Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Living in Samoa Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Samoa
kylie_mac 06:52 UTC 28 Aug 2007 | Hi there, My husband has just been offered a 1 year posting in Samoa and was wondering if anyone can offer any information on what it is like to live in Samoa ? We have a little boy who will be just turned 1 at time and would like to know things like, accommodation and costs, access to things for babies - nappies, formula etc and is there an ex-pat community that we could be involved in. Obviously we don't want to just associate with other ex-pats but is nice to know if there is that opportunity. Any other general information that anyone could provide would be great. Thanks Kylie |
wksamoa 14:33 UTC 28 Aug 2007 | To give you some real answers it would be useful to know a few more details. Which country do you come from (regarding an ex-pat community)? Will your posting be in or near Apia or somewhere out in the villages, maybe even in Savaii? What kind of posting is it - government/aid/administration, business, church or anything else? | 1
kylie_mac 17:16 UTC 28 Aug 2007 | Hi there, We are Australian, we currently live in Sydney. The posting is with the APTC - the Australian Government is setting up a Technical college in Samoa, my husband will be teaching there. I believe that the campus is in Apia - so not sure if it's best to locate ourselves in Apia or slightly out ? Any information that you may have would be great and much appreciated. Thanks Kylie | 2
wksamoa 21:06 UTC 28 Aug 2007 | You will have no problems at all settling in, assumed that you get along with the humid climate, which is similar to North Queensland. Since the Technical College is a co-operation between Samoan and Australian institutions you wil get a lot of assistance, i.e. in finding accomodation. The College will be close to (or even on) the campus of the National University of Samoa. They are used to overseas people coming in for a year or two, so there are a lot of really nice houses for rent around there - estimate not more than 1000 to 1500 AUD per month for a quite decent, fully furnished home. If you don't insist on eating Australian food only, the cost of living will be certainly not higher than in Sydney. Especially eating out is very affordable (try the Yacht Club and Seafood Gourmet). It is around 6 km only from the campus to central Apia where you will find well stocked stores (including Vegemite). Look for "Lucky Foodtown" in central Apia and when it comes to Australian goodies, call in at AQM - they get almost all their stock from Australia, including meat, fruits and veggies. "Lucky" has all brands of nappies, formula, baby food glasses, soap, oil and such as well. Oh, and go to the Sydneyside Café (run by some Australian born and raised Samoans). In case there is a health problem, MEDCEN, the private hospital, is not far away from Vaivase, where you will presumably settle down. Don't expect Apia to be a city like those you are used to. Just a very small central business district, but 1 km from there it is like living in a village already. Everything is close together and you will know everything in a day or two already. Last but not least there is a well organized Australian community in Apia. The college as well as the High Commission will get you in touch will fellow Aussies. I heard of big celebrations of Australia Day and the Melbourne Race. Have a good time on the island! Werner | 3
ktthorn 12:19 UTC 19 Sep 2007 | I think you will love Samoa. It takes a bit of time to get used to where everything is, but thankfully.. Apia has pretty much anything you will need. It's a beautiful country.. The city.. is very small.. you can walk around the entire city in an hours time. The market has all the odds and ends you will need and the grocery stores are definately improving daily. Once you are there.. if you connect yourself with a Church.. you will have friends from all directions. I have a local friend.. who I am sure will not mind you calling or writing for advice. She is my dearest friend in the world.. Her name is Carol cathorn@samoa.ws. She may know of a place you can rent. She has a huge family. (as do most Samoans) smile... You will love weekends at the beach .. The fales are inexpensive.. the beaches are breathtaking.. and they are a quick getaway.. that even the baby will love. Have a great time. Maybe I will bump into you on one of my trips. I head there 6 weeks a year. God bless. Kristin http://www.kristintaylor.com | 4