Discover Samoa, a pristine Polynesian paradise in the South Pacific where ancient culture thrives alongside stunning natural beauty. From the iconic To-Sua Ocean Trench to cascading waterfalls and white-sand beaches, this independent island nation offers authentic cultural experiences and warm hospitality.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hand-painted Siapo
Traditional bark cloth decorated with geometric patterns using natural dyes. Each piece is handmade by Samoan women using the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree.
Price: $30-200
Where: Apia Flea Market, Fugalei Market, craft stalls near tourist sites
Fine Mat (Ie Toga)
Pandanus leaf mats woven by Samoan women and considered sacred heirlooms used in ceremonies. Smaller decorative versions make excellent gifts.
Price: $20-150
Where: Fugalei Market, village craft cooperatives
Hand-carved Kava Bowl
Traditional wooden tanoa (kava bowl) carved from local hardwood, used in ceremonial kava drinking. Decorative items range from small souvenirs to full-sized ceremonial pieces.
Price: $25-300
Where: Apia Flea Market, craft shops on Beach Road
Black Pearl Jewelry
Cultured Samoan black pearls set in silver or gold, grown in the lagoons of surrounding islands. Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets make luxurious gifts.
Price: $50-500
Where: Apia jewelry shops, resort boutiques
Puletasi (Women's Samoan Dress)
Traditional two-piece Samoan dress in vivid Pacific prints, worn for formal occasions. Comfortable and locally made in vibrant island fabrics.
Price: $25-80
Where: Fugalei Market, Apia clothing stores
Lavalava (Sarong)
Traditional wraparound cloth worn by both men and women in Samoa, available in floral Pacific Island prints. Lightweight and practical as a beach cover-up.
Price: $10-40
Where: Fugalei Market, roadside stalls, resort shops
Koko Samoa (Cocoa)
Traditional Samoan drinking chocolate made from roasted cacao beans grown locally. Rich and earthy flavor, packaged for export.
Price: $8-20
Where: Supermarkets, Fugalei Market, specialty food shops
Ula (Flower Lei)
Fragrant fresh flower garlands made from frangipani, tiare, and hibiscus. Given as welcome gifts and worn for celebrations.
Price: $5-15
Where: Market vendors, airport stalls
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Fugalei Market (Maketi Fou)
Apia's largest market overflowing with fresh tropical produce, local crafts, woven baskets, tapa cloth, and traditional Samoan food. The beating commercial heart of Apia.
Where: Fugalei Street, Apia, Upolu
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Apia Flea Market
Open-air market popular with tourists for souvenirs including carved woodwork, siapo cloth, pearls, and traditional crafts. Vendors are friendly and bargaining is expected.
Where: Beach Road near the wharf, Apia, Upolu
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday until 3:00 PM
Salelologa Market
Main market on Savai'i Island near the ferry terminal selling fresh local produce, root crops, fish, and village-made crafts. More authentic and less touristed than Apia markets.
Where: Salelologa, Savai'i
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Apia Night Market
Weekend evening market with food vendors and craft stalls along the Apia waterfront. Popular with locals for after-work socializing and street food.
Where: Apia Waterfront, Beach Road, Upolu
Hours: Friday-Saturday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Beach Road, Apia
Apia's main shopping street along the waterfront with banks, souvenir shops, tour operators, and casual dining. A pleasant waterfront walk with convenient shopping.
Best for: Souvenirs, banks, tour bookings
Fugalei Area
The commercial heart of Apia where locals shop at the main market, small supermarkets, clothing stores, and food vendors. Authentic shopping experience away from tourist zones.
Best for: Fresh produce, local goods, everyday items
Vaitele Commercial Area
Modern shopping area west of Apia city center with larger supermarkets, hardware stores, and local businesses. Less touristed but good for practical supplies.
Best for: Supermarkets, everyday supplies, electronics
Apia Wharf Area
The area near the harbor features several souvenir shops, craft stalls, and the flea market. Convenient for cruise ship passengers and tourists staying in Apia.
Best for: Handicrafts, pearls, Samoan souvenirs
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Chan Mow Supermarket
Apia's largest supermarket with a wide range of imported and local products. Popular with expats and tourists for familiar brands alongside local Samoan goods.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Frankie's Supermarket
Well-stocked Apia supermarket offering a good range of groceries, toiletries, and basic goods. Convenient location in central Apia for self-catering travelers.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is acceptable at the Apia Flea Market and craft stalls but not in supermarkets or set-price shops
Start by offering 60-70% of the asking price for handcrafted items and work up from there
Buying multiple items from the same vendor gives you more leverage to negotiate a bundle price
Be respectful and friendly - Samoans value warm relationships over hard bargaining
If you genuinely cannot afford the asking price, politely say so - vendors may be flexible
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Export of antiques, traditional artifacts, and cultural items may require permits from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture. Black pearls and certain marine products require documentation.
Tax Refund: No formal tourist tax refund scheme currently operating in Samoa
Duty Free: Duty-free allowances for arriving visitors: 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, 2.25 liters alcohol, NZD 700 worth of goods
Shipping: International shipping available via Samoa Post and courier services from Apia. Package well as parcels can take 2-4 weeks by sea mail or 3-7 days by air