Lalomanu, Samoa 🇼🇸
#1758
-14.045588, -171.438914
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lalomanu is a small coastal village located on the south coast of Upolu island, known for its stunning beaches and warm hospitality. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 220 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps, with some accommodations offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAT (Samoan Tala) ≈ 0.36 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Digicel and Vodafone; prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include ANZ and Westpac; ATMs are available but limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodations include beachfront bungalows, guesthouses, and eco-lodges, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless payment options; it is advisable to carry cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are available starting from $70 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Lalomanu Beach Fales offers beachfront stays at affordable rates around $50 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are no dedicated coworking spaces; work arrangements are mainly in accommodations or cafes. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Lalomanu Beach Cafe offers a scenic atmosphere with Wi-Fi access. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Community gatherings at local churches or village meetings for networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Occasional cultural events held by local community centers; check local notices. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available, but there are no dedicated apps like Uber. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options for bike rentals; check with local accommodations. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lalomanu Beach is renowned for its beauty and is right at your doorstep. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Samoa Airways is the primary regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia operate flights to and from Samoa. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the main coastal road, connecting to Apia and other areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; taxis and hired vehicles are the main forms of transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes; local buses are very limited. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to Apia; private transport is the recommended option. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Moto'otua Hospital is the main healthcare facility located in Apia, approximately 1 hour away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; check for local classes on notice boards. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | No gyms available; outdoor activities are encouraged. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Some accommodations offer laundry services; inquire locally. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated food delivery apps; local restaurants typically do not offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sample Palusami (taro leaves in coconut cream) or Umu (earth oven cooked feast). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but fresh fruits and vegetables are readily available in markets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer fresh coconut bread and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Lalomanu for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; deliveries from New Zealand or Australia may take time. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not widely available; visit local shops for essentials. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; small bars near the beach are available for drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Samoa Brewery is based in Apia, known for local beers like Vailima. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; local restaurants may offer a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Check around local markets for fresh island-style street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few options available; local restaurants focus on Samoan cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit Lalomanu Beach for stunning views and snorkeling opportunities. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | There are limited cultural institutions; check Apia for more options. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the nearby village historical sites and local churches. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches hold weekly services and community gatherings. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local fiafia nights celebrate Samoan culture; check community boards for dates. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Experience local village customs and lifestyle throughout Lalomanu. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; local performances may be held in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Lalomanu village market on weekends for local produce and handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music and dance performances often in local gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; focus is more on traditional crafts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Community members may offer informal cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries; more art can be found in Apia. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Local churches reflect traditional Samoan architectural styles. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Experience traditional Samoan culture and customs in daily life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the natural beauty of Lalomanu Beach and surrounding nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | O le Pupu-P Gamble Marine Reserve is not far for snorkeling and diving. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited designated paths; explore along the beach and village. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Breathtaking viewpoints along coastal cliffs for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Coastal areas and nature reserves ideal for spotting local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach spots can be used for bonfire gatherings; check regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited; international deliveries may take time. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Minimal options for repair services; check Apia for more technical services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not available in Lalomanu, inquire locally for recreation options. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; check with local community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few public libraries; accommodations often serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The village community center may host gatherings and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available; focus is on outdoor activities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Lalomanu; entertainment centers are limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (local market rates vary). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (prices vary depending on location). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (local market availability is limited). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (prices subject to local demand). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (availability of larger homes is limited). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (prices can vary widely). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rate is approximately 27%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate on dividends is approximately 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Samoan tax system based on residence and source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 27%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific regulations apply to foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax exists; rates depend on valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 5% on property transfers. |