Samoa is one of the cheapest countries to travel in the South Pacific, making it a particularly attractive destination for budget travellers. If you're happy to do it fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way) and stay in fale (thatched houses without walls built from coconut fronds and fibre), eat food at local road stalls and catch public transport you can get away with spending as little as US$25 a day. Staying at air-conditioned hotels, eating at restaurants, and getting around by hire car will set you back about US$60 a day. If you've got a hankering for the whole chorus and verse of South Pacific complete with movie star atmosphere, private swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens, lobster à la Samoa and tropical coconut concoctions, expect to pay upwards of US$150 a day. Some accommodation prices in the middle to upper range are actually listed in US dollars so check before checking in.

Exchanging money in Samoa is straightforward. Travellers cheques and most currencies can be exchanged without hassle and there is no black market to contend with. Travellers cheques are a dying breed in Samoa. There is a growing number of ATMs linked to international networks. Because of Samoa's proximity to American Samoa it is sometimes possible to pay in US dollars although the Samoan tala remains the official unit of currency. Most middle-to-upper range hotels and car rental firms will accept major credit cards.

Tipping is neither expected nor particularly encouraged in Samoa and bargaining is definitely not accepted. The price you see is the price you pay.

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