Travel

Air travel

The National University of Samoa is located on Apia in Samoa.  The airport to travel to is Faleolo International Airport (IATA: APW, ICAO: NSFA), which is located 40 kilometres (25 mi) west of Apia, the capital of Samoa. 

The address of the National University of Samoa is To'omatagi, Vaivase Rd, Apia, Samoa. The sessions will be held in the Lecture Theatre -D201, D101, Aoa Conference Room, Niule’a Seminar Room, and NUS Falesamoa.

Visa Information

Travelers must have a valid passport and onward/return ticket to enter Samoa. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Non-citizen U.S. nationals will need a visitor permit before travelling to Samoa.  See Samoa's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for more visa and entry information. Travelers must present evidence of return or onward transportation, confirmed accommodations, and proof of sufficient funds.

Ground Transportation

The conference hosts would like to provide transport for large groups (i.e 4-10) from the airport. However, please check with the hotel first since many have their own transport they can arrange. 

On conference days, shuttles are not provided for participants. Please arrange for a taxi to get to and from the National University of Samoa. Taxis are common in Apia, but please determine your fare in advance before riding. If you try to take a local bus, please note that they are not always on time and there are no designated bus stops; you wave down a bus as it approaches, ask the driver if they are headed to where you need to go, then pay the fare in cash as you get off.

Hotels and Lodging

There are several hotels near the National University of Samoa. There are no official conference hotels, but the following are suggested. Current rates are in USD, but may change depending on the hotel.

Close to NUS

• The Samoan Outrigger ($52/night), 1.8 km, Google Map Link

• Insel Fehmarn Hotel ($121/night), 2.1km, Google Map Link

• Le Manumea Hotel ($109/night), 3.7 km, Google Map Link

• Alec's Hotel ($137/night), 2.2 km, Google Map Link

Other hotels

• Samoana Boutique Hotel ($112/nt), 3.3.km, Google Map Link

• Hotel Laimoa ($82/nt), 2.7 km, Google Map Link

• Tauese Seaview Hotel ($115/nt), 3.4 km, Google Map Link

• Lava Hotel Apia ($151/nt), 4.5 km, Google Map Link

• Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel ($161/nt), 3.5 km, Google Map Link

Final Travel Advice and Details

As you prepare your final travel details, we would like to share the following information with you. Below are two websites that you might find helpful.

• Samoan Business Culture

  • https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/samoan-culture/samoan-culture-business-culture

• What to Pack for Samoa

  • https://samoapocketguide.com/what-to-pack-for-samoa-full-samoa-packing-list/

1) Taxi or bus advice

Buses in Samoa do not run on a regular schedule. You hail them, pay your fare (list available at the front end of the bus) in Samoan currency when you alight, and need to signal the driver when you want to get off. You can always ask other passengers for directions and where to alight. Buses run from the airport side towards Apia town, but you need to leave the Airport building and walk to the main road to wait for a bus.

Taxis are readily available at Faleolo International Airport for transportation to your accommodation or to Apia city. Taxis are lined up outside the arrival area, making them easily accessible. For fares check out this link.

Please take a taxi or drive yourself to the National University of Samoa on conference days.  Many taxis are available from your hotel locations. Note that some taxies will request tala instead of credit card payment.

2) Business attire advice and dinner attire advice

We recommend modest business attire for both men and women. For men, a dress shirt or island shirt and trousers are recommended. Ie faitaga (pocket lava lava are appropriate also. For women, a blouse that covers shoulders and trousers or a long skirt to cover your knees is appropriate. Puletasi are appropriate.

If you are traveling around Samoa, please note that in Samoan culture, wearing modest clothing is important, especially when visiting villages or churches. When leaving your hotel or resort, women should wear clothing that covers their knees and shoulders. We also recommend avoiding wearing swimwear in any public area.  When visiting villages, please be respectful and dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. It is not unusual to wear shirts and long shorts for swimming in village beaches. If planning to attend church, please note people wear white and that women are advised to have trousers or a skirt that goes to their ankles.

When visiting the school on the last day of the conference, please wear blouses or tops that cover your shoulders and trousers or skirts that go past your knees.

3) Money exchange advice or credit card use for businesses

We recommend that you bring cash to exchange into tala. Some cash exchange businesses prefer crisp notes. Many places outside of the resort/hotel areas do not accept credit cards or debit cards. Some shops accept foreign currencies like NZD, AUD and USD, and you can ask the shop owner. Some helpful information is on this site: https://samoapocketguide.com/the-best-place-to-exchange-currency-in-samoa/

4) Mosquito repellant advice

In Samoa, mosquito repellent is readily available and recommended due to the presence of dengue fever. While malaria isn't a concern, using insect repellent is crucial for comfort and health. Options include both chemical and natural repellents, with some accommodations providing kits with repellents and mosquito coils. You can buy it from any supermarkets and pharmacies.

5) Other general travel/visitor advice

We advise using general safety precautions. Be aware of and secure your valuables, especially against pickpockets in busy areas. There are free roaming dogs in Samoa and we do not advise approaching them. Some dogs are very territorial and will bite if they feel threatened. Having a stick in your hand can be helpful to ward off any dogs. Also, we appreciate if you used reef-safe sunscreen while you are here visiting. 

6) General weather

Samoa is generally warm most of the year. We anticipate that it will be 24-30 degrees C while you are here. Please see the https://www.samoa.travel/samoa-travel-advice/climate-weather/ for more information.

Information on this page updated 11 August 2025