Travelling to Samoa?

Get the best rates for Samoan tala online

When you buy Samoan tala from Manor FX, you get more WST in your wallet, plus fast delivery and friendly service from a UK based team.

Convert GBP to Samoan tala online today at the best exchange rate, and we will securely send your travel money straight to your home or office. 

You can also collect your Samoa currency from our bureau near Heathrow or convert GBP to WST in person.

Samoan travel money

Here are some handy facts about Samoan tala, prices, cash and card payments in Samoa to help you plan ahead.

What is Samoa’s money called?

The official currency of Samoa is the Samoan tala, with the currency code WST. 

In shops and bars, you will often see tala marked with the dollar symbol, and the minor unit, sene, is used for smaller amounts.

Locals speak the Samoan language as well as English, but the word “tala” for money is something you will learn quickly.

Can you buy Samoan tala in the UK?

Yes. You can buy Samoan tala in the UK from Manor FX. 

The Samoan tala is a niche currency, so most UK high street banks and the Post Office either do not stock it. Airports stock tala, but beware high fees.

With Manor FX, you can get Samoan tala from anywhere in the UK, and see the exchange rate today up front.

Where can I get Samoan tala?

You can buy Samoan tala WST online or in person at the best exchange rate from Manor FX.  

You will not usually find WST on the high street. As a less common foreign currency, and most banks do not keep Samoan banknotes in stock. 

Online specialists like Manor FX make it easy to buy Samoan tala online from anywhere in the UK. 

Just choose Samoan tala, decide how much you want, and we’ll handle the rest.

Should I exchange money before I travel to Samoa?

Yes, it is a good idea to buy Samoan tala before you travel. 

Having cash in hand when you land means you are covered for taxis, snacks, and tips without having to search for an ATM or kiosk at the airport.

You can still exchange other foreign currency in Samoa, but the tala exchange rate at local providers may not be the best rate for you when you factor in fees and conversion rates.

What is the best currency to use in Samoa?

The best currency to take to Samoa is the Samoan tala for day to day spending. 

It can also be useful to have a little Australian dollar (AUD) or US dollar (USD) on hand as backup for hotels and tours that quote prices in those currencies.

With Manor FX, you can buy Samoan tala in advance, then change any leftover Samoan tala to pounds when you get home at the best GBP exchange rates. 

How much cash should I take to Samoa?

How much cash you need depends on your plans, but many visitors are comfortable with the equivalent of £40 to £70 GBP per day in Samoan tala, on top of accommodation.

For example, that daily budget might buy you simple meals, buses, small activities and a few drinks. 

Use a currency converter to calculate how many WST that is at the wst exchange rate on the day you order.

Can I use my bank card in Samoa?

Yes, cards are accepted in many larger shops, hotels and resorts, especially in Apia. 

You can also make an ATM withdrawal in Samoan tala from machines in town.

Some terminals will charge extra fees, and your bank may add its own charges on top. 

Always tell your bank about your trip so card security checks and transaction limits do not block your payments.

Is it better to use cash or a card in Samoa?

Outside the main tourist spots, cash is still king. 

You will need Samoan tala for buses, small shops, food stalls and local markets, particularly in more remote parts of the island.

We recommend taking a mix of cash and card. 

Use tala for everyday purchases and your card for larger hotel bills, as long as you are happy with the cost, fees, and exchange rate offered by your bank.

Is Samoa a cheap country to visit?

Samoa can feel like excellent value compared with many places in the world. 

Local food and buses are affordable, while imported goods and high end resorts cost more.

Your overall cost will depend on how you like to spend. 

How can I avoid ATM fees in Samoa?

Most ATMs charge fees for foreign cards, so it pays to plan ahead:

• Buy Samoan tala online before you go, so you rely less on ATM withdrawals.
• When you must use a machine, withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce fees per transaction.
• Check your bank’s terms to see if there are any extra charges or daily limits on your account.

How does tipping work in Samoa?

Tipping is not a strict custom in Samoa, but it is always accepted and appreciated in hotels and restaurants. 

If you receive great service, leaving a little extra cash in Samoan tala is a kind gesture.

For tours and drivers, rounding up the cost or leaving a small dollar or two in sene and tala is a simple way to say thank you.

Samoan currency

Samoan tala banknotes

Modern Samoan banknotes feature national themes and designs that celebrate Samoa’s culture and history. 

You will see the Samoan language on the notes, along with images that matter to local people, such as landmarks, traditional patterns and important figures. 

Larger bills are used for everyday spending on things like meals, transport and activities.

Samoan tala coins

The tala is divided into 100 sene, and you will see coins for these smaller cent style values and lower tala amounts. They are handy for buses, snacks and small everyday purchases.

Before the tala was introduced, Samoa used New Zealand currency. 

Since the Samoan tala became the official currency, its banknotes and coins have been clearly marked and distinct from those of New Zealand and Australia.

The tala has been the main currency since Samoa’s political independence, replacing those earlier regional systems.

Samoa’s currency import and export regulations

You can generally bring Samoan tala and other currencies into and out of Samoa, but there is a reporting requirement for amounts over a certain threshold. 

If you leave Samoa with more than SAT 10,000 in cash or negotiable instruments, you must declare it to the authorities under Samoa’s anti-money-laundering laws. 

Failing to declare can be an offence, so if you are carrying a lot of cash, it is wise to check the latest guidance from Samoa Customs or the Ministry of Customs and Revenue before you travel.

Order Samoan tala online

With Manor FX, you can turn your pounds to Samoan tala in just a few clicks. 

We keep WST in stock and aim to offer you the best exchange rate for Samoan tala, based on the live mid-market rate and today’s exchange rate. 

Lock in the best rate and get your Samoan travel money delivered fast and securely with insured home delivery via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed.

You can buy Samoan tala online and collect your cash from our travel money shop near Heathrow.

Sell Samoan tala

Have you returned home with extra WST? You can easily convert Samoan tala to pounds with Manor FX.

Select “sell currency” and choose Samoan tala WST. 

We will convert your Samoan tala to GBP using competitive conversion rates for WST to GBP, so you get a fair return on your leftover holiday money.

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