Apia Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Apia.
Healthcare System
Samoa's healthcare system consists of the main Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTM Hospital) in Apia, district hospitals, and health centers. The system provides basic medical care, but facilities and services are limited compared to Western standards.
Hospitals
Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital is the main public hospital in Apia, located in Moto'otua. It provides emergency services, but facilities are basic. Several private medical clinics in Apia offer better amenities, including the Samoa Medical Centre and Motootua Private Hospital, which cater to tourists and expatriates.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in central Apia, including Farmer Joe Supermarket pharmacy and independent chemists. Common medications are available, but specialized drugs may not be in stock. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications with you, along with copies of prescriptions.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and medical evacuation is strongly recommended and essential. Medical evacuation to New Zealand or Australia can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications you need for your entire stay
- Ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation coverage to New Zealand or Australia
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records with you
- Consider visiting a travel medicine clinic before departure for vaccinations and health advice
- Private clinics may require upfront payment, so have access to sufficient funds or credit
- Water is generally safe to drink in Apia, but bottled water is widely available if preferred
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from unattended vehicles or hotel rooms. Theft from beaches while swimming is also common.
Poor road conditions, stray dogs, pedestrians walking on roads, aggressive driving, and poorly maintained vehicles pose significant risks. Roads can be narrow with limited lighting at night.
Strong ocean currents, riptides, coral cuts, and marine life hazards. Drowning incidents occur, particularly at unpatrolled beaches.
High temperatures and humidity can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn, especially for visitors unaccustomed to tropical climates.
Stray and village dogs can be territorial and may chase or bite pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists. Most dogs are not aggressive but can be unpredictable.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers and tour operators may quote inflated prices to tourists, especially those unfamiliar with local rates. Lack of meters in taxis makes this easier.
Individuals may approach tourists offering unofficial guide services or transportation at seemingly good rates, but may take you to shops where they receive commissions or provide poor service.
Vendors at popular beaches may charge tourists significantly more than locals for food, drinks, or beach access fees.
Some vendors sell mass-produced items as authentic Samoan handicrafts at inflated prices, or claim items are hand-made when they're imported.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep photocopies of important documents (passport, insurance, etc.) separate from originals
- Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival for longer stays
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone and written down
- Carry a basic first-aid kit with you
- Learn a few basic Samoan phrases to show respect and facilitate communication
Cultural Safety
- Always ask permission before entering villages or taking photographs of people
- Remove shoes before entering homes and fale (traditional houses)
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially in villages and churches
- Sunday is a sacred day; avoid loud activities and respect church services
- Don't touch anyone's head, which is considered sacred in Samoan culture
- If visiting a village, consider offering a small gift or monetary contribution to the chief
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are considered inappropriate
Transportation Safety
- Use reputable taxi companies or those recommended by your hotel
- Avoid overloaded buses and ensure vehicles appear roadworthy
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and photograph any existing damage
- Drive on the left side of the road (changed from right in 2009)
- Avoid hitchhiking, especially alone or at night
- Be extremely cautious when crossing roads; traffic can be unpredictable
Beach and Water Safety
- Never swim alone or after consuming alcohol
- Check tide times and ocean conditions before swimming
- Don't dive into water without knowing the depth
- Be aware that some beaches charge small access fees to local families
- Keep valuables secured while swimming; consider waterproof bags
- Respect private beach areas and ask permission before using facilities
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water in Apia is generally safe but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs
- Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high
- Be cautious with raw seafood and ensure meat is thoroughly cooked
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Try local food from reputable vendors, but use caution with street food hygiene
- Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's made from purified water
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for valuables and important documents
- Check that doors and windows lock securely
- Keep ground-floor windows closed when you're out
- Don't leave valuables visible in your room
- Know the location of fire exits and emergency procedures
- Choose accommodations with good reviews regarding safety and security
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally find Samoa to be a safe destination, though the society is conservative and patriarchal. Solo female travelers are not uncommon, but should exercise standard precautions. Samoan culture emphasizes respect, and harassment is relatively rare compared to other destinations. However, women should be aware of cultural expectations regarding dress and behavior.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially outside resort areas
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use taxis rather than walking at night
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and watch your drink at bars
- Consider staying in accommodations with good security and other travelers
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Be aware that direct eye contact with men can sometimes be misinterpreted
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Keep your accommodation details private from casual acquaintances
- Carry a charged phone and know how to contact emergency services
- Be respectful but firm if you receive unwanted attention
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Samoa, and there are no specific laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. However, there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection regardless of sexual orientation
- Be aware that same-sex couples may face challenges booking shared accommodations in some places
- Consider booking LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly in conservative settings or with people you don't know well
- Research accommodations and tour operators beforehand for LGBTQ+ friendliness
- Be respectful of local cultural and religious values while maintaining your personal safety
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel communities online for current information and recommendations
- Be prepared for curious questions, which are often from genuine interest rather than hostility
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Apia due to limited medical facilities, high costs of medical evacuation, natural disaster risks (cyclones), and potential for trip disruptions. Medical evacuation to New Zealand or Australia can cost $50,000-100,000 USD or more. Most medical facilities require upfront payment, and credit cards may not be accepted everywhere.
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