ATTENTION SAMOA TRAVELLERS!!!

There are 2 issues of late in Samoa that are rearing their ugly heads more than usual...

1) The dog situation in Apia is really getting bad. You MUST take a taxi anywhere at night.... An absulute must (They're really, really cheap so use them, please and spare yourselves a trip for stiches at the MedCen and a horror story for the Thorntree)

2) There have been some very bad thefts from visitors at more than one beach fale... YOU MUST MAKE SURE YOUR VALUABLES ARE SAFE AND KEEP YOUR MONEY, PASSPORT, CREDIT CARDS ETC. ON YOUR PERSON AT ALL TIMES WHEN NOT IN YOUR FALE.
These thefts have been occuring on both Upolu and Savaii island. They seem to be random but it is an issue so take care.

Please don't constre that Samoa is a dangerous place... far from it. It's just that I think many Palangi travellers are losing their common sense and being too relaxed. (Would you leave your open wallet on your kitchen table in your unlocked house?... Same idea.)

Safe travels, everyone!!!...

Greg,

You know very well, that we did not lose our money by leaving open wallets on kitchen tables in unlocked houses.
Rather, at least two I met in person (and one you did) had it stolen by resort owners to whom they handed it for safekeeping.
The lesson is the same: keep it on your body at all times.

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<hr>It's just that I think many Palangi travellers are losing their common sense and being too relaxed. (Would you leave your open wallet on your kitchen table in your unlocked house?... Same idea.)<hr></blockquote>
Well here we go blaming the victim!
In fact I do leave my wallet on the table when I get home from work in an unlocked house and in 25+ years of living here have never lost anything ever!
If as mentioned resort owners are so desperate as to steal openly from guests and vicious packs of dogs rule the streets after dark then Samoa is no place for peace loving people to visit!
Are village kids still stoning visitors as well?

Which beach fales?

Not being able to walk around at night for fear of packs of dogs and not being able to trust your innkeeper sounds really, really bad.
Common sense says to avoid a place like that.

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<hr>Are village kids still stoning visitors as well?<hr></blockquote>At least that did not happen to me, though I did meet a Dutch guy who experienced it! ;-)

Lazlo: There's been some further incedents since you left.

copperspoon: Your day is coming. The good Lord gave humans a brain for a reason. Leave it out and it gets stolen... Blame the victem? Uh, Duh....
Stoning cars? Only visitors from Kitsilano, I've been told.

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<hr>Stoning cars?<hr></blockquote>
Not cars-people-white people.
In that regard Samoa is infamous.

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<hr>Common sense says to avoid a place like that.<hr></blockquote>
Yup!

When I was in Samoa and a friend's wallet was stolen, I was told that Samoans consider it as a kind of custom to take money from others, since they live in a society of shared property (to tell the story in brief).
Well, since there are a lot of other societies in the South Pacific, who accept that I do not want to share my property involuntarily and who inhabit islands which can compete with Samoa in terms of natural beauty, like the Cooks, I really ask myself why I should go to Samoa again (aside from the fact that I like cats more than dogs).

Agree with #7
AND - there are NO DOGS on Aitutaki =) =) =)

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<hr>there are a lot of other societies in the South Pacific, who accept that I do not want to share my property involuntarily and who inhabit islands which can compete with Samoa in terms of natural beauty, like the Cooks, I really ask myself why I should go to Samoa again<hr></blockquote> I don't even ask myself - will stay well clear of Samoa in the future for sure!
Indeed, all other island nations I have visited were a lot more welcoming... and often more interesting/beautiful/traditional as well.

Were these incidents reported to the police? What was their reaction?

These reports-theft/stoning of visitors by unruly village children-have been coming out of Samoa for years now.
Where there's smoke there's fire that's for sure.

To silvanocat! When Iwas in Samoa tickets, money and passports of two young australians was stolen out of the locker in a room in the resort in Apia. The girls went to police and they told them, their money and tickets they can forget but they should make an inserat in the local journal, that they lost their passports and they would give some money at the person who will find it. unfortunately without success, they told me they did not get it back, they spended hours or better days at policestation and other offices!

this was 2 years ago, maybe police has now changed their strategy.

Common sense should kick in. Don't go to Samoa. But that might stop you from going to Niue where none of these nasty things happen.

Having lived and worked in Samoa for a year (I'm a palagi - white) I can agree with what people say.

The matai who are supposed to set an example for the youth, now take advantage of their position. Many matai I met, drank Vailima till they were unable to stand. The health system is terrible, especially on Savaii. I experienced a dose of racism - being an open-minded traveller this was really disturbing to me. I was willing to learn about Samoa, but the Samoa we found was not that which is often pictured in the travel books. The smiles are there to greet the tourists, but if you stay for a while you'll discover how they really feel about non-Samoan people.

We saw and heard of a lot of domestic violence which was accepted by the community. Particularly the harsh disciplining of very young children.

Because we were palagi it was assumed we had a lot of money - even though we were earning Samoan tala, we had many things stolen from us - even by co-workers.

Having worked there for that amount of time, I must say we met some truly wonderful Samoan people who knew what we were going through, and supported, encouraged us and made us feel very welcome. Unfortunately these people were in the minority

Samoa is a beautiful place to visit - but it's one of those places where you don't want to scratch the surface too much, or you might not like what you find.

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<hr>The matai who are supposed to set an example for the youth, now take advantage of their position. <hr></blockquote>How true - my money was stolen in the house of a matai, with only his family (including himself) and myself sleeping there at night! Tafua village in SE Sawai, BTW.<blockquote>Quote
<hr>Were these incidents reported to the police? What was their reaction? <hr></blockquote> I did report my case (the others I knew of did not.) The police came with me to see the family, who simply expressed their "sorrow", said they had no idea how it could happen, that it never had before - all the usual stuff you would expect. No money was recovered, but I think reporting cases like this may (or may not) put the same thieves off doing the same thing again quite that obviously...<blockquote>Quote
<hr>Don't go to Samoa. But that might stop you from going to Niue <hr></blockquote>Don't worry - fortunately Air New Zealand's new link seems much the more popular entry route to the lovely Rock of Polynesia anyway! :-)

Sounds like a society in the throes of self destruction.

I note the absence of a certain staunch defender of 'Samoan values' on this thread he seems to have fallen off the earth altogether.
(also the OP BTW)

No, copperspoon.... I'm still here. I'm just observing and listening to what folks have to say in regards to their Samoa experiences....

I find it interesting that over the past several years of posting and reading posts on Samoa, that most of the experiences have been positive. It is sobering to think this happens but IT HAPPENS EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

I still stand by my initial post.... Use your common sense when you travel.

ABTW, spoon... no internet access=silence. Sorry I have not been able to engage you lately.

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<hr> IT HAPPENS EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD.<hr></blockquote>
I hasten to disagree.
A detailed search using a variety of terms fails to elicit any info on attacks by packs of feral dogs in any country listed on the LP TT-only Samoa has that dubious distinction.
While theft is sadly common around the world having village Chiefs/Clan leaders as common criminals also seems confined to Samoa.
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<hr>Sounds like a society in the throes of self destruction<hr></blockquote>
Sad but true.

I although want to be a defender, it were kids who had stolen my pocket lamp from the bed. Kids like electro stuff, press buttons and so on, and certainly in places were not all of them can use a torch whenever they like to. If I would be rich, I for sure would go back to Samoa!!! But its to expensive, to far the flights become more and more expensive, I think I can`t see it again ( this live). It was a fascinating trip and I will never regret it.

I liked it very much in Samoa. It was a little boy around 8 years or so, who took the torch from my bed in the fale. This electro things make kids curious, for sure I would go again to Samoa, but I can not afford it, I think always on Robert Louis Stevensons Museum, Olemole Waterfall, the mount in the forest, the twarf cave, Mats from Seipepa who helped me with the visum distinction or Barbara , the brilliant owner and cook of the Rainforest restaurant up on the beach road. Samoa is fragile and small but interesting and beautyful!!!! And If you are once hungry and have no money to buy as much food as you like, you maybe start stealing, you don´t know !

I've posted this elsewhere on Thorn Tree, but the comments about dogs are relevant for this stream too:

With regards to the dog situation in Samoa, I think some people are laying blame in the wrong places.

A vicious dog is more often than not, a product of an owner or family who treat the dog viciously. The problem with too many dogs on the streets is a direct result of Samoan people not caring enough about their dog's welfare to have them desexed. Desexing has been proven to stop dogs (especially males) wandering. Desexing of animals in Samoa is heavily subsidised by the World Health Organisation and also by the APS (Animal Protection Society) in Apia who are almost ecstatic when someone comes in to have their animals looked at, as it happens so rarely.

Dogs are regarded as essential in Samoa to protect property, as most Samoans seem to be quite afraid of them. Yet many "employed" animals go unfed and abused, hence their viciousness ie; they are hungry and unloved.

I've seen a dog laying on the street in Savaii , in front of a bank dying after being hit by a Government car, and no-one did anything, some people even laughed. I had to go in and get the Bank Manager to shoot the dog as it was painfully obvious nothing could be done to save the poor animal. They did so because I was quite upset. I have to say I received some very strange looks: like what was I so upset about, it's only a dog......

Until attitudes change toward animals in Samoa, the situation will unfortunately remain unresolved.

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<hr>Until attitudes change toward animals in Samoa, the situation will unfortunately remain unresolved. <hr></blockquote>
I think your take on things is somewhat skewed.
Remember these are people who are notorious for cruelly punishing young children-how would they learn to respect animals if they beat little kids?
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<hr>We saw and heard of a lot of domestic violence which was accepted by the community. Particularly the harsh disciplining of very young children.<hr></blockquote>

Quote: "I think your take on things is somewhat skewed.
Remember these are people who are notorious for cruelly punishing young children-how would they learn to respect animals if they beat little kids?"

Copperspoon, you think my take on things is somewhat skewed? Seriously? I think your responses to most of the postings about Samoa reveal YOU to be the one with the skewed aspect on Samoa. You cannot find hope or a glimmer of brightness anywhere in relation to ANYTHING regarding Samoa.

I stand by every comment we have posted regarding Samoa, as it is based on real life experience. Our stand on dogs IS THE SAME as our stand on children. If you beat a child OR a dog, you will reap what you sow. As you are so intent on quoting everyone, I take it you saw Domestic Violence as one of the issues Samoa needs to work on? I don't see then how our opinion can be justified as skewed..

You're telling people not to go there, not even for a visit, as if by doing this it will solve the problems there. Do you know how many countries you would have to boycott then, to fix the world?

It's like saying:

I'm never going to a Middle Eastern country - they are all terrorists.
I'm never going to Australia, they all part of One Nation and they treat their Aboriginal population terribly.
I'm never going to England, they all have bad teeth

For goodness sake Copperspoon, this is the essence of why people travel, especially independant travellers - ie to see the REAL WORLD, however glorious, nasty, wonderful or awful it is. We are not telling people not to go to Samoa, just how it is.

Get a grip. And while you're there, get over yourself.

In real life children count for a helluva lot more than animals of any type-this is fact not hippie vegan propaganda.
How many of your fellow Ockers do you think share your leanings?
A dozen?
15?

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<hr>I'm never going to England, they all have bad teeth<hr></blockquote>Yes well you do have a point in that regard.

we(western,white) are educated in abstract, profoundly weathy( rich in information,health,the ability to generate any income we desire) and for now ,are holding the cards. i was kidnaped in mexico city.mauled badly by monkeys in cambodia. lost both engines(3 hrs out) while living in the yasawas. and (after they consumed what must have been a very large bottle of mekong) was chased down by the liberians in bangkok for bieng white.( i escaped).i can"t imagine how many of my freind's gost's are cruzing kata.

that"s why i went. that's why i go.

newsflash>>>>>>>>> the world is a dangerous place at 4:00 am..............................

thats why we (travelers) go to it,learn from YOUR expreiences and make informed desisions.

there is great energy from others who would like you to live your life acording to how THEY think it
should be.

so you loose a money and clothes. there is always a price. and we are happy to pay,and learn,

to make the world a better place.

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<hr>so you loose a money and clothes. there is always a price. and we are happy to pay,and learn,

to make the world a better place. <hr></blockquote>
So what does a society notorious for abusing young children have to offer the world to 'make it a better place'?

Copperspoon: I really wish you would really write a detailed Samoa Trip Report. We all need to hear the details of the side of Samoa most of us don't know.

why does anyone go there???

One obvious question beckons:

If you as a foreign vistior are not welcome in Somoa, why do you choose do go?

The Samoans obviously live in a society far removed from the values of the Western societies that most of us here have grown up in- and the consensus on TT is overwhelmingly that the majority of Samoans don't like foreign visitors, yet you visit anyway and complain that you aren't welcomed with open arms. Does this not seem slightly ironic?

I think there is a misguided assumption among travellers that locals everywhere around the world have an innate desire to meet a scraggly backpacker from your respective country of origin. Does anyone consider the possibility that this is not true in every case? I am not defending the reprehensible actions of the Samoans, and I myself am an occasional scraggly backpacker- but I can't imagine myself ever complaining about being treated with hostility by people that I know will not appreciate my presence.

If you want a warm local welcome to a travelling adventure - avoid Samoa, if you are willing to tolerate hostility and possible theft by irate locals because you believe the pros of Samoas outweigh this phenonemon, then visit Samoa- but please do not complain about it over and over again. You are putting yourself in this situation by visiting them, they are not visiting your locale to throw stones and steal from you.

Samoans aren't hostile! I consider the fact that they have a different appraoch to property as a kind of misbehaviour I cannot accept. I think that Samoans know very well that "Westerners" don't appreciate that their possessions are shared involuntarily (= get stolen), but those who really practise this "custom" is a - unfortunately increasing - minority. I'm not an ethnosociologist to analyze why this phenomenon is just to find in Samoa. I had several experiences when Samoans had been very hospitable, even altruistic to me. Just one story to exemplify: When our car broke down on the Inner Island Road, a public bus stopped and some passengers assisted us to get the vehicle moving - without success. Then the driver offered us to bring us to Apia for free. Is that hostile? I can Imagine that in many other parts of the world the bus would not have stopped.
When, in a previous post (#7), I announced to give Samoa a miss in the future, that's because there are societies somewhere else in the South Pacific who are hospitable and (hopefully) helpful as well and where I get a larger acknowledgement of my "Western" view of property (= they don't steal).

Now for a post from someone who has actually been to Samoa for a holiday (for the record trip was 8 of us all 18-25 aged). First of all let me try to explain to you how cheap it is to stay in Samoa. You can stay at a B&B style place in Apea for $18AU (Samoan Tala is worth about half an aussie dollar). A longneck (750ml??) of beer was around $1.50AU. You could get lunch/dinner from about $3AU if u got no money (we got food and beer each night, for eight of us for around $50AU). On Savai (the other island) we stayed with a friends family in a village for $12.50AU pp/nite all meals and a guide incl (in Tafua village, one guy from the family stayed up ALL NITE FOR 4 NITES to make sure nothing happened to us). I don't know how u could get in contact with some1 for a deal like this but asking around here is probably a good idea.

Dogs were no problem at all. We walked around Apia, even at night, and found no trouble (this is more than i can say for some parts of Sydney). Oh, and a taxi inside Apia will cost u about $2AU for as many ppl as u can fit if u are worried. We hired a car for the whole trip from Juliana's (name?), a Suzuki 7 seater (can't remember price right now). Try to avoid hiring from dodgy Aussies/Americans. Also DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PASSPORT WITH ANYONE, eva, no matter where u go in the world, no matter how persistant they are. We were told by some hire places that they needed it as a deposit. WALK AWAY and find someone else. We also had to make use of the private medical center (a cut requiring stiches) which was fine (don't go to the public hospital, its a joke).

Theft - We did have stuff stolen from a Fale place in Savai. They took some clothes, deoderent (they left cologne... so we assume kids) and one guy had left his wallet in his bag so he lost everything from that. Put anything u don't want stolen in the car, don't risk it. The police situation on Savai is crap, don't know what its like on Upolo. Basically anything requiring Government funding sux as the country not much of an economic powerhouse. I think thats it. As long as you get out of Apia (watch a sunset at paradise beach, unbelievable), get to Savai, and be as careful as you would normally you'll be fine. If your expecting a touristy destination go somewhere else, if u want a cheap island paradise goto Samoa.

It's been three years since I spent 10 weeks in Samoa, staying in different places on both islands, and I'm horrified at many of the things I read here. I truly hope things are not deteriorating as badly as it seems judging from these comments...

After I got back I heard something about the "stoning" of palagis, and the idea just seemed preposterous to me. Inconceivable. I'd love to hear a first-hand account of that (and not "I met some Aussies who knew a girl"...). I have heard (first-hand) of stone-throwing kids in parts of Egypt though.

The dogs in Apia are indeed a pain, but they are just one of three good reasons to carry an umbrella. (The other two being the sun and the rain.) The dogs in the villages are usually much happier and friendlier.

In 10 weeks of very relaxed living I had a total of one t-shirt disappear after laundry. No doubt someone liked it, it was my treasured t-shirt from Legend's Corner, a tiny, charming bar in downtown Nashville. Still, life went on.

Overall, Samoa was the most beautiful and friendly travel experience I've had. I came back from Sri Lanka in January and wasn't quite as impressed. I hope to see my Samoan friends again in not too long.

(You can read a fuller account of my visit at the link below.)

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<hr>Now for a post from someone who has actually been to Samoa for a holiday <hr></blockquote>

A good percentage of the people who have been posting on this subject HAVE been to Samoa on holiday... I have been there 3 times for a total of 7 months. laszlo, AngelaSamoa and others have also spent a good deal of time there... They all have very informed answers.

Mr. Copperspoon has never been to Samoa and his experiences are totally vicarious.

As a Samoan raised in NZ, I'd like to add another perspective.

Whenever I go to Samoa, I know to be prepared to share my stuff with my numerous cousins and part with them when (not if!) they ask to keep them. I accept this as my contribution to my aiga (family) and payment for their hospitality. Sentimental items are off-limits and a simple 'no' is accepted.

Being exposed to both Western and Samoan values systems, I don't think they are mutually exclusive as some comments have made out. It is not considered acceptable to take money/valuables from others and excuse it as a custom of shared property. Most Samoans know the difference between theft and communal sharing and will draw the line at stealing money/valuables. Ironically, it may be Samoans who put stock in the 'Western' concept of materialism/'having the latest gadget' who are the culprits. Old school Samoans will frown on this as it dilutes traditional ways, which may explain the hostility experienced by some travellers.

As for as being in the 'throes of self destruction', I think Samoa is far from it. It is a people that is trying to adapt to a changing world , whilst trying to keep their unique identity. I could go into the great things/not-so-great things associated with the Samoan stereotype. However, like all stereotypes (good/bad), don't be hasty in applying it to everyone who consider themselves Samoan.

Copperspoon, your use of the words 'infamous', 'notorious' and 'confined to Samoa' really got my hackles up, especially since someone mentioned you have not been to Samoa. Surely, this can't be true as you seem very passionate in your views of the Samoan. This is my own personal view and I welcome comments from others (Samoan or not) who want to add their two cents worth.

PS
Planning on travelling through South America on my own. Would anyone who has actually been to Ecuador, Peru and Chile give me some advice as some of the horror stories on this site indicate that I will have my passport stolen by corrupt border officials, be swindled by desperate/greedy/impoverished locals, be at the mercy of mechanically-challenged cars teetering on mountain roads and suffer intentional food-poisoning.

I absolutely loved Samoa & would hate if people decided against travelling there based on this one thread. Samoa is NOT in chaos. Sure, if you scratch the surface of any country you will find theft/harassment/etc. As a single female I found it to be very safe - I used the same common sense I used in my travels through australia, new zealand, thailand and had no problems whatsoever.

The people are WONDERFUL, the fales and guest houses are well run, and the scenery is fantastic. I've been to fiji and tahiti, but loved Samoa the best! The people are so nice that I was only there for 10 days and was immediately invited to a wedding - church service and then a fantastic celebration! It is still one of the highlights of all of my travels!!

I lived (and worked) in American Samoa for six years, and I swear, I don't know what you people are talking about?!?! Granted, we didn't live like backpackers....we lived in government housing, employed house girls,(they didn't steal) worked with and socialized with Samoans from both countries.

I have previously posted remarks on other posts stating this problem with the dogs was being over exaggerated.
I am here to humbly apologize, and admit my mistake.
I live and work in Samoa, and I have never personally had any problems with dogs. What's more, I have colleagues whose individual experiences mimic mine.
That being said.
I recently learned from a doctor at the T.T.M (or commonly called the National) Hospital in Motoatua (Apia) Samoa that on average 5-7 tourists a week, during the tourist season, come to the hospital with dog bites.
Now, I have no idea how many tourists visit Samoa per week during the tourist season, but still the number and frequency shocked me. Thus, I must agree with the others that there is indeed a problem with dogs in Samoa.
Take care, be careful.

My husband, myself, an elderly woman and a young girl were stoned by Samoan children (quite young children) in broad daylight. We were in a hire car, driving slowly thru a village. We were absolutely stunned. We had been admiring the bright school uniforms and beautiful children. It was such an awful thing to happen and we all felt quite threatened. The incident certainly made us less trusting and left us feeling very insecure for the rest of our drive.

"I recently learned from a doctor at the T.T.M (or commonly called the National) Hospital in Motoatua (Apia) Samoa that on average 5-7 tourists a week....come to the hospital with dog bites."

"My husband, myself, an elderly woman and a young girl were stoned by Samoan children (quite young children) in broad daylight"

Sad.......

Hell yes... very sad indeed.

I have to agree with cyan, though... this is not at all my experience with Samoa. My boyfriend and I spent march on the islands and absolutely loved every minute of it. Experienced no stealing, rather the contrary:
-Got offered candy from kids on the bus
- An old lady on the bus to Lalomano bought me an icecream when the bus stopped to fill petrol.
-I got fruit and mosquitocream from people at the busstation in Apia, when they noticed me scratching my bites.
-A family in the marked in Apia bought me taro and palusami for dinner
-A samoan at our hotel cooked us dinner when I had diarrea and stayed in bed.

Furthermore, we found that most pepole were very friendly and interested in talking to us. If we stayed in a village for more than a couple of days, they would start calling our names when we walked past.
It was also no trouble hitchiking there, and people often refused to take the money we offered for the ride.
Faleowners would take us to meet their familys. Even at bigger resorts, like Taufua on Lalomanu, the family was very happy to see us when we returned after travelling around savaii for a week, and invited us into their private house for lunch.

Never had kids throwing rocks at me, never had dogs biting me. Just had a wonderful, wonderful holiday!

STILL, I do agree that there are a lot of darker sides in the society, especially concerning women and children. The men in general and the matais in particular have way to much power and they don't always use it well. bribing is far to common and the consume of alchohol way to high..
Still... how so many of you can find the Samoans hostile and non-friendly, I simply CANNOT UNDERSTAND!

Hi! I currently live in American Samoa and have viisited Apia a few times. As for theft, I have had no bad experiences in either place, but it really isn't that unusual for something like that to happen in a place where the local population is relatively poor and a large number of white tourists regularly pass through the area. The general rule is NEVER leave your stuff in a hotel room/fale/car that isn't secured, but theft happens even to the most diligent of us.

I agree that there are some ugly sides to Samoan culture, but these characteristics are also not unusual to a developing country forced to come to terms with the quickly shrinking world. I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Benin. West Africa for two years and witnessed a lot of the same behavior as you have discussed here. I can't tell you how many times I was accosted by a drunk man or witnessed a child being beaten in Africa.

The dogs are absolutely awful, even more so in American Samoa. I am even afraid to walk down the block to the local bush store. Dogs in urban areas with a lot of traffic tend to be fine. They are "orphans", have no territory to protect and are used to a lot of people. Dogs who belong to a house are very, very, very territorial. I can't walk past a house at the end of my street because their one protective dog slowly became two, three and now four or five protective dogs (procreation, baby). They have formed a pack and are highly aggressive. Their owners sit on their porch and watch their dogs chase down bikers and pedestrians on a daily basis and don't seem to be affected by it.

I have rarely had a negative experience with a Samoan and urge people to visit the islands before they form their own opinions. The islands are beautiful and the culture is rich. If you are still hestitant, I would recommend visiting the island of Manu'a in American Samoa. It is very remote, with no dogs and absolutely clean and breathtaking beaches. Your only hurdle to getting there is the infamous Polynesian Airlines - the WORST service in the South Pacific!

OOPS! I meant that InterIsland Air is the worst!!! So sorry!

this is ridiculous...
i just got back rom samoa with a group of 21 uni students and not one of us had anything stolen ever... we left wallets/ipods/phones lying around in our rooms

we hitched rides home from clubs with the first ppl who offered (often in the back of a ute)

the only thing that bothered some ppl were the samoan men.. they were just a lot more fwd than aussie guys but if you said no they respected that

the samoan pleople were the most friendly people i have ever met!!!! i definetly reccommend going there!

Hello all... With re: to Samoa... I have travelled to Samoa 21 x.. in the past 10 years... and have loved 95% of all my experiences there.

With re: to theft... YES.. it can be a problem.. if you are not careful. Anywhere you go.. where people have less than you... this will be an issue.

There is a great solution to this... When I travel.. I bring a lock box... and keep it in the trunk of my car... LOCKED.

Never trust someone.. outside of yourself.. to watch anything..

The Samoan people.. by in large.. are so gracious and friendly... to visitors.

The best way to experience Samoa is to befriend a Samoan... and travel with them.

If you plan on staying in Samoa.. I can recommend Carol Ah Chong.. my dearest friend in the world.. who lives there full time. She will not guide you astray.

I always tell people to stay at her accomodations and venture from there... meaning.. have a base.. and go out.

In Savaii... Stay at REGINA'S beach fales.. and tell them KRISTIN AND CAROL... sent you.
They are like family to me.. and they will completely respect that.

Jacinta.. is an angel.. who works herself to the bone.. trying to please people. YOU will NOT have to worry about theft there. She has a safe... The fales are clean.. the grounds are safe and beautiful.

If you have any questions.. where to go.. eat.. etc.. write me of call Carol 011 685 777 1914 cathorn@samoa.ws
Her accommodations is called Caroline's Boutique Lodge...
Regina's.. is in Savaii...
Both are a perfect way to begin.. to experience the good in SAmoa.

Can I guarantee.. you may not lose a t-shirt.. or sandals??? NOPE.. I have lost a few.. and donated thousands.. more.. just like them.

With re: to stoning....

That.. was a random act.. from a group of bratty kids.. NOT the NORM..at all...

If you want to really be blessed.. and have some money... Call ahead.. and ask a village to put on a show for you. Tell them you have.. X amount of money you'd like to gift to them for the honor of thier dancing and singing..etc..

When you realize.. they live in the midst of the tourists.. with no way out.. you will see.. it's best to bless... and be blessed.

I LOVE Samoa... so much.. I have dedicated the rest of my life.. to helping improve things for the poor.

Believe me.. it's a greater joy for me.. than for them.

Kristin

Ive never been to Samoa but had intended to sometime soon. As a lover of all things Pacific, I am horrified by the above posts. There are other parts of the Pacific Ive not yet visited....I'll go there first.

Has anyone engaged with whoever is responsible for Samoan Travel , in a Governemnet sense.? What was there reaction? Seems others are turning off visiting Samoa, which must surely have implications for the local economy.Now that VirginPacific fly there, many more Australians and Kiwis would love to visit but if they are turned off by reports such as these, patronage will surely drop, leading to the inevitable - cessation of flights.

Samoan authorities just don't seem to care.
Maybe one of these days I should write here the stories of the three of us accidentaly sharing a room in Apia, all just back from Sawai, and all having had money stolen at fale resorts there - separately!

Some Good News out of Samoa-Airport Dogs Shot on Sight

I am a German, living in Samoa for about 10 years now, hosting and guiding tourists almost every day. I warn them about straying dogs (never reach out to them, never touch them, never feed them), I lead them away from drunken locals of any age, I tell them to keep an eye on important belongings at all times. What about this is sooo uncommon or special, compared to other parts of the world?

They steal in paradise? Yes, they do, at least some and in Samoa too that one person stealing apparently outweights those hundred others who do not. The problem is not that but the stupid "paradise" crap, this romantic illusion of civilization-tired Western people. Neither Samoa nor any other Pacific island has ever been Paradise, peaceful, caring for animals, caring for each other (besides the own family). Simple as that. Samoans are just people - there are good ones and (few) bad ones, like everywhere else.

I held a lecture at a school with 25 teachers present. When I came back from lunch my (nice) mousepad was "taken" (Samoan euphemism for stolen). Well, one bad apple (or coconut) in the bigger basket. BTW, another teacher gave me a new mousepad next day, feeling ashamed about her colleague. And - I left my wallet on the counter in a hardware store in Apia. When returning after 25 minutes it was still there (untouched). No guarantee that this would also be the case with your left wallet as well though, but ask yourself how likely this would be where you live or where else you traveled to.

When you forget about romantic dreams and give yourself a chance to meet the real world of Samoa, you will find quite emotional people. Very few nasty ones, most people being genuinely friendly (and honest), some even overwhemingly generous and good-hearted. A real experience, really! Give them (and yourself) a chance to meet.

Things being stolen in a Matai's house? Ha, what do you know about matais? There are about 45.000 adult males in Samoa and more than 25.000 of them are matai. There is hardly anyone older than 35 years of age who is not. To have a house you are likely to be a bit older - consequently there is only a very slim chance to be victim of a theft in a house that does not belong to a matai. I hardly ever saw a house being owned by a non-Matai. Again, there is no knowledge but just romantic illusion, nothing else. Don't blame Samoa for not being what you dreams are. Get real and you will have a very good time here.

Wow.

As a three time traveller to Samoa I must admit that I´m a bit shocked by the the posts on this thread. I lost a wallet in Apia to a young brat(completely my own fault), but apart from that I´ve had only good experiences. Always left my stuff out in the fale and was extremely naive and reckless. I tried my best to give presents everywhere, but always ended up getting more than I gave away.

As for the dogs, yes they did scare me a bit. They exist both in the villages and in Apia. I found that carrying rocks helped. Also Samoans often came to my aid.
It´s not a good thing, but did´nt ruin my vacations. If it bothers you that much, go to Manono where there are none. Personally I´ve had much worse elsewhere.

Child abuse. Yes, hard to watch, but it has a purpose. Without respect the samoan way of live would fall apart. The Samoans truly love their children, but I agree that they sometimes have a funny way of showing it. Some samoans are a bit viollent, and fights occur around the beach road in Apia rather frequently. Very easy to avoid though. Whatever you do, NEVER fight a samoan!!!! Heard stories about hostility to tourists in villages, but only if they happened to hit a chicken or a pig. We only had hords of smiling and shouting children running after us. Some youngsters in Apia may play cool by calling you bad things in Samoan, but why should you care. Keep smiling:)

I absolutely loved the place, but if you want to go to Fiji instead, please do! Bad for the tourist-industry, but good for the Samoan way of life. Too many tourists of the wrong kind visit this place.

SuperS.

The Samoa Observer's report: SAMOA’S DOG PROBLEM HAS DEEPER IMPLICATIONS

The deeper implication in this case is the good opportunity for 'Blaming the Government' that the Samoa Observer is well known for.

I travelled to Samoa nearly two years ago, and I want to say that Samoa was one of the most beautiful, peaceful, most laid back countries I've EVER visited. In terms of natural beauty and friendly locals, I personally rank Samoa right up there with South Africa, New Zealand, and Japan, as I also had amazing experiences in those countries.

I absolutely LOVED Samoa. I had NO negative experiences whatsoever. Sure, there were dogs wandering around, but not one, NOT ONE dog, ever tried to attack me. A few - and only a FEW - of the local children asked me for money. I politely declined, and they accepted my kind refusal.

I found the local Samoans to be absolutely kind, friendly, and open. I visited Samoa with an open mind, knowing that their customs, and the way they do things, is much different than industrialized, Western countries. I understood that the pace of life in Samoa is very slow - in fact I loved the slow pace in Samoa so much, especially compared to the frantic pressure cooker that can characterize life here in San Francisco from time to time. When I was in both 'Upolu and Savai'i, I was really able to relax and unwind, and just accept the slow, warm pace of things.

I'm sure in a few years I'll return to Samoa, I really want to go back at some point. I've read many responses on this branch describing many negative things about Samoa. I feel that wherever you go, there will always be good experiences and bad experiences - so I always try and just "go with the flow". Any destination has its good side and bad side. If you can, just accept both and make the most of your travel experience.

I've been to Samoa a couple of times and never had a bad experience nor met anyone who has. It's one of the most beautiful countries on earth and Samoans are some of the world's most beautiful people.

(I think the Thorn Tree, like many other internet forums, is prone to a little hysteria sometimes.)

Regards,
Potplant

"I think the Thorn Tree, like many other internet forums, is prone to a little hysteria sometimes"

Perhaps you're correct-however-the OP on this thread is a veteran traveller and staunch defender of the place yet he saw fit to post here about serious shortcomings in how visitors are treated.

Other experienced travellers/volunteers have commented on breakdowns being experienced by Samoan society and the resultant deterioration in societal mores.

It's certainly a beautiful looking place but packs of bloodthirsty dogs are enough to put anyone off the scenery for good.

The OP, I believe, is in Samoa currently on his fourth (or so) annual visit.

I totally agree with # 57 and 58. The OP, islandboi, knows and loves Samoa far better than most of us (and also knows most of the South Pacific). Additionally, Laszlo, also knows Samoa well.

I've only been there twice and stayed in resorts. I never had any real problems though on a couple of occasions we both felt uncomfortable caused by the reaction to us on young Samoans. We left quickly. As for dogs, we were very careful and never spoke when passing dogs (and this was only in daylight). At Lazslo's suggestion, I always carried a couple of stones in my pocket.

I've known Rarotonga best (10 trips) and it has always amused me when first time travellers talk about wanting to move to paradise. It isn't and they are naive.

I think the same applies to those who think Samoa is paradise. It isn't - just look at the poverty.

Posters on this branch do not tend to go 'over the top' - the majority of regular posters know what they are talking about.

I'm a late comer here, but I just wanted to add that I really enjoyed Samoa. Didn't like the dogs much, I must admit, but it is one of my favourite spots in the South Pacific. I didn't spend too long there but aren't suprized to hear things are different once you start living there. I have lived in Tonga, Indonesia and now India, and my experiences and ideas on the various cultures are very different to people's who just stay for a short time, or who don't actually work and live in the country (even travelling for extended periods doesn't give you the same experience). Also, sometimes it is the things you don't like that you start noticing first and if you have some bad experiences it can stop you from seeing anything positive (I often find it hard seeing the beauty in India that so many people comment on, but that is because of a fairly tough beginning). Likewise, we westerners must have so many annoying / bad traits if viewed from another culture.

Sorry I missed most of this thread before replying... so sorry if it doesn't seem to follow on.

Don't worry, Api... Everyone here knows you are part of the Thorn Tree South Pacific Branch family! (:

I lived in Western Samoa for three years. I had the best three years of my life there. You might experience any of the things mentioned here - I have experience them all in Samoa. For some reason, they didn't and don't really bother me much. Samoa is maybe the best place I have ever been. I would encourage you to not go there as to keep away more tourists, but maybe these previous posts will be enough to scare you away. But if you want to know the truth - if you are excited about Samoa, have been thinking about, knowing about it for years, always thought you might like to go - you should go - it can be everything you thought.

Now American Samoa on the other hand - that place is crap. Maybe for alot of people on here, Western samoa turns out to be like American Samoa, but I can assure you 100% they are TOTALLY different, hopefully Western won't turn out like American - sounds like more tourists are going to be getting it that way though unfortunately (or maybe thats fortunate for me) Like I said stay away - better you go to Fiji or The Cooks.

From the New Zealand Herald today 11.5.2007

Foreign correspondent: Samoa police slay stray dogs at dawn
Email this storyPrint this story 11:45AM Friday May 11, 2007
By Cherelle Jackson

Photo / Cherelle Jackson

News and views from Samoa
'SmokeFree' rugby tournament kicks off
Gap between rich and poor growing
Every Friday Cherelle Jackson, our correspondent in Apia, Samoa, will send news and her views from the Pacific nation.

Check out our new feature 'News and views from Samoa' for more news

The sun still rises in Samoa but this week it is somewhat somber.

I just found out that the Ministry of Police in partnership with the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) have been shooting stray dogs in the early hours of the morning and dumping the carcasses in a mass pit at the local landfill.

The operation known as 'Stray Dogs Eradication Taskforce' apparently began in January in a bid to "beautify" the town before the South Pacific Games in August-September.

The Animal Protection Society says they cannot do anything about it. A spokesperson said: "We are a small organisation and we cannot fight against the Government."

Their disapproval of such practice has not stopped the Taskforce from killing more than a 100 dogs a month.

Last night I stumbled upon their kill of the morning, seven dogs in a pile next to the STA office in town, most of the dogs looked well fed and clean, indicating that they are non-strays.

On a lighter note, it is still raining in Paradise, this week has seen more than three days of heavy rains in Samoa, a rain jacket is now a must have, although it is hard to find any size other than XXL sold in local stores.

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AdvertisementOn the news front, the second hearing by the local Legislative Bills Committee on the Land Bill has caused quite a stir amongst locals. The Bill proposes a whole shift in current land management and ownership agreements and regulations. It ultimately aims to disintegrate the Customary Land system, turning all properties into freehold land. A submission made by Samoa Umbrella for Non Government Organisations (SUNGO) accused the writers of the bill as "culturally ignorant."

SUNGO has made a firm stance against the commercial valuation of customary land, emphasising that spiritual, social and cultural value of land cannot be priced.

Speaking of prices, turkey tails are racking up profits in local supermarkets as the last supply of the fatty commodities are being sold.

The Ministry of Health issued a ban on the importation of turkey tails and gave sellers a chance to sell off the rest of their turkey tail stocks.

According to Larry Tiatia, who earns less than SAT$6000.00 a year "The Government should offer us a cheaper alternative, the chicken is expensive and canned fish is becoming dearer as well."

Meanwhile the Prime Minister Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi gave local newsprint, radio and TV Editors a hard time during the first ever local Editors Forum hosted by the Journalists Association of [Western] Samoa.

"Invention of stories seems to be popular amongst our Journalists," he said.

Six local Editors spoke at the Forum expressing their views on the value of a Free Press in Samoa and each requested the Government to adopt a Freedom of Information Act and to abolish current legislation which inhibits the work of a Journalist in Samoa.

On the more entertaining front, Spiderman 3 has sold out in Samoa in its first week of screening.

In response to demand from viewers, Magik Cinemas showed the movie in its two big theatres, but the theatre still had to turn people away at the door.

The coconut wireless has informed me that my home village Safua on the island of Savaii fought over the moving of a cupboard.

It's a long story, but the feud was between the Women's Committee and the village council of Chiefs (matais).

According to eye witnesses the Chiefs requested the use of the newly built Women's Committee house for this month's chiefly meeting.

Much to the surprise of the President of the Women's Committee, the Chiefs turned up in a truck with the council cupboard containing council cutlery; believe it or not, the move indicated the Chiefs intention to use the committee house permanently.

This apparently did not sit down well with the President of the Women's Committee who in true Samoan, loudly professed intrusion and disrespect and reminded the Chiefs that they built the house for women and not the Chiefs.

It is not known what became of the cupboard in the end.

So as the sun sets on yet another day in Samoa, the rural villages and town area still face their own battles, one more local and the other more national.

Whatever the case, it is not all sunny and perfect in Paradise.

Manuia le aso

Cherelle Jackson

A dead stray dog is a good stray dog.

All the best to the Samoan people in their quest to build lives free from canine terror.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>A dead stray dog is a good stray dog.<hr></blockquote>

Amen.

There is another way to handle the problem. The Esther Honey organization provides sterilization clinics on Pacific islands. In 2004 they sterilized 664 dogs and cats on Bora Bora (which is a small island, 18 miles around.)

silvanocat - Esther Honey has operated on Rarotonga for a number of years now. Unfortunately I don't see any decrease in dog numbers although, admittedly, they are not as fierce as on Samoa. The attempts in Rarotonga to introduce registration a few years back were a dismal failure also. The dog ranger is always in trouble.

silvanocat - Esther Honey has operated on Rarotonga for a number of years now. Unfortunately I don't see any decrease in dog numbers although, admittedly, they are not as fierce as on Samoa. The attempts in Rarotonga to introduce registration a few years back were a dismal failure also. The dog ranger is always in trouble.

The Animal Protection Society in Samoa, with NZ and Japanese volunteer vetenarians, sterilized hundreds of dogs and cats in Samoa as well over the last few years. Even virtually free of charge (fee: US$2 per animal).
No solution to the numbers of stray dogs though. The dog-caring people very much appreciated this service and have less dogs now; those who do not care for their dogs and let them run stray do not bother about sterilization anyway. Not surprising.
Registration for dogs is in the Samoan law for 40 years or so already but has never been enforced. And regarding the very special village rights in Samoa I do not see any chance at all for that. Only in central Apia it could be (and is) done and there already are virtually no dogs around there anymore at all by now. Let us hope that this firm stand will last beyond the upcoming South Pacific Games.

There is, of course, always the legendary Aitutaki solution to fall back on - and it may provide some compensation for the loss of Turkey Tails - but YUK!

Rob

Yes, Cook Islands chefs is what Samoans would need to solve their doggy problems!

Let's hope after taking care of the mongrels, they will have a look at the sticky-fingered resort owners, too... though maybe not with quite the same solution applied! ;-)

Talofa lava, I was very excited to read your article in the lonely planet website. I was born in Western Samoa in a little village called Poutasi. Very close to the famous resort the Coconut and the other one I believe it is called Sinalelei.

Were you any close to my village? My family have moved out and we are all over the world, but we do have this big ranch there that has five bedrooms. I believe it is vacant and nobody is occupying it anymore. My last sister who was caring for our land moved to New Zealand just before Christmas 2007. I miss my homeland terribly since I live here in Wisconsin and to tell you the this snowbanks are getting higher and higher. I would like to go back someday to take my children to visit and show them where I was born and raised. I am very happy that you had a good time there. Yes, you are right about going for a while if you really want to know the true beauty of my country. We were never that fun of having tourist there as much as other pacific island such as Tahiti and Fiji. We like to keep our country the way it was always have been except the government can be a pain. Maybe the next generation of leaders will be more civilized. thanks again for the article. I will be coming here a lot just to see if anyone will leave a message about the south pacific.

I am glad you like it there. I was born there in a little village called Poutasi

I am glad you like it there. I was born there and proud to be Samoan

Talofa lava, I was very excited to read your article in the lonely planet website. I was born in Western Samoa in a little village called Poutasi. Very close to the famous resort the Coconut and the other one I believe it is called Sinalelei.
Were you any close to my village? My family have moved out and we are all over the world, but we do have this big ranch there that has five bedrooms. I believe it is vacant and nobody is occupying it anymore. My last sister who was caring for our land moved to New Zealand just before Christmas 2007. I miss my homeland terribly since I live here in Wisconsin and to tell you the this snowbanks are getting higher and higher. I would like to go back someday to take my children to visit and show them where I was born and raised. I am very happy that you had a good time there. Yes, you are right about going for a while if you really want to know the true beauty of my country. We were never that fun of having tourist there as much as other pacific island such as Tahiti and Fiji. We like to keep our country the way it was always have been except the government can be a pain. Maybe the next generation of leaders will be more civilized. thanks again for the article. I will be coming here a lot just to see if anyone will leave a message about the south pacific.

Can anyone tell me what the particulare resorts are where the tefts have accured ? Is it only a problem at Fales or also at hotels / resorts ?

1. Please regard that this thread is many years old by now; resorts have changed owners and staff, have closed or newly opened. It would simply not be just and fair to single out specific places now for what might have happened years ago (only for actual or at least recent events).

2. In general Samoa is not an unsafe place, at least not less (or more) safe than other destinations in the region. Theft occurs and it can occur virtually everywhere, on both islands, in resorts as well as in hotels, restaurants etc (like anywhere else in the world). Open fales are certainly (and of course) a bit more risky than locked hotel rooms.

3. It is advisable to take care of all personal belongings, especially valuables, and to keep them with you at all times, as far as possible. Nothing special, really not.

In Samoa, like virtually anywhere else in the region, theft is more likely a matter of opportunity than a planned activity or even an organized matter. So (as I read it in a travel advisory): the more you give the impression that you do not care about your things yourself, the more probable it becomes that someone else might relieve you from that burden ...

Well from what I understand, Samoans share property among themselves and also considers my property / valuables to be shared. Then it's different from ordenary " theft ". It's really a bigger problem. One " thief " is one thing, but if the action is actually considered an accepted action, due to Samoan custom, then it's not like most other countries.

I hope I am proven wrong, once I get there.

Theft is certainly not an accepted action in Samoa and never has been. Sometimes the custom of sharing is abused as an excuse for theft - but it is a lie and everybody knows it.

Samoans are expected to share within family and that can be quite extended in some cases. As a foreigner you are certainly not family and everybody would be aware that taking something away from you is not allowed.

George Turner, a missionary, who wrote a fascinating book about his life in Samoa more than 150 years ago, already reported heavy fines within a village for stealing. So there is and there always has been a clear understanding in Samoa of property and things belonging to someone else.

But you can certainly take from your brother and the nice joke: "I give you two something and you share it brotherly" being answered with "Brotherly? Never! I want half!" is well enjoyed by Samoans. 'Taking' can be quite a burden within the family.

Many people in Western societies and in Asia grow up with a very strong relation to property as such and 'if it is not yours, don't even touch it'. And material possessions are valued very high. That is certainly not the case with most Samoans. Things do not matter much here. So someone being very possessive about something or showing off with possession is regarded low, makes a fool of himself and might get de-possessed as well.

Lock up your things and do not let them lay around as if you do not care about them. Take the normal precautions when you are in Samoa and you will be fine.

In my personal experience, usual precautions that are fine in other countries do not suffice in Samoa.
In most countries it is fine to leave valuables in your closed room or deposit them with accommodation owners, in Samoa all thefts I have heard of, and the one experienced by myself, happened to people who did just the above.
None of them was violent theft, and in ALL cases just a part of the money left/deposited was taken, very obviously in the hope that the guest won't realize it that way.
Hence the much repeated advice - keep your valuables with you at all times, even if you would normally consider it more convenient to leave them in a locked room or with the accommodation owners in other countries!
All the cases I have heard of happened at small, family-run fale resorts with relatively low numbers of guests. I would guess for places that receive many guests the small reward would not justify the risk of losing further customers.

Reopening a can of worms here...

Perhaps I travel Samoa, leaving valuables as safe as I can (eg a locker, the owners) in one of these? -> http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/PACKSAFE_TRAVELSAFE.html

From what I have read it would appear thefts are not wholesale, ie some has been stolen, but not all.

Thing is I surf and don't want to keep my valuables with me when I am physically in the water.

Suggestions welcome.

You are not opening a can of worms at all anymore. You are only beating a dead horse.

Everything is said already on this issue.

Not really. If one takes the default position of being overcautious, keeping one's stuff with one is not really an option when surfing.

Hence, "suggestions welcome". What would others do if faced with a situation such as mine?

Get a waterproof bag and bury your valuables UNDER your fale... Just make sure no one sees you do this... There are eyes everywhere in Samoa.

Been staying at Aggie's off and on since Sept., 1965, NEVER had a problem.

You could try leaving your valuables with another tourist while in the sea.
If you make friends with one you find trustworthy.

Otherwise, leave it with the fale owners, but get an itemized list signed by them, noting the amount of cash, TCs, etc handed over.

I am not a surfer but as far as I know Samoa is not a place where you just can go surfing at the beach like in Hawaii or Australia. You have to be a quite experienced surfer yourself and you always need a surf guide to take you to the right places and to accompany you. All surfers do that here. So you can easily discuss the question where to leave your valuables with him or her. Maybe you just put them where they put theirs.

@islandboi - Beat you to that one. :) Good suggestion though, but the loss of the bag at sea due to a bad wipeout would be as catastrophic.

@Pago - Aggie's has been recommended again so am exploring that avenue, thanks

@Laszlo - If I had a good mate I'd do that. The itemized list is an interesting option. Will consider that thank you.

@wksamoa - Yes, you are right. Many of the reefs can only be accessed by boat and a guide is usually the way to go. I am loath to stay in a dedicated surf camp as they tend to be "touristy" ie not much scope for local interaction. As you say I'll see what others are doing and follow their example. Thanks for your input

I haven't yet read the mention of theft sometimes being from other western travellers. Likely or unlikely as it may be, it does happen.

It is more likely to happen in places with many young backpackers, like AU.
Samoa tends to attract a different clientine - definitely all 3 cases I personally experienced or heard of were by the accommodation owners (with whom the money was deposited for safekeeping in 2 cases).

Having said that, I believe the Samoan tourism industry and people as well as prospective visitors to the country are facing a rather more serious and urgent issue these days. Wonder what the effects of this tsunami will be on Samoa and Tonga? The (much bigger) tsunami in Indonesia a few years ago put a lot of people off travelling to the hardest hit region there.

probably soon have some cheap airfare deals to encourage folks to go. I'd consider going as a way of helping them get back to the usual life they need to move forward

Cheap arifares??? Yea, right!

Air Pacific, I believe, was offering a very discounted airfare for a limited time from Australia and New Zealand for Samoans and Tongans to fly back to be with family. (I don't know if you actually had to be Samoan or Tongan or had to explain why you were going.) They also reduced their excess baggage fee for those flights.

Guys, is that still that bad? Aren't there safer places away from the capital?
I mean, it's no reason to skip Samoa, in my opinion, but...

Virgin Pacific are currently offering SYD-Apia $299 (AUD) and AKL-Apia $217(NZD)

Go here http://www.virginaustralia.com/Personal/Specialsoffers/Bestfares/index.htm?section=int&city=SYD

Aren't there safer places away from the capital?

Who was talking about the capital in the first place???

From a earlier on - love the mixing of metaphors. Should start a thread on that alone.

"You are not opening a can of worms at all anymore. You are only beating a dead horse"
or has the trail gone cold.

PS will take my chances with fales etc but not intending on taking too many valuables as I don't have any crown jewels ;-p

oh... will keep that in mind!

Basically, just keep money-belt and camera with you at all times, not even handing them over to fale-owners for "safe-keeping". That should do.

Just for general clarification: Fale is something like this: ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_fale

And those really the only option of accommodation available for tourists? I mean, can't you find anything more like the ones available on the Thai islands, for example?
Are they always open like that?
Are they exclusive of Samoa, or is accommodation in the other Sth Pac. countries the same?

I actually hadn't taken this into consideration. That would mean I'd have to walk around with ehhhh... my small laptop, my little videocamera and my Amazon Kindle... OMG!!!
(I am wondering too if I actually NEED to take all these expensive items with me, so please don't ask me that question YET :-)

Usually it is like that, but leaf shutters can be lowered for privacy and for protection against rain. This open-sided type is kind of unique to Samoa - as tourist accommodation, anyway.

There are also enclosed ones available, usually for a higher price.

Wow... been checking hostelworld.com and have to admit I am slightly bestified with prices. In Eur, it's around 20 for a dorm and 50 for a single. Was expecting something more like Thai/Bali price range.... same for Tonga and Vanuatu. Sad....

You obviously should have done more research.
Even the cheaper Pacific Islands are generally at least 2-3 times more expensive than SE Asia.