Pago Pago, Samoa πΌπΈ
#1678
,
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Pago Pago is the capital and largest city of American Samoa, located on the island of Tutuila. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 24,000 residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD, with US dollars being the official currency. |
π° Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | Electricity supply is 120V, 60Hz, and uses Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Available providers include Bluesky and AST Telecom. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Common banks: ANZ, Banque de Tahiti, and American Savings Bank. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals via Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Cashless payments are becoming more common, but cash is still widely used. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short-term stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include the Tradewinds Hotel and local hostels. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Local coworking options are limited; consider working from cafes or hotels with WiFi. |
β Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Bean serves good coffee and has WiFi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Events are infrequent; check community boards for local gatherings. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Local expat Facebook groups and meetups occur occasionally, mainly at bars. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available, but rideshare apps aren't widely used. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available near the harbor for local exploration. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Lalomanu Beach is the most popular beach, about 45 mins from Pago Pago. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Southwest Airlines operates flights to the main islands. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Hawaiian Airlines offers flights to Pago Pago from Honolulu. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Main roads are accessible, but driving conditions may be challenging due to scenery. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train system; public transport consists of buses and shared vans. |
π Public Transport Passes | Single ride bus fare is approximately $0.50. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Ferries connect to nearby Manu'a islands; local airlines offer inter-island flights. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | LBJ Tropical Medical Center is the main healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga sessions are occasionally held at local community centers. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | There are a few local gyms, including Anytime Fitness. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, but services may be limited. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is mostly through local restaurants; no major apps like Ubereats. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Sapasui (Samoan chow mein) is a must-try dish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options, but some local cafes offer vegan dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Try the coconut cream pie at 'Tropical Delight'. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and traditional foods at budget prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and eBay are accessible for international orders. |
π Grocery Delivery | No major grocery delivery services; most shopping is done in person. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars like the 'Sadie's by the Sea' are popular for nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | No dedicated breweries, but local bars offer a selection of imported beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Limited wine options; available at restaurants and hotels. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Local stalls can be found at markets, offering traditional Samoan dishes. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Italian and American cuisines are commonly available in restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The National Park of American Samoa offers stunning rainforests and hikes. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The American Samoa Museum showcases the cultural heritage of the islands. |
π° Historical Sites | Visit the WWII National Park sites for historical context. |
π Religious Sites | The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a beautiful site to visit. |
π Annual Events | The annual Flag Day celebration in April features parades and festivities. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The village of Sua offers insights into local culture and practices. |
π Theater Venues | Local performances are held at the American Samoa Community College. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building has a market on weekends for local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Look out for local bands performing at bars and community events. |
π¨ Street Art | Local artists occasionally display their work in public spaces around Pago Pago. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cultural cooking classes can be arranged through community centers. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Artworks by Samoan artists can be seen in local shops and galleries. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Visit the old Pago Pago courthouse for a taste of the town's history. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Samoan tattooing traditions are a significant cultural practice here. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the national park for lush hiking trails and stunning views. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | National Park of American Samoa is a key attraction with diverse ecosystems. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the harbor provide scenic views. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Cloud Rainforest lookout offers panoramic views of the island. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The national park is home to various native bird species, ideal for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; inquire locally for regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | USPS and UPS provide reliable shipping services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic repairs, but options are limited. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis areas available. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Local schools may offer Samoan language classes occasionally. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The American Samoa Community College has library facilities. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and classes for residents. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; most gaming happens at home. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available on the island. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $150,000 per unit in central Pago Pago. |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $120,000 in suburban areas. |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $180,000 for a one-bedroom unit in the center. |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $150,000 in suburban settings. |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $250,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $220,000 for suburban two-bedroom apartments. |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 30%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate is 15% for foreign investors. |
π¦ Tax System | Samoa operates a territorial tax system. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest income tax rate is 27%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Value Added Tax (VAT) is 15%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Samoa has relaxed CFC rules. |
π Property Tax | Property tax is assessed based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | A 5% property transfer tax is applied. |