Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Apia is the capital city of Samoa, located on the island of Upolu. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 37,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of around 8 Mbps, with some locations reaching up to 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Samoan Tala (WST). 1 USD ≈ 2.6 WST. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Digicel and ASTEA. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard accepted widely. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and local rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless transactions; cash is often preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb listings available starting from WST 100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | The Samoan Outrigger Hotel offers budget rooms starting at WST 60 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area for proximity to restaurants and shops. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Apia, offering a mix of cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Samoa Coworking space offers reliable internet and work-friendly environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Office Café is known for its quiet atmosphere and decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups often organized through local Facebook groups for entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular cultural nights at the Samoa Tourism Authority open to all. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | There are no major ride apps; local taxis are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rentals offered at village centers; prices start from WST 30 per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lalomanu Beach, about 60 minutes drive from Apia. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Samoa Airways provides domestic flights between islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways operate flights to Apia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Road access is limited to coastal and main roads; be cautious of conditions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transport is via local buses and taxis; no formal transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport operates on a cash basis; no advance passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Apia to most major attractions and villages around the island. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Paradise offers classes, located near the waterfront. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Eleni's Gym offers various fitness classes and equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; some guesthouses offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No distinct apps; local restaurants may offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Palusami (taro leaves with coconut cream) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Go Green, a small café offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Samoana Bakery is famous for its fresh pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Apia Markets on Saturdays have affordable local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | No significant e-commerce; local markets are the primary shopping points. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options, some supermarkets may offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Waterfront area is popular for nightlife; venues like Aloha Bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Samoa Brewery produces local beers such as Vailima Lager. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; the nearest is at the luxury hotel Apia's Seafood. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Apia offer local favorites; try the fiafia feast! |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Fong Lee Restaurant offers a mix of Chinese and local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the blown glass sculpture at the Samoa Cultural Village. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Samoa showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, dedicated to the author. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a stunning landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Teuila Festival in September showcases Samoan culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Mulinu’u, the historical site with monuments. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local plays and performances at the Samoa Arts Theatre. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Apia Marketplace is vibrant with local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music often at various bars and during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals depicting Samoan culture can be found around Apia. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at local culinary schools for traditional Samoan meals. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Samoan Cultural Center features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Courthouse is a classic colonial structure. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Samoan mats and tattooing are integral parts of cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | O le Pupu-Puu National Park features stunning hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Efu Efu National Park, known for its unique flora and fauna. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths are available, especially near the harbor. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The coastal cliffs near Apia provide breathtaking ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Giant Tarzan tree in the national gardens attracts various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Papaseea Sliding Rock where bonfires are allowed. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Samoa Post offers local and international parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops in Apia provide electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Tu‘u Mai Language School offers Samoan language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Lauga Library in Apia has a small collection of English books. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Apia Community Center often holds local events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited due to local interest; some cafes may have gaming setup. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available; local gaming is minimal. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. WST 2,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = WST 140,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. WST 1,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = WST 90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. WST 2,600 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = WST 182,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. WST 1,900 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = WST 133,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. WST 2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = WST 192,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. WST 2,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = WST 168,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rate is 27%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Rate is 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 27%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited foreign company tax regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is 5% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax for foreign earnings for certain visa categories. |