Specialized snorkeling/diving equipment (if particular).

Less Critical to Bring

  • Basic toiletries (available in Apia).
  • Casual clothing (plenty of local options).
  • General snacks (local markets offer variety).

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light and efficiently. A well-organized bag makes navigating your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Remember cultural respect in your clothing choices.

Utilize packing cubes for organization and space-saving. Always leave some room for souvenirs!