Internet in Samoa

Hi

I'm looking at travelling to Samoa in March and staying on for up to 6 months. To do this, I'm planning on working online while I'm there to pay the bills. I need a good internet connection (prefferably boradband).

Can anyone tell me if broadband is available in Samoa? What about on the south coast of Upolu, near Siumu etc?

Thanks

Simon

Hi Simon,

Apparently from what I’ve read broadband is available but very new and limited http://www.vailima.ws/rates-deals.cfm . Internet in Samoa is not cheap!

I would recommend renting a flat if you are planning to stay in Samoa for up to 6 months. Then you can talk to CSL about setting up internet service in your flat. I’m not sure if broadband would be available now but when we were there three years ago, I had no problem getting low speed internet hooked up. CSL required a deposit and then I just stopped in once a month to pay my bill.

I’m not sure about Siumu but you could probably email CSL directly and ask them. My only experience with internet was in Apia and Salelologa, Savaii.

Also, the hostel I stayed at had limited access to the internet but not enough to do day to day work. Often times I ended up working from my laptop and plugging in just long enough to upload, download or check email.

Thanks for the helpful reply teine.

How did you find your Samoa experience- there seems to be a lot of negative reports on this site (eg od attacks, theft, anti-western sentiment etc)?

How long does it take to drive from Apia to the south coast (Siumu area)?

Cheers

Simon

Hi again Simon,

I have been to Samoa twice now (1st time 7 months, 2nd time 2 months) and will be heading back again in a few months time. I have always found Samoa to be a very comfortable and friendly place to visit.

As for the dogs, yes they can be a problem but if you use common sense you shouldn’t have to worry. Keep in mind that they are aggressive pack animals and don’t put yourself in a situation where you are alone, with no protection, at night. Watch how locals deal with them, carry a stick or rock if you have to be out at night by yourself. Learn the word “halu” which is a modification of the word “alu” which means: Go away! This is the word Samoans use (often in combination with a rock) to chase away stray dogs. If you yell this word at a dog, it is sometimes enough to make them take off. Don’t try and stare them down because this only causes them to become more aggressive. Most dogs in Apia are fine and I would simply be cautious. Dogs in the areas outside of town are different, they actually have territory to protect and can become quite aggressive. I wouldn’t step on someone’s property without knowing there were other people around to help if need be. I actually had a very good experience with a dog around where I lived. He was very sweet and friendly and just wanted a good scratch every once in a while.

I have never had a problem with theft but I know people who have. I would recommend taking a few locks for your suitcases, making sure doors are locked, not “flaunting” any electronic equipment (camera, laptop) or leaving money in plain sight. All things I practice any where I travel. Another strategy would be to leave anything of value at home and take a few things that you wouldn’t mind giving away.

For the most part, you will find local people to be extremely friendly and they will often to go out of their way to help you out. I would recommend learning a few Samoan polite words and reading up on island culture. If you are polite and friendly, you will often get the same in return. If you show appreciation for the cultural values and the language most people will respond well. I’ve also found that a good sense of humour is extremely well appreciated in Samoa.

Finally, Si’umu is about an hour’s drive from Apia and has some beautiful scenery along the way. Apparently Coconuts Resort (out that way) is a great place to stay but I’ve never had the opportunity to stay there because of the cost. I’m also planning to visit the mangroves, a place I have yet to get to.

I’m happy to try and answer any more questions you may have.

Teine

I live in Samoa and use Internet, so I might be able to comment on that. Broadband is only available in the Central Business District in Apia and easily costs you around US$300 per month. Anywhere else you have to come along with 56k-Modem access (no ISDN either). No flat rates as well - I pay US$60 per month to the provider and US$30 per month on telephone costs for 120 hours Internet use (4 hrs per day) with unlimited traffic. Check www.samoa.ws and www.ipasifika.net for their plans. Make sure that your accomodation has a phone line though - most houses do not have that, especially outside Apia. You will hardly be able to rent a flat in Siumu as well, but if you stay in a resort you might be able to use their line for some limited time. Outside Apia you will hardly be able to work online.

From central Apia to Siumu you can get in 30 minutes (14m, 22km) - it is a mountain trip though, right across the island, going from sea level to 2,000 feet (600m) and back down to sea level.