American Samoa

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

AAA - A stable regulated state, there is a low/medium HSE risk for tourists in June-November caused by the hurricane season. Worksite risk is deemed to be low. The country scores a 0.3725 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

 

 

 

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be allowed to 

American Samoa

 

Crime 

 

Crime levels are low.  

 

Local Travel 

 

Sea

 

Tropical cyclones can seriously affect local travel, particularly sea journeys.

 

 

Air travel

 

A list of incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the  Aviation Safety network.

 

Genvisec offer's advice on the safety of individual airlines provding a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Medical facilities are basic and medical evacuation by air ambulance to Hawaii, New Zealand or Australia may be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

If you need to contact the emergency services in American Samoa call 911.

 

Money

The US dollar is the unit of currency in use in American Samoa.

Automated teller machines are provided by the ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank and the Bank of Hawai'i on Tutuila in both Pago Pago and Tafuna.

 

Local laws and traditions

 

Respect 'Sa' or Sacred Time, usually around 6pm tho it can vary from village to village. When in doubt ask someone and remain indoors during Sa time.

Do not barter, it is considered very offensive. If you do not like the price then don't buy it.

Cabs: always ask what the fare is to where you are going first.

You can't just swim anywhere, if you see a great beach at the side of the road, ask the village whose beach it is if you may use it, chances are it is ok

Women: outside of Apia do not wear shorts or tan tops. Dress is conservative, pick up a few lavalavas for yourself and you will be set. Bikinis are not ok at every beach, only certain places like Tanu or Palolo Deep