Help! My partner and I committed to 20 days in Samoa with only $1000 USD!

My partner and I bought tickets for Samoa (most of April) and didn't think it through entirely. Turns out it's pretty pricey and I can't seem to find any fales that are per person/per night rates (which adds up!). Any suggestions about how to maximize the trip on a budget? We have $1000 USD between us. Where should we stay? How should we travel (i.e. transportation)?

Well, you have 50 USD/day for the 2 of you, so I think it is doable.
The fact that many budget fales tend to charge per hut rather than per person actually works in your favour.
You should still be able to find a budget fale for two for around 20 USD, public transport is very cheap, so if you eat simple food, don't go out to drink a lot or do pricey activities like diving, you should be OK.
Also, take good care of your cash AT ALL TIMES as theft can be a problem, especially from budget fales!

Partner means person I love and am committed to, but we don't want to marry. In this instance, I am a woman and he is a man.

Thanks for the response. Are there any particular budget fales you can recommend? The ones that LP has listed seem to be charged per person.

All Beach Fale resorts charge per person as you mainly pay for the meals provided and not really for the mostly very basic accomodation. It is always per person and you have to expect at least 50 Tala per person, which goes off the approx. 150 Tala you have from your average of US$50 per day. But two meals are included at least.

Regarding the theft issue you have to consider that #1 had been in Samoa quite a few years ago by now and unfortunately his money got stolen by his local host. He never got over it though and keeps posting Samoa theft warnings since ;-)

Nevertheless I fully agree with his good advice:

Take good care of your cash AT ALL TIMES as theft can be a problem ...

This refers to everywhere in the world of course and Samoa is no exception.

Actually, I recall paying for accommodation only in Saleopaga, west of Lalomanu - the cost being 25 Tala for the fale 3 years ago. I guess this could be a matter of negotiation elsewhere, too? It should be kept in mind though that finding (especially cooked) food in Samoan villages, away from your fale might be harder than you expect.

In the same place I also found budget "fales "that were enclosed from all sides, which made them safer insofar as being able to leave stuff inside, and then still keep an eye on the front "door", the only way in, while swimming off the beach at in front of it.

Regarding wksamoa's persistant downplaying of Samoa's far worse than average theft problem, it is worth bearing in mind that he is a local tour-operator, and as such has a wested interest in denying the obvious.
As it is, thefts have been reported by a number of users of this forum within a short period on the Samoa Warnings thread (posted by another user) linked in my signo line, and the last such experience was actually posted very recently here, indicating the rather obvious fact that the issue has NOT gone away miraculously within the 3 years that have passed since my visit to Samoa and the neighbouring countries.

Anyway, I think it is perfectly right to warn someone who is planning to visit the country with rather tight cash reserves about one locally unusually common way of "running out of it".

I was waiting for that, lol.

No, Laszlo, I do not have any reason to downplay the risks of theft in Samoa. I am a website designer and IT consultant in Samoa and to call me a 'tour operator' because my wife and me sometimes are guiding tourists (German speaking only though) through Samoa is quite misleading. One cannot book anything through us (anymore), we do not accommodate people (anymore) and we are not listed as 'Tour Operators' anywhere (and never were). If there would be more or less tourists in Samoa, we would hardly feel any difference, especially not economically. A few less invitations for dinner and a few less opportunities to got to the beach maybe. But I am at home here by now and I simply do not like people saying wrong things about my home.

No, it is you who might think to have a reason for biased comments on Samoa. You do not have the slightest proof for your allegations that Samoa is more dangerous regarding theft than any other destination. No figures, no official government warnings from anywhere in the world. There are none of these warnings, different from many other countries, even in the Pacific (i.e. Fiji, PNG).

The only reason I can imagine why you persistently single out Samoa is that it was here that you personally fell victim to theft. That is unfortunate but that should not drive you to a vendetta.

You met others here who got things stolen. Sure you did. You were asking for it, didn' you? Every proof that Samoans are thieves was welcome and even after three years you eagerly jump on every opportunity to make your point or what you think your point is. I say: get over it.

A Samoan lady, 82 years of age, visiting Vanuatu (which you favor so much) was recently robbed at knifepoint there. I got my bags stolen, years ago, in a Youth Hostel in Christchurch / New Zealand. Does this construe reasons to lash out at Vanuatu, Youth Hostels, New Zealand? People stole from me in Germany, Hungary, France, Italy and wherever else. Samoa too. So what is special in that?

You have to be careful, yes. Wherever you travel to. And exactly that may be part of the misconception. Places like Samoa, Vanuatu, New Zealand South Island are not less prone to theft and other risks, because they are persistently (and wrongly) named 'Paradise'. The same kind of misconception which led me to the naive idea that I can leave my bags unattended in a Youth Hostel, well, because it was a Youth Hostel and therefore something like "family'.

There is no reason to be less careful regarding theft in Samoa than elsewhere, really not. No doubt about that. But that's it. There is no reason for downplaying that simple fact but there is no reason to 'upplay' it either.

Werner, you surely have a personal reason to jump upon this issue right?
Just as denying dogs were an issue in the past - until even Samoan Tourism Authority found it necessary to take care of that isue (organizing a shooting campaign) themselves.

Despite what you claim, my experience in Samoa was not isolated, it was experienced by others during the very same period.
Despite what you seem to assume, I did experience theft in one more South Pacific nation, however unlike in Samoa, I did not meet others experiencing the same there, so I don't find it necessary to warn people against it for that place. In Samoa, many people I talked to experienced it (and your saying such people are asking for it is ridiculous), and then after the issue was raised on this forum (not by me, BTW) a number of posters came up with similar experiences.
Like it or not, no other country in this region can claim a similar record - and that includes PNG or Fiji that you named. Or Vanuatu or New Zealand.

The fact that in Samoa it was typically owners of fale resorts who stole from their own guests, often pilfering from their money-belt handed over to them for "safekeeping", is rather unique, and something I have not come across with such frequency anywhere else among the over 100 countries I have visited.
This is very different from valuables being left lying around unattended which how you are trying hard to depict these cases.

Sorry for hurting your (now newly denied) business interests in Samoa (albeit surely so mildly I find it funny you care), but as this forum is a public one, and also deals with a number of other countries in the region I have fond memories of and am glad to give advice about, it will just remain to be the case that I will keep posting on it (unlike you, about a number of countries, not a single one) and whenever I come upon a post where I feel it is relevant, I will drop in a warning about the danger of theft in your beloved Samoa.

So you are the expert, lol. For some countries you certainly are, no doubt. Samoa is not one of them though, really not.

That is why I checked out what some real experts had to say:

Australian Government travel advisories

Check out what they say about Samoa - you will find some of your views being supported. Fair enough. But then look at Fiji (leave out the politics), at Vanuatu and the other Pacific countries. Or your own country. Or New Zealand. Then you might realize that, despite all real issues with theft, Samoa, together with Tonga, is still one of the safer places in the region. And whatever you might say as your personal opinion or even experience - that is exactly what I get told from others as well.

You ask why I care, Laszlo, and the only possible reason that comes to your mind are my possible business interests? You cannot imagine other reasons why somebody cares? Poor you.

What are your own reasons for your vendetta? Did you ask yourself about that? Are you open about that? Is it revenge? You do damage and you do it on purpose.

Truth hurts, Werner? ;-)
It obviously does if in your eyes a single line warning on a relevant thread amounts to a "vendetta" - pathetic!
I have never claimed to be an expert on Samoa, or on any other coountry for that matter, but as I understand, one doesn't need to be one to be able to answer simple question on this forum - which apparently disturbes you, who consider yourself THE Samoa expert here, greatly.

I would recommend Taufua Fales on Lalomanu beach, Upolu. We stayed for T100 (US25) a night which included beachfront fale & 2 people's meals, huge varied buffet meals at breakfast & dinner, we loved the food variety. They picked us up from & dropped us off at the airport for T150 (US37) each way which is divided by however extra people may also be in the car. If you can spare any cash to look around it was T90 for a fantastic day tour to see all the best stuff on Upolu. Price is also lowered dependning on how many others you can round up to take the tour with you. Overall very good value, and along with that & the great meals you get probably the best beach I've ever been to, I liked it more than the Caribbean. We have returned 3 times so that says something about them. Nothing stolen. You can leave stuff in their safe if you like.

@Laszlo
A truth may hurt but an untruth hurts more ... And it unfairly hurts all those people in the Samoan Tourism Industry (which is rather small and completely locally based) who try hard to keep their guests safe and happy. You spoil their efforts and why on earth you think that this is appropriate ...?

You were certainly more than right to tell what happened to yourself, some time ago, and where and by whom. Like others do with that guy there in Fiji (Warren?). Or that actual posting about Vacation's. Perfect. These are facts, reported by people who witnessed it. Not hearsay, not rumours, not spreading prejudice. And, especially, not generalizing but naming exactly those who deserve it. Not a whole country as such.

You were not here since, you do obviously not know about the many developments in Samoan tourism. You just sit there, far away, and spread mischief. And even a small line can do damage - so why do you feel impelled to write it?

Trust me, I am one of the least hurt, if at all, but these are neighbors and friends of mine and they do not deserve your self-righteous behavior.

And when you ask yourself why I am writing this and not them - well, this is one Palagi talking to the other Palagi. The appropriate way to address such an issue from a Samoan point of view.

I lived in Samoa for two years and when I needed a cheap place to stay in Apia I went to Paskifa Inn. You can ask for a cheap rate if you stay there for the 20 days. I paid only 90 Tala a day for non-AC room. Don't be scare to ask for a longterm rate with hotels in Samoa.

If it comes down to it, you could also possibly stay with a family. It might be a little hard to get to those terms with one, but I guarantee there are families that would take a small amount of money and put you up. You could ask a preacher in a village about it. They usually can speak English and have a little leeway with food and maybe some extra space. Sometimes when you are just loitering around different villages and such, you run into this type of arrangement where someone asks you to visit and you just end up staying, leave a little money at some point. In fact make a bit of a presentation of it.

You guys are running a little tight now that I think about it! But good for you, I think thats going to make things turn out for the better. Obviously you can spend alot more money in Apia than anywhere else.

I stayed at Boomerang one time which is / was between villages of Aleipata and Lepa. A little more secluded than those bunch of fales all together in Alepata. I remember it was failry reasoable...

Re Werner:
Well, I am busy travelling at the moment, so too little time to go on with this.
However, I would like to note that I reserve the right to have doubts about such longstanding an widespread issues as theft in Samoa disappearing within the last 2-3 years - as that recent report from Vacation Fales confirms.
Should you be able to provide news reports of sticky-ingered accommodation owners/employees eventually getting arrested by the local police, that would indicate a welcome developement.
Simply denying the problem won't do.

And surely, accommodation options with a large number of guests, such as the 2 main ones in Lalomanu should be safest in this regard. They would have more to lose by such news coming out about them the the potential earnings. All of the cases I had personally heard of occured at small, budget places in Savai, though islandboi pointed out that he had heard of the same on Upolu (without naming the places).

@Laszlo

Lol. Only a few days ago Raro mentioned, just casually, that some rental houses near Muri Beach on Rarotonga 'are often targeted by local petty thieves. In any event, always lock up a rental house if you go snorkeling, out to dinner, etc. ...'
I smiled when I read that - if that would be in Samoa I know that you, Laszlo, would jump on it straight away and leach out with your vendetta again. As it was not Samoa but only the Cook Islands it went completely unnoticed ;-) Nothing special about those thieves ...

The U.S. Department of State has a quite good and actual overview of facts about Samoa. "...low threat environment" is their summary regarding crime. So if you think they do not know what they are talking about then it is up to you to prove that theft and whatever else is so much worse in Samoa than anywhere else in the region, like Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands ... You will fail to do so. Just read what the U.S. State department country specific information have to say about those places.

No, Laszlo, the only difference between Samoa and the other islands is that someone stole from YOU while you were here. And THAT is the point. That made you start your vendetta.

There is nothing special about Samoa regarding theft, unfortunately. Living in Samoa, I would be more than happy if it would be safer here. But it is not. However it is not worse either - just the same as anywhere else.

Yaaawn... this is getting really boring.
There is no vendetta here, no isolated incident that happened to me only, and only in Samoa, and you know that very well - it has been talked over and over a zillion times.
Can't you come up with some more refreshing accusations for a change, please?
Quite obviously, you could not come up with anything verifiable to support your claims of changes having taken place on this front either.

And as for US travel advisories - well, I guess one of the reasons so many travellers use forums like this one is exactly because they know how much faith to put into such advisories' trustworthinees!

You are twisting and turning my words. So I put it in trivia questions and answers, just for you:
Is there theft in Samoa? Yes, of course. Is it a problem? Yes, it really is.
Is it worse than in other destination countries in the South Pacific? No, it is not.
Do you need special precautions against theft in Samoa, more than anywhere else? No, just the same.

Do people get prosecuted and convicted of these thefts and robberies in Samoa? Yes, of course. Besides a good hiding from their village they usually spend some time behind bars.
Do I need to prove that with documents to you? No - but you can take my word for it as you want us to take yours.

You were wrong three years ago already and your are wrong now. Simple as that. There was and there is no special theft problem in Samoa except that one dared to steal from Laszlo and therefore everybody here has to face eternal mud throwing now from you.

How far from reality your biased view is you will find here:

Samoa 2008 Crime & Safety Report
Samoa is considered a low threat environment. While violent and petty crimes occur on both islands, these incidents tend to occur in relatively low numbers in comparison to nearby Pacific islands. The majority of the crimes tend to occur in and around Samoa’s capital city Apia, whose population of 30,000 makes it Samoa’s largest city as well as its economic and employment center. Regardless of location within the country, visitors and residents should always be mindful of their surroundings when traveling throughout Samoa.

" ... low numbers in comparison to nearby Pacific islands." That (and only that) is my point.

But you are right in one issue - let us leave it at this here and we go on next time you take up your vendetta again in another posting. However I do not give up hope that maybe you might get used to reality over the years ...

Okay Laszlo & wksamoa, you've succeeded in hijacking this perfectly reasonable thread now. This isn't the place for such arguments - even the parts of the argument that aren't purely personal are off-topic, so please answer the OP's question or move along.

I have a great place for you to call....
Get the number for BOOMERANG Creek.
There is a very nice American couple who has recently become partners with Ana...

The fales by the sea have bathrooms.. and the food is great.
You can venture from there to anywhere.

If you go to Savaii... stay at Regina's beach fales...in Manase.
They are clean... neat.. and the familty treats you like family.

If you stay in Apia... and you want to call and see if you can strike a bargin..
email Carol.. cathorn@samoa.ws.

She may be able to acccommodate you at her home... (she is wonderful) I stay with her every time I go to Samoa. She lives up in the moutains... about 10 min from town.. but it's sooo much cooler. She has family that has a great resort near town.. Manumea...

I am sure if you say.. you have 1,000 to spend... and you need accomm and meals.. they will help you find a place.

Carol's, Manumea and Boomerang are safe... GREAT people. write me if you need more info.
God bless.. Kristin Taylor

PS.. feel free to use my name