🇼🇸 Samoa
Apia: what to see and whether to move there
Apia is a laid-back waterfront capital where markets smell of coconut and taro, and the legacy of Robert Louis Stevenson blends with the rhythm of everyday Polynesian life.
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
The writer's restored estate at Vailima, where he spent his final years, with gardens and a hilltop grave with sweeping views.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
A Catholic cathedral with a striking sky-blue interior right on Apia's waterfront.
Maketi Fou (Fugalei Market)
The city's main market, buzzing on Saturday mornings with papaya, coconuts, taro and fresh fish.
Papase'ea Sliding Rocks
A natural rock waterpark tucked in the jungle nearby, its steepest chute famously nicknamed the men's slide.
Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
A marine reserve right off the Apia waterfront with a clear lagoon perfect for gentle snorkeling.
Piula Cave Pool
A freshwater cave pool on the grounds of a theological college, connected to the ocean by an underwater passage.
Paddles Restaurant
A long-loved waterfront restaurant known for consistently excellent service and local cuisine.
Aggie Grey's Hotel
A legendary historic hotel that hosts traditional fiafia nights of Polynesian dance and feasting.
Giordano's
An Italian-Samoan fusion restaurant popular with locals and visitors alike.
Apia Waterfront
The promenade lined with markets and cafés and a view of the harbor, the heart of Apia life.
What the city lives on and who it suits
Apia is the capital of Samoa, an island nation in the South Pacific with about 220,000 people; about 40,000 live in the town itself. The economy rests on remittances from Samoans in New Zealand, Australia and the US, tourism, agriculture and donor aid. Apia hosts the government, offices of regional organisations and UN agencies, and in 2024 it hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Life in Samoa revolves around the traditional way of life: village councils, extended families, church and Sunday rest, when much is closed. Most land belongs to communities and is not sold to foreigners; it can only be leased. Nature, waterfalls, lagoons and lava coasts, is the main reason to come to the island.
It suits staff of regional and international organisations, people with Samoan roots, and those seeking a calm island life for a while. It does not suit those needing a job market, strong healthcare and city life.
Neighbourhoods and places to live
| Place | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| Central Apia by the waterfront | those working in offices and government |
| Vailima and the hills above town | families: cooler, with ocean views |
| Vaitele | those who need warehouses and industry, on the road to the airport |
| South coast of Upolu | those who want to live by the beach and are ready to drive to town |
Housing is usually rented from local families or in private complexes; buying land as a foreigner is almost impossible.
Cost of living
| Item | Approx. per month |
|---|---|
| Two-bedroom house or flat | $700-1,500 |
| House with an ocean view | $1,500-2,500 |
| Groceries for one | $350-500; imported goods are expensive |
| Electricity and internet | $100-200 |
| Car | almost essential |
A single person lives comfortably on about $1,800-2,600 a month including rent, a family from $3,000. The local currency is the tala; cards are accepted in supermarkets and hotels, and markets need cash.
Practicalities: climate, travel, customs
- Climate. Tropical: a drier, pleasant season from May to October; November to April is hotter, more humid and cyclone season.
- Travel. The international airport is 40 minutes from Apia, with flights via Auckland, Sydney, Nadi and Honolulu. Traffic drives on the left.
- Customs. Much is closed on Sunday, villages have an evening prayer time when quiet is requested, and clothing should cover shoulders and knees.
- Language. Samoan and English are official; government and business use English.
Family: schools and healthcare
Private schools in Apia teach in English, but the choice is small, and many families with older children choose schooling in New Zealand. The main hospital and private clinics handle simple cases; complex treatment is in New Zealand, so insurance with evacuation is mandatory.
Work and business
Foreigners are hired by regional organisations, UN agencies, banks, hotels and construction companies. Local salaries are modest, so specialists work on international contracts. A foreign investor obtains a permit to do business, and some activities are reserved for Samoan citizens. Tourism and agriculture are the main investment niches, with land for a project taken on long-term lease.
Moving and legal status
| Basis | Main condition |
|---|---|
| Work permit | a contract with an employer in Samoa |
| Investor permit | a registered business and investment |
| International organisation | accreditation through the organisation |
| Family | marriage or kinship with a Samoan citizen |
There are no programmes for remote workers or retirees. For life in Oceania with clear visas many consider New Zealand or Australia.
First steps after the move
- obtain a work or stay permit through your employer or the investment authority;
- rent housing and arrange a land lease if you need a house;
- open a bank account and buy a local SIM card;
- buy or lease a car;
- arrange health insurance with evacuation to New Zealand.
Is the city worth considering for living
Yes, if you have a contract with a regional organisation or family in Samoa and enjoy an unhurried life among traditions and nature. No, if you need a career, strong healthcare and land of your own. We match countries in Oceania and elsewhere to your situation; we fix our fee after a free consultation.
FAQ
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Relocation options
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