In Samoa May 2nd -> May 14th (... but now I'm a bit scared!)

Hi guys,

I'm obviously new here, so I should say hello first. I'll be spending a month (the month of May) split evenly between Samoa and Tonga. I came on here to get a bit of reading done and to see if there was anything I should be concerned about before I head down there. To be honest, I'm a bit overwhelmed! I had read that there was a problem with dogs (specifically in Apia), but from the reports this sounds a bit over the top. I guess I don't mind being bitten by a dog, but are there any rabies concerns? I would really rather not be killed by a rabid animal...

Theft is the other obvious worry. I love photography, and was planning on bringing two cameras (one if which is quite expensive). I'm now second-guessing that, and thinking maybe it would be best to leave it at home. Everybody is stressing using "common sense", but apparently guest house owners are stealing things too. So far, I'm booked into the Hidden Garden for a few days, and am open after that. I've also read some glowing reports of Samoa, which is heartening, but I'm worried that I'm a bit in over my head as I'll be travelling alone. I'm worried I'll be taking rocks everywhere and be completely defensive.

I realize this post is a bit wandering. The main question I suppose I'm asking is, is it wise to bring my camera? And people seem to be mentioning giving gifts a lot -- should I bring a lot of extra clothing or something to give out? I don't want to insult the locals or be looked down upon by anybody -- I'd really like to enjoy my time there and hopefully forge some friendships. I guess I could use a solid dose of this "common sense" everybody is referring to so i don't feel like such an idiot when all my stuff disappears.

On a sidenote, if anybody's going to be around Samoa in that timeframe (First half of May), I'd love to get in contact with anybody willing to fight off feral dogs with me :).

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give me, and hello again!

Just go and enjoy your holiday.
If you are worried about loosing your camera make sure it is insured.
We have never lost anything or had a problem with dogs in any of our 5 visits to Samoa or Tonga.

aardvarkk --

I was in Tonga and Samoa in July 2006. During my time there, I only felt slightly threatened twice. Once while walking in Samoa near Lalovi village, I felt slightly uneasy when walking by a few local young men. And once in Tonga, in the Hunga group, by a few dogs while riding a bike. Honestly, I think the fear was more mental than actual. I live in Chicago, for God's sake, and it's much more likely to feel threatened here than in Tonga and Samoa. Just like when travelling anywhere where there are human being, be alert, but enjoy yourself.

There is no rabies in Samoa at all. There had been dog problems around the Hidden Garden area before, so ask your host for the actual situation. The central town area is actually almost free of dogs right now. Apparently something had been done about it.

Cameras are very hard to sell in Samoa so normal precautions should do. Money is targeted if there is any specific danger of theft at all.

You do not need to bring gifts nor to give any.

Overall - relax! You are neither in any danger nor does anybody expect anything from you. You do not have to carry around rocks nor do you have to be defensive in any way. An open mind and some common sense are all that you need. I live here for ten years now and never in my life I felt as safe as here.

Enjoy!

Don't be frightened... Just be careful. The same as you would be in your own hometown or anywhere else.

Samoa is no worse than anywhere else in the pacific, yes I've seen a few dogs about but they seem more interested in each other than with people.

If you stay in a beach fall they are not lockable so dont leave valuables around in them, as with anywhere dont flaunt your weath or expensive cameras about etc, you might attract someones interest who normally would not be bothered.

Samoa is a lovely natural place, use a bit of common sence and you cant go wrong.