Samoa: Fa'a Samoa tradition — Robert Louis Stevenson's paradise, fire knife dancing & first to greet each new week
📞+685Dial Code
🏛️ApiaCapital
💰WSTCurrency
🚨999Emergency
🔌230V 50Hz · Type IElectricity
Planning to contact Samoa? Its country dialing code is +685, and the capital is Apia. In an emergency, dial 999. Nearby countries include Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Vanuatu. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Palusami (taro leaves & coconut cream), Oka (raw fish in coconut cream), Umu feast (earth oven). The local currency is the WST · T · Samoan Tālā. Electrical outlets here use 230V 50Hz · Type I, so bring a suitable travel adapter.
🛂 Samoa passport: ranked #79 of 197 worldwide, with 111 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Samoa:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Samoa's country code: +685
Dial +685 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +685 1 [number]. From mobile: + +685 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Samoa
How to Call Abroad from Samoa
To call another country from Samoa: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Samoa numbers is +685 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +685 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Samoa
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Samoa to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +685 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Samoa.
Common Questions About Calling Samoa
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +685 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Samoa?
For a mobile: dial +685 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +685, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Samoa from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +685 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Samoa via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +685 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Samoa?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +685 mean and where does it come from?
+685 is the international dialing code assigned to Samoa by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Samoa number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +685 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Samoa
Country Code
+685
Calling abroad from Samoa? Start with
00
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+685 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 685 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 685 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 685 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
📲 How to Call Samoa from Other Countries
To reach Samoa, first dial your country's international exit code, then Samoa's country code +685, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 685local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 685local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 685local number
🇫🇷 France
00 685local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 685local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 685local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 685local number
🇮🇳 India
00 685local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +685 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call Samoa
Samoa uses UTC+13. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Samoa from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
16:00–23:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
07:00–09:00
🇩🇪 Germany
07:00–10:00
🇫🇷 France
07:00–10:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
07:00–11:00
🇦🇪 UAE
07:00–12:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
07:00–11:00
🇮🇳 India
07:00–14:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Samoa
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–685–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Samoa
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Samoa
Do I need a visa to visit Samoa?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Samoa visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does Samoa offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Samoa currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Samoa?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Samoa grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Samoa on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Samoa visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Samoa using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Samoa visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Samoa using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Samoa?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Samoa on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
Seasons are reversed from Northern Hemisphere. Summer (December–February) is peak season in Samoa with warm beach weather. Winter (June–August) is mild — best for diving, surfing, and avoiding crowds. Cyclone season (November–April) affects tropical islands; check forecasts.
📶 SIM & Internet
Excellent connectivity in Australia/NZ — pre-paid SIMs at airport ($20–40 for 20GB+). eSIM widely supported. Pacific islands have varying coverage; Digicel and Vodafone dominate. Wi-Fi in resorts and cafés but data plans recommended. Roaming charges can be steep — check before arrival.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Casual is the rule in Samoa. Beach attire common in coastal areas. Smart-casual for restaurants and clubs in Australia/NZ. Modesty appreciated when visiting Pacific island villages — cover shoulders and knees. Sun-protective clothing essential. Sturdy walking shoes for hikes and reef walks.
🌍 Samoa: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Samoa?
Some of the most famous foods in Samoa include: Palusami (taro leaves & coconut cream), Oka (raw fish in coconut cream), Umu feast (earth oven), Sapasui (chop suey — national), Chop suey Samoa style, Koko Samoa (cocoa drink), Fresh fish & seafood, Breadfruit, Taro, Vailima beer.
What are the best places to visit in Samoa?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Samoa include: To Sua Ocean Trench (swimming hole), Alofaaga Blowholes, Papase'ea Sliding Rocks, Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, Return to Paradise Beach, Robert Louis Stevenson Museum (Vailima), Lalomanu Beach, Mount Vaea (RLS grave), Falealupo Rainforest Canopy Walk, Salelologa Market.
What are the main customs and traditions in Samoa?
Notable customs and traditions in Samoa include: Fa'a Samoa governs everything, 'Talofa' — warm welcome greeting, Remove shoes before entering homes & churches, Sunday is sacred — very quiet, Ta'elolo (mutual respect) fundamental.
What is Samoa famous for?
Samoa is well known for: Fa'a Samoa (the Samoan Way of life), Robert Louis Stevenson's home, Fire knife dance, Rugby (Manu Samoa), First country to see each new week.
Where in the world is Samoa located?
Samoa is located in Oceania.
What countries are near Samoa?
Countries near Samoa include: Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Samoa
Knowing the right emergency number in Samoa can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Samoa. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
Seasons are reversed from Northern Hemisphere. Summer (December–February) is peak season in Samoa with warm beach weather. Winter (June–August) is mild — best for diving, surfing, and avoiding crowds. Cyclone season (November–April) affects tropical islands; check forecasts.
How much does a trip to Samoa cost per day?
Daily costs in Samoa range from $80 (budget) to $180 (mid-range) to $350 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many districts does Samoa have?
Samoa has 11 districts.
What is the emergency number in Samoa?
In Samoa you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: General emergency: 999. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType I · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingTipping not expected but appreciated for excellent service. No fixed percentage.
💧
Tap WaterSafe to drinkTap water meets high safety standards across Samoa.
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