American Samoa - Local Customs
Local Customs in American Samoa
Traditional Samoan society is still bound by very strict customs and social codes of behaviour.
- Avoid walking through villages during the evening prayer curfew (usually between 6–7pm). Sa (sacred) usually lasts for 10 to 20 minutes and is often marked at the beginning and end by a bell or the blowing of a conch shell (wait for the third bell before continuing on your way).
- Samoans observe Sunday as a day of rest. While many visitor attractions are open, you are expected to behave quietly and to travel slowly through the villages.
- If attending church on Sunday, women are asked to wear a dress or blouse and skirt and men trousers and shirt.
- In some villages, swimming and fishing are forbidden on Sunday.
- Shoes should be removed before entering a file.
- When elders are seated in a file, you should not stand.
- When sitting in a file, avoid pointing your feet at others. Either tuck them away, cross them (yoga style) or cover them with a lavalava or mat.
- Always ask permission before taking photos in a village.
- Skimpy shorts or other revealing clothes should be avoided except when swimming or climbing coconut palms.
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Just a heads up: we have just been refused clearance in to American Samoa after arriving from Neiafu. Because of the measles emergency in Samoa and other Pacific Islands, no-one will be allowed clearance unless they have documentation showing their measles immunisation status. We were not informed of this when leaving Tonga and we have no proof of immunisation.
We have been directed to return to Tonga.
To clear in Customs now want the boat alongside and they will visit it. Possibly the easiest is to tie alongside on the outside of the marina or go alongside a boat that’s already there. When you go and see the harbourmaster as part of the formalities pop into Customs downstairs and let them know where you are and that you are awaiting clearance.
Immigration will want a crew list and customs will want 3 crew lists. You will have to produce these yourself and the format doesn’t seem to be too important.
We will be late in leaving Hawaii for points south this year and wondering if there is a marina facility in case we need to stay through cyclone season or for a short period of time before continuing on this year should all the cards line up!
Hi Carey, try putting “cyclone” into the Noonsite search and lots of reports and links will come up.
This one will be interesting for you – https://www.noonsite.com/report/pacific-cyclone-season-north-instead-of-south/
With regards to marinas in American Samoa itself, see the Pago Pago port page – https://www.noonsite.com/place/american-samoa/pago-pago/.
Just as an ‘add on’ to the above comment … we had an issue where we had to leave without receiving delivery of a plotter being sent to us by PRIORITY mail.
The long and short of it was that it SHOULD have been sent PRIORITY EXPRESS MAIL whereas our package was sent PRIORITY Mail. Sometimes one will get ‘lucky’ with priority mail if the ship being loaded in Richmond CA is full.
If it is not full, the tracking number will show a delivery date within 2 weeks, but the package will not necessarily arrive in 2 weeks .. it will wait until the ship is fully loaded. PRIORITY EXPRESS goes by air.
Well, this is how they explained it to us anyway … so take care and make 100% sure before your mail is shipped. They refused 1 day later to withdraw the package from their system and we ended up buying a 2nd plotter which arrived in 7 days … by air … and marked … PRIORITY EXPRESS MAIL … cheers for now .. SV IMPI
Contrary to the above about crime in Pago Pago, it is almost non-existent. The crimes that happen are locals only. There was an incident a few years back against a “yachtie”, but it was quickly resolved (the attackers were high and drunk) they received 29 years in jail.
About getting marine supplies, use priority mail and most things arrive with 2 weeks. Defender and West Marine (for example) will ship directly to you. Use the address as follows:
(your name or yacht name)
C/O General Delivery
Pago Pago, AS 96799
The Post Office will hold mail for about a month if you miss your arrival date. Other items (heavier or larger) items can be shipped in, but allow about 2 to 3 months.
We have spent 4 years (by our choice) here and find the people to be very nice and helpful.
Is there any customs duty or any other fees to pay on items shipped in from the States?
Hi Tim, see the Customs section for American Samoa which talks about duties.
https://www.noonsite.com/place/american-samoa/formalities#customs-section
Thanks Bart for reporting your experience with immigration in American Samoa. The rules on our website are from the official AS immigration website. As we know, yacht crews are often treated differently to other visitors, but this is hardly ever stated on official sources.
Contrary to what is written on the official Samoan website, it is not required to obtain a visa in advance for most European passports if you arrive by yacht. Just rock up, and you will be granted a 30 day permit.
However, you will need a visa if you arrive by plane.
I got in by yacht on a Belgian passport with no trouble at all.