American Samoa
The information below is provided by Lonely Planet readers and is not verified by Lonely Planet. For the official lowdown, contact your nearest embassy or check out our Travel Links.
Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings
I travel to American Samoa once a year on business, and have found that, contrary to the info in the LP guide, American citizens DO need a passport. I had received the no passport info from a Samoan travel agent based in Hawaii, but took my passport just in case. When I presented myself for check-in at Hawaiian Airlines in Honolulu, I was told in no uncertain terms that a passport was necessary. Maybe it is technically possible to get in and out without a passport, but I would definitely advise having yours with you when you go to Pago Pago.
Louis Lagrave, USA (Nov 00)
Travel Tips
Tutuila: Upon arrival secure a decent map or local guide as NONE of the streets on the island are named. Directions are quite frequently given by way of landmarks such as, "go left at the third dumpster past the coconut grove." At first, it was quite difficult navigating the island, but with time and much patience from our gracious hosts we were able to find our way around.
There is a government maintained water system that extends to both ends of Tutuila, thus water is safe to drink in the villages on the southern part of the island...the line has not yet been extended to the villages on the northern part of the island.
If you go jogging, especially in some of the more offbeat areas, don't be surprised if you are chased by chickens and dogs...after a few days, they ignore you!
Take a trip over to Aunuu Island to hike the trails, one will be pleasantly surpised at the hidden beauty of that island...and many lifelong residents have never been...but be sure and be patient about the return boat trip back to Tutuila, as there are no scheduled times of arrival and departure...and if a storm blows up, you may have to wait it out in the village of Aunuu.
Scott.O.Sutton, USA (Jan 03)
Unfortunately nobody told us that there was no currency exchange at Pago Pago International Airport. One of the customs officials kindly gave us some money for a taxi to the nearest bank. So get some US dollars before you go.
Kerry Ann Barlow & Barney Allen, Australia (May 00)
^ back to top
|
