How to get here

American Samoa is easily accessible via three international airlines offering connections from Hawaii, Samoa, and Tonga:

● Hawaiian Airlines: Operates bi-weekly flights between Honolulu and Pago Pago.

● Samoa Airways: Provides daily flights from Apia, Samoa.

● Talofa Airways: Offers daily flights from Apia and twice-weekly flights from Tonga.

Flight schedules often increase during peak travel seasons (June–August and December–January) to meet higher demand.

Additionally, the Samoa Shipping Corporation operates a weekly ferry service between Samoa and American Samoa, offering an alternative travel option.

For flight schedules, visit the airlines' websites, and for immigration details, check our Entry Requirements page.

Airports

Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), located on Tutuila Island, serves as your primary point of arrival when visiting American Samoa. In addition to PPG, two other smaller airports can be found in the beautiful Manu'a Islands. These include Fitiuta Airport (FTI) situated on Ta'u Island and Ofu Airport (OFU) located on Ofu Island, providing further access to the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences that await you in this unique destination.

Duty Free Allowance

All travelers entering American Samoa are permitted to bring in 1 x bottle of alcohol (which includes wine), 1 x carton of cigarettes, and 1 x case of beer. It is important to note that any traveler carrying quantities that exceed these specified limits will be subject to a duty fee, which will be calculated as a percentage by Customs upon arrival.

Currency

The United States Dollar is the primary currency used throughout American Samoa. The banknotes available for transactions include denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. For coinage, the country issues coins in 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, and 25 cents. Travelers can conveniently exchange major foreign currencies at several locations, including the money exchange service at the airport, various Western Union retailers, and the Territorial Bank of American Samoa, ensuring that visitors have access to local currency upon arrival.

Banks and ATMs

There is one major bank on the island, known as the Territorial Bank of American Samoa (TBAS). The TBAS branches can be conveniently found in both Utulei and Tafuna, and they operate from Monday to Friday, with hours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Additionally, TBAS ATMs are strategically located all around the island of Tutuila, making access to funds easy for residents and visitors alike.

What's the weather forecast?

American Samoa enjoys a tropical climate throughout the entire year, characterized by two distinct seasons that bring different weather patterns, namely the wet season and the dry season. The wet season typically occurs between November and March, often bringing heavier rainfall, while the dry season spans from April to October, featuring more clear skies and lower humidity. Throughout the year, the average daily temperatures in this beautiful region generally range from 84 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, which is approximately 29 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius, creating consistently warm and inviting conditions for both locals and visitors alike.

What to wear?

Light cotton summer clothing is recommended all year round. Swimwear is appropriate for the beaches but when going into the villages please cover up or put on a t-shirt, shorts or wear a lavalava (sarong). If going to church on Sunday, slacks and short for men and a nice dress or blouse and skirt for women. If you are not sure just ask someone.

Time zone

American Samoa operates on a time zone that is 11 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time, specifically UTC -11. This means that there is a significant time difference between American Samoa and certain other regions of the world. For instance, if it is 9:00 am on a Monday in New Zealand, then it would be 10:00 am on the preceding Sunday here in American Samoa. This time difference can be important for travelers and communication between these locations.

Electrical Power

The electrical system in American Samoa operates at a voltage of 110 volts, which is compatible with standard American power points. This means that visitors from the mainland United States will find that their electronics and devices can easily be plugged into the outlets available here without the need for additional adapters, ensuring convenience during their stay.

Language

Samoan and English are spoken by over 95 percent of the population in American Samoa, with English serving as the primary language used for business and commercial activities. This linguistic diversity reflects the vibrant culture of the islands, where both languages play an important role in day-to-day communication and interactions among the community members.

Commercial Hours

Retail stores and Government offices are open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm with some bigger stores closing late. Stores open on Saturdays from 8:00am to 2:00pm and the majority of retailers are closed on Sunday.

Post Office

The United States Postal Services Office is located in the village of Fagatogo and is open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm. On Thursdays it closes at 4:00pm and is open on Saturday from 8:30am to 1:00pm.

Public Holidays

January 1st - New Year's Day

January 16th - Martin Luther King Day

February 18th - President's Day

April 17th - American Samoa Flag Day

May 28th - Memorial Day

June 19th - Juneteenth

July 4th - Independence Day

July 16th - Manu'a Cession Day

September 3rd - Labor Day

October 8th - Columbus Day

November 12th - Veteran's Day

November 22nd - Thanksgiving Day

December 25th - Christmas Day

Information Center

The American Samoa Visitors Bureau is conveniently located on the Ground Floor of the Fagatogo Square Building, situated along Route 001 in the historic area of Fagatogo. The Bureau’s opening hours are set from Monday to Friday, operating from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM each day. It is important to note that the Bureau remains closed on weekends as well as on Public Holidays. Additionally, please be aware that the office will also be closed during days when cruise ships are scheduled to arrive.