Mulifanua, Samoa ๐ผ๐ธ
#2099
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| ๐๏ธ City | Mulifanua is located on the island of Upolu in Samoa, known for its stunning beaches and close proximity to the international airport. |
| ๐ฅ Population | Approximately 3,000 residents. |
| ๐ป Internet Speed | Average speeds around 20 Mbps, though speeds may vary depending on the provider. |
| ๐ธ Currency & Banking | Samoan Tala (WST); 1 USD โ 2.60 WST. |
| ๐ฐ Tap Water | Not always drinkable; recommended to use bottled water. |
| ๐ Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type I sockets. |
| ๐ถ SIM Card | Available from providers like Digicel and Vodafone. |
| ๐ณ Banking for Expats | Banks include ANZ, Westpac; foreign cards widely accepted. |
| ๐ Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, holiday homes, and villas; platforms like Airbnb popular. |
| ๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; many places accept cards, but cash is advisable. |
| ๐ Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide short-term options. |
| ๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Mulifanua Beach Fales offers affordable beachside lodging. |
| ๐๏ธ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near Mulifanua Beach for scenic views and water access. |
| ๐๏ธ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider accommodations near local cafes and coworking spaces around the airport. |
Working and Networking
| ๐ข Best Coworking Space | Currently few options; look for spaces in Apia, about 30 mins away by car. |
| โ Best Cafe for Work | Lagoon Beach Fale Cafe offers WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| ๐ผ Networking Events | Limited in Mulifanua; consider attending events in Apia. |
| ๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and local meetups occur occasionally, primarily in Apia. |
Transportation
| ๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | Samoa Taxi Service is available, as well as local drivers for hire. |
| ๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; recommended to rent a vehicle for convenience. |
| ๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | Mulifanua Beach, known for its white sands and clear waters. |
| โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Samoa Airways. |
| โ๏ธ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways. |
| ๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | Connecting routes to Apia and other parts of Upolu available. |
| ๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; rely on buses and taxis. |
| ๐ Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; buses are available but infrequent. |
| โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis can be used to travel to other islands, check ferry schedules. |
Health and Wellness
| ๐ฅ Best Hospital | Moto'otua National Hospital in Apia serves as the main healthcare facility. |
| ๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few options; general wellness activities can be found locally. |
| ๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; basic fitness facilities are available in Apia. |
| ๐งบ Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; inquire at accommodations for services. |
Food and Drink
| ๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | Delivery options through local restaurants may be available; inquire directly. |
| ๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Oka I'a, a traditional raw fish dish marinated in coconut milk. |
| ๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Samoa offers excellent vegetarian options. |
| ๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Try Mulifanuaโs local ice cream vendors; fresh and delicious. |
| ๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets sell fresh produce and goods at reasonable prices. |
| ๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; local stores focus on physical retail. |
| ๐ Grocery Delivery | Local grocery delivery options are scarce; self-shopping is advised. |
| ๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; some beach bars may have evening events. |
| ๐ป Local Brewery | Samoa Brewery in Apia offers local beers. |
| ๐ท Wine Bars | Limited options; consider bringing your own if you enjoy niche wines. |
| ๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Common at local markets; try the taro and coconut dishes. |
| ๐ Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Italian food are common, found in Apia. |
Culture and Attractions
| ๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the nearby Saleaula Lava Fields for unique geological features. |
| ๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | Samoa Cultural Village in Apia showcases local arts. |
| ๐ฐ Historical Sites | Explore the historic sites in Apia, like the old courthouse. |
| ๐ Religious Sites | Consider visiting the Anglican Cathedral in Apia. |
| ๐ Annual Events | Pulemelei International Farmers Market occurs monthly. |
| ๐จ Cultural Districts | Apia's waterfront is a vibrant cultural hub with art showcases. |
| ๐ญ Theater Venues | Limited options; performances primarily occur in Apia. |
| ๐๏ธ Local Markets | Mulifanuaโs local market on Saturdays is vibrant and busy. |
| ๐ผ Music Scene | Local bands play at various bars; check schedules in Apia. |
| ๐จ Street Art | Apia has murals and local art; exploring the city can reveal hidden gems. |
| ๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Limited offerings; check local restaurants for casual classes. |
| ๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Apia features small galleries showcasing local artists. |
| ๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings in Apia provide historical insight. |
| ๐ด Local Heritage | Experience Samoan culture through local ceremonies and gatherings. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| ๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the nearby Falealupo Rainforest Reserve for beautiful trails. |
| ๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | O Le Pupu-Puaสปe National Park is accessible for hiking. |
| ๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited dedicated paths; coastal roads can be cycled safely. |
| ๐ Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts along the Southern coast provide picturesque views. |
| ๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is possible in the forests near Falealupo. |
| ๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check for beach spots where bonfires might be permitted. |
Other Services and Amenities
| ๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are available for parcel shipping. |
| ๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Limited; consider waiting until reaching Apia for repairs. |
| ๐ Table Tennis Spots | Limited community facilities; check local schools and clubs. |
| ๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Local classes available for Samoan language; check Apia for more options. |
| ๐ Libraries & Study Spots | Limited facilities; public areas in cafes can offer quiet study spots. |
| ๐๏ธ Community Centers | Look for community activities at local churches. |
| ๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | Minimal options; most gaming is done at home or mobile. |
| ๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not common; no casinos present. |
Business
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Not applicable; Mulifanua is more for rentals than property purchase. |
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | N/A; focus on rental options instead. |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | N/A; Mulifanua has limited long-term property options. |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | N/A; rental market is preferred. |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | N/A; consider rentals instead. |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | N/A; primarily rental market in Mulifanua. |
| ๐ผ Corporate Tax | Corporate tax is 27%. |
| ๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | Rate is 15%. |
| ๐ฆ Tax System | Samoa has a relatively simplified tax system primarily based on residence. |
| ๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | Effective tax rate can reach up to 27%. |
| ๐งพ VAT | 12.5% standard VAT rate. |
| ๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules applicable; consult local advisors. |
| ๐ Property Tax | Limited property tax system; based on property value. |
| ๐ Property Transaction Tax | Minimal property taxes; focus on registration fees. |
| ๐ป Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax benefits for digital nomads exist, consult local tax advisors. |