Apia, Samoa 🇼🇸
#1128
-13.834463, -171.764914
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Apia is the capital city of Samoa, situated on the northern coast of the island of Upolu. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 38,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 12 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Samoan Tala (WST) - 1 WST ≈ 0.37 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable but advisable to use filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Digicel and Vodafone. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard, with ATMs available in Apia. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still preferred in many local businesses. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are widely available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include Apia Backpackers and other local hostels. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | SPC Coworking Space |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Niu |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups via Facebook groups like Expats in Samoa. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local events are often organized through social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services available; no major ride-sharing apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available from local shops around Apia. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lalomanu Beach, about an hour's drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Samoa Airways |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect Apia to various parts of Upolu. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Not applicable; public transport mainly consists of buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses available; no formal passes but inexpensive fares. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and minivans connect Apia to the towns and rural areas. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centrally located Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Island Breeze Spa offering wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Cugby Gym is a popular spot for fitness. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available with quick turnaround. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local restaurants offer limited delivery services; no major apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional seafood dish, Poke. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Available, but limited—check out the vegetarian offerings at Cafe Niu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Tanoa Hotel has a lovely café with good desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Apia Market for local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; many locals rely on international shipping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few services available; usually local shopping preferred. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The waterfront at Apia has several bar options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Samoan breweries produce various local beers, available in town. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few wine bars exist, but some restaurants offer modest selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Apia Market has various street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | KFC, Chinese and Thai restaurants are popular among locals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Robert Louis Stevenson Museum |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Samoa. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Togitogiga Waterfall. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Apia's Cathedral (Cathedral of the Holy Family). |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Samoan Independence Day celebrations in June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Apia waterfront area. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Tavita Theatre. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Apia Market for cultural goods and local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Regular performances at local bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals can be found in Apia. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes; inquire at the market. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local exhibitions held at various venues. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old Apia Railway Station. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Samoan culture is prevalent through dance and arts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Galoa Beach offers stunning views and snorkeling. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park is accessible from Apia. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several coastal paths along the waterfront. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points around Mount Vaea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Natural reserves near the coast. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near beaches such as Lalomanu. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office and courier services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Some local shops offer basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Available through local community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Samoa National Library is a good place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community halls are often used for gatherings and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; mostly home gaming common. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos present in Apia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. WST 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = WST 100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. WST 2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = WST 80,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. WST 3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = WST 180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. WST 2,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = WST 144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. WST 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = WST 224,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. WST 2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = WST 176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system for residents |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 27% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, exists but not stringently enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax of 2%. |