From Alan: Is it safe to drink the water in American Samoa?
In general, the water may be safe to drink in American Samoa. Basically, the water is chlorinated and locals drink it from the tap with no problems. However, some strains of E. coli which you may not have immunity for, could be present in small concentrations causing diarrhea. Bottled water is recommended for the first few weeks while your body develops immunity.
Apparently on Tutuila there are a ton of vending machines that dispense drinking water with your American coins.
Read here about a high school student's Science Fair project that claims that water vending machines contain dirty water.
Is the water safe to drink in Western Samoa?
The water in Samoa is generally safe to drink, although we recommend that travellers purchase bottled water, which is widely available. Ice used at most eating spots, nightclubs and bars is generally prepared from treated water, and is therefore usually safe to drink – but if in doubt, ask your waiter first.
On Upolu we will have the means to boil and refrigerate our water.
From Alan: Is there a fee to exchange currency?
The fee is actually buried in the exchange rate. For example, if the market exchange rate is 2.5 Tala for US$1, then at the exchange booth, you will see signs that they are buying US dollars for 2.25 Tala. They then take your US dollar and sell it to their wholesalers for 2.5 Tala, and they pocket the 0.25 Tala as their profit.The airport is the worst place to exchange money because the moneychangers know that you are desperate for local currency, and their rates are steep. I am bringing $300 worth of Tala which will buy us the bus fair to Apia where you can change money at the local market (I read that there is a foreign exchange booth at the local market). We will land on Saturday when the banks are closed, but there should be an ATM in Apia that dispenses tala when you put your card in. Probably steep fees on the ATM as well.
Then, when you leave Samoa, you have to convert your leftover tala back to dollars, and you will pay a vig on that exchange as well.
From Alan: Can I expect my medical insurance to cover me in Samoa?
In American Samoa, if it is a standard medical issue like a broken leg or a tropical rash, I think they treat it free at the Lyndon B Johnson Medical Center. Nathan works there so he can help us out.In Samoa, Google says:
- Health care facilities in Samoa are adequate for routine medical treatment, but are limited in range and availability. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii is likely to be the only option for treatment, and you should ensure that your insurance policy covers this. Difficulties may arise in obtaining some specialized prescription medicines in Samoa.
Fees for medical attention are fairly cheap, and you should probably get a receipt and then submit it to your insurance for reimbursement.
From Alan: What is better: Cash, Travellers Checks or Credit Cards?
Credit Cards are widely accepted at major hotels, restaurants and stores. (MC and Visa- Not Amex). There should be no problem in American Samoa, but in Western Samoa everything you put on your credit card will be charged a 3% forex fee. For example, you buy a kava bowl for 200 Tala. You charge the 200 Tala onto your credit card. At the time of purchase, the vendor will charge 200 Tala and also self-report that day's exchange rate of 2.5 Tala to US$1. The bank then charges you $80 US, and tacks on a 3% or $2.40 as a fee, for a total of $82.40.
The vendor has no incentive to monkey with the stated exchange rate, because he doesn't benefit from it. Also, the bank verifies that the vendor's exchange rate is in line with the worldwide reported exchange rate. The bank doesn't money with the exchange rate, because it makes its money from the 3% fee.
I would bring a few hundred dollars in cash to pay for admission fees to village beaches and to small family eating establishments. Anything expensive, I would use my credit card. Don't forget that your $1700 pays for all of the big expenditures, so unless you are planning on buying some expensive art work or something, no need to bring a lot of money. Maybe a credit card for emergencies.