Oceania · Polynesia
American Samoa
🏛️ Capital
Pago Pago
👥 Population
49,710
📐 Area
199 km²
💱 Currency
United States dollar ($)
🗣️ Languages
English, Samoan
📞 Calling Code
+1684
🕐 Time Zones
UTC-11:00
🌐 Region
Oceania / Polynesia
About American Samoa
American Samoa is a remote slice of authentic Polynesia tucked into the South Pacific, a US territory that has managed to preserve its traditional Samoan culture with remarkable fidelity while offering the conveniences of American infrastructure. Arriving in Pago Pago, you'll find yourself encircled by one of the most dramatically beautiful natural harbours in the Pacific — steep, jungle-covered peaks plunging straight into a deep blue bay that has awed mariners for centuries. This is a destination for travellers seeking genuine cultural immersion alongside extraordinary natural beauty, far from the manicured resort experience of other Pacific islands.
The territory encompasses seven volcanic islands and two coral atolls, but the main island of Tutuila is where almost all visitors spend their time. National Park of American Samoa, one of the most remote national parks in the US system, covers vast swaths of tropical rainforest and offers snorkelling, hiking, and the opportunity to stay with traditional Samoan host families in an officially sanctioned homestay programme unlike anything else in the US national park network. The coastline reveals hidden beaches, blowholes, and tide pools teeming with marine life.
American Samoa offers you an experience that feels genuinely authentic — the fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way) governs daily life here, from the role of extended family to communal village structure, traditional ceremonies, and the deeply important Sunday church services that fill the islands with extraordinary choral harmonies. Visitors who engage respectfully with local customs and village life will find a depth of welcome and cultural exchange that is increasingly rare in Pacific tourism.
The territory encompasses seven volcanic islands and two coral atolls, but the main island of Tutuila is where almost all visitors spend their time. National Park of American Samoa, one of the most remote national parks in the US system, covers vast swaths of tropical rainforest and offers snorkelling, hiking, and the opportunity to stay with traditional Samoan host families in an officially sanctioned homestay programme unlike anything else in the US national park network. The coastline reveals hidden beaches, blowholes, and tide pools teeming with marine life.
American Samoa offers you an experience that feels genuinely authentic — the fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way) governs daily life here, from the role of extended family to communal village structure, traditional ceremonies, and the deeply important Sunday church services that fill the islands with extraordinary choral harmonies. Visitors who engage respectfully with local customs and village life will find a depth of welcome and cultural exchange that is increasingly rare in Pacific tourism.
History & Background
The Samoan archipelago has been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest settled regions in Polynesia. Ancient Samoan oral tradition and archaeological evidence trace a sophisticated society of navigators, farmers, and warriors who spread Polynesian culture across the Pacific. European contact began with Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen in 1722, followed by French and British expeditions, though sustained Western influence arrived with Christian missionaries in the 1830s, who found a remarkably receptive audience and transformed the islands into one of the Pacific's most devoutly Christian societies.
The late 19th century saw competing American, British, and German interests vie for control of the strategically positioned Samoan islands. The Tripartite Convention of 1899 divided the archipelago: Germany took the western islands (now independent Samoa), and the United States acquired the eastern islands, formally establishing American Samoa in 1900. The US Navy administered the territory until 1951, when the Department of the Interior took over. American Samoa's people are US nationals but not citizens by birth, a complex status that continues to generate debate about civil rights and political representation. The territory sent its first Olympic athletes to the Paris 1900 games and has produced numerous NFL players.
The late 19th century saw competing American, British, and German interests vie for control of the strategically positioned Samoan islands. The Tripartite Convention of 1899 divided the archipelago: Germany took the western islands (now independent Samoa), and the United States acquired the eastern islands, formally establishing American Samoa in 1900. The US Navy administered the territory until 1951, when the Department of the Interior took over. American Samoa's people are US nationals but not citizens by birth, a complex status that continues to generate debate about civil rights and political representation. The territory sent its first Olympic athletes to the Paris 1900 games and has produced numerous NFL players.
Culture & People
The fa'a Samoa — the Samoan way of life — is the beating heart of American Samoan culture, a complex and deeply honoured set of social values centred on family (aiga), community, and Christian faith. Extended family networks form the fundamental social unit, with matai (chiefs) holding authority over village affairs, land distribution, and ceremonial life. This traditional chiefly system coexists with American governance structures, creating a society that navigates modernity on its own terms. Sunday is sacred — villages fall quiet as families attend church, and visitors should dress conservatively and minimise noise out of respect.
Music is inseparable from Samoan identity. The islands are famous for their rich choral tradition, and hearing a full congregation sing hymns in harmony is one of the most moving sonic experiences in the Pacific. Traditional dance (siva) and fire knife dancing (ailao afi) are performed at cultural events and remain living art forms rather than tourist performances. Tapa cloth making, tattooing (pe'a for men, malu for women), and fine mat weaving are traditional crafts still practised with skill and ceremony. Samoan tattoos — among the world's oldest and most intricate tattooing traditions — are worn as marks of cultural pride and identity.
Music is inseparable from Samoan identity. The islands are famous for their rich choral tradition, and hearing a full congregation sing hymns in harmony is one of the most moving sonic experiences in the Pacific. Traditional dance (siva) and fire knife dancing (ailao afi) are performed at cultural events and remain living art forms rather than tourist performances. Tapa cloth making, tattooing (pe'a for men, malu for women), and fine mat weaving are traditional crafts still practised with skill and ceremony. Samoan tattoos — among the world's oldest and most intricate tattooing traditions — are worn as marks of cultural pride and identity.
Food & Cuisine
Samoan cuisine in American Samoa centres on the abundant gifts of land and sea, prepared with simplicity and shared communally. Palusami — young taro leaves stuffed with coconut cream and often wrapped in banana leaves before being baked in an umu earth oven — is the quintessential Samoan dish, rich, fragrant, and deeply comforting. Umu cooking, in which food is slow-cooked over heated volcanic rocks, is reserved for Sundays and special occasions, producing tender pork, fish, taro, breadfruit, and palusami that nourish entire villages.
Fresh seafood is central to daily eating — grilled fish, raw fish marinated in lime and coconut cream (similar to ceviche), crab, and lobster are abundant. Breadfruit (ulu) and taro are the traditional staples, boiled, roasted, or pounded into a dense paste (fa'alifu). Chop suey, brought by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century, has been thoroughly adopted into the local diet and is a beloved everyday dish. American fast food chains are present in Pago Pago, reflecting the territory's US connection, but seek out local cookhouses and village meals for authentic Samoan flavours.
Fresh seafood is central to daily eating — grilled fish, raw fish marinated in lime and coconut cream (similar to ceviche), crab, and lobster are abundant. Breadfruit (ulu) and taro are the traditional staples, boiled, roasted, or pounded into a dense paste (fa'alifu). Chop suey, brought by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century, has been thoroughly adopted into the local diet and is a beloved everyday dish. American fast food chains are present in Pago Pago, reflecting the territory's US connection, but seek out local cookhouses and village meals for authentic Samoan flavours.
Top Attractions
- National Park of American Samoa — One of the most remote US national parks, covering tropical rainforest, pristine coral reefs, and offering rare cultural homestay programmes on three islands.
- Pago Pago Harbour — Arguably the most spectacular natural harbour in the South Pacific, ringed by dramatic volcanic peaks draped in jungle and reflected in calm blue water.
- Ofu Beach — Consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, with powder-white sand, swaying palms, and a vibrant coral reef just metres from shore.
- Two Dollar Beach (Fagatele Bay) — A secluded cove within America's first marine national monument, with exceptional snorkelling through coral gardens.
- Mount Alava — A challenging but rewarding hike above Pago Pago offering panoramic views of the harbour and surrounding rainforest canopy.
- Jean P. Haydon Museum — The territory's main museum, housing exhibits on Samoan culture, history, natural history, and the tradition of fine mat weaving.
Practical Travel Tips
- US citizens do not need a passport to enter American Samoa — a government-issued ID suffices, though a passport is always recommended for international travel ease.
- Foreign nationals require a passport and may need an entry permit; check current requirements before travelling as policies can change.
- Dress modestly when visiting villages — cover shoulders and knees, and always ask permission before photographing people or entering a fale (traditional meeting house).
- The national park homestay programme offers a unique chance to live with a Samoan family; book well in advance through the National Park of American Samoa.
- Cash (USD) is the primary payment method — ATMs exist in Pago Pago but can be unreliable; bring sufficient cash for your stay.
- Respect Sunday observances — many shops close and village life pauses for church services; plan activities accordingly.
Visa Overview
US citizens and nationals do not require a visa or passport to enter American Samoa, though carrying a passport is always recommended. Citizens of most other countries may enter visa-free for up to 30 days with a valid passport and onward travel documents, but should verify current entry requirements before departure. Extensions can be applied for with the territorial immigration office. Entry is through Pago Pago International Airport, with connecting flights from Honolulu, Fiji, and Samoa. There is no US Customs pre-clearance — American Samoa has its own customs jurisdiction separate from the US mainland.
Getting Around
Pago Pago International Airport receives flights from Honolulu (Hawaiian Airlines) and Apia (Samoa). Within Tutuila, aiga buses — colourfully decorated open-sided buses — are the traditional and cheapest way to get around, running along the main coastal road. Taxis are available in Pago Pago and can be hired for day tours. Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility to explore the island's scenic road. Ferries connect Tutuila to the Manu'a Islands (Ofu, Olosega, Ta'u) several times a week, though small aircraft also serve these outer islands.
Safety Notes
American Samoa is a very safe destination with low crime rates. The greatest safety concerns are natural — tropical cyclones between November and April, ocean currents that can be deceptively strong at certain beaches, and steep jungle trails that require proper footwear. Respect ocean conditions and heed local advice before swimming. The territory is in a seismically active zone, and tsunamis are a real possibility following earthquakes — familiarise yourself with local evacuation routes. Healthcare facilities are limited to Lyndon B. Johnson Medical Center; ensure comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover.
Live Exchange Rates
Current exchange rates for currencies used in American Samoa.
United States dollar (USD) $
Updated: 2026-10-06
United States dollar (USD) $
Updated: 2026-10-06
| Currency Code | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1INCH | 9.459088 |
| AAVE | 0.005502 |
| ADA | 3.711087 |
| AED | 3.672500 |
| AFN | 64.611249 |
| AKT | 1.306719 |
| ALGO | 7.786491 |
| ALL | 82.024220 |
| AMD | 361.776669 |
| AMP | 1,559.532489 |
| ANG | 1.798218 |
| AOA | 916.012708 |
| APE | 6.241579 |
| APT | 1.218009 |
| AR | 0.221834 |
| ARB | 4.905234 |
| ARS | 1,519.921587 |
| ATOM | 0.549246 |
| ATS | 12.269695 |
| AUD | 1.434974 |
| AVAX | 0.088074 |
| AWG | 1.7900 |
| AXS | 0.763573 |
| AZM | 8,500.116476 |
| AZN | 1.700023 |
| BAKE | 3,896.000928 |
| BAM | 1.743962 |
| BAT | 9.480219 |
| BBD | 2.0000 |
| BCH | 0.003164 |
| BDT | 122.929993 |
| BEF | 35.970022 |
| BGN | 1.743962 |
| BHD | 0.3760 |
| BIF | 3,004.421816 |
| BMD | 1.0000 |
| BNB | 0.001280 |
| BND | 1.279481 |
| BOB | 11.995885 |
| BRL | 4.998721 |
| BSD | 1.0000 |
| BSV | 0.050079 |
| BSW | 2,430.145286 |
| BTC | 0.000012 |
| BTCB | 14.312355 |
| BTG | 1.515791 |
| BTN | 96.418057 |
| BTT | 2,689,845.113125 |
| BUSD | 0.999831 |
| BWP | 13.763243 |
| BYN | 3.050725 |
| BYR | 19,602.712309 |
| BZD | 2.011096 |
| CAD | 1.426859 |
| CAKE | 0.408912 |
| CDF | 2,310.995845 |
| CELO | 9.615491 |
| CFX | 18.224532 |
| CHF | 0.831752 |
| CHZ | 59.781429 |
| CLP | 973.029117 |
| CNH | 6.703020 |
| CNY | 6.705166 |
| COMP | 0.040798 |
| COP | 3,198.639246 |
| CRC | 457.586894 |
| CRO | 14.725902 |
| CRV | 2.712625 |
| CSPR | 392.033033 |
| CUC | 1.000139 |
| CUP | 23.953809 |
| CVE | 98.324842 |
| CVX | 0.451752 |
| CYP | 0.521873 |
| CZK | 21.813877 |
| DAI | 1.000407 |
| DASH | 0.017641 |
| DCR | 0.054227 |
| DEM | 1.743962 |
| DFI | 1,094.151478 |
| DJF | 177.900969 |
| DKK | 6.664407 |
| DOGE | 10.546533 |
| DOP | 59.931103 |
| DOT | 0.808231 |
| DYDX | 6.844254 |
| DZD | 134.426442 |
| EEK | 13.951695 |
| EGLD | 0.223745 |
| EGP | 52.428074 |
| ENJ | 30.207088 |
| EOS | 9.840392 |
| ERN | 15.0000 |
| ESP | 148.361995 |
| ETB | 162.661907 |
| ETC | 0.112691 |
| ETH | 0.000370 |
| EUR | 0.891674 |
| EURC | 0.891553 |
| FEI | 1.000437 |
| FIL | 0.837752 |
| FIM | 5.301650 |
| FJD | 2.250094 |
| FKP | 0.756776 |
| FLOW | 31.605983 |
| FLR | 138.732730 |
| FRAX | 1.010124 |
| FRF | 5.848995 |
| FTT | 3.871133 |
| GALA | 412.739534 |
| GBP | 0.756776 |
| GEL | 2.595487 |
| GGP | 0.756776 |
| GHC | 117,566.561882 |
| GHS | 11.756656 |
| GIP | 0.756776 |
| GMD | 74.011044 |
| GMX | 0.113894 |
| GNF | 8,792.168595 |
| GNO | 0.008235 |
| GRD | 303.837761 |
| GRT | 34.343885 |
| GT | 0.089329 |
| GTQ | 7.631424 |
| GUSD | 1.002062 |
| GYD | 208.749446 |
| HBAR | 9.933641 |
| HKD | 7.847452 |
| HNL | 26.813832 |
| HNT | 1.927165 |
| HOT | 2,183.598295 |
| HRK | 6.718314 |
| HT | 27.417044 |
| HTG | 130.671979 |
| HUF | 327.559006 |
| ICP | 0.286805 |
| IDR | 17,915.240325 |
| IEP | 0.702250 |
| ILS | 3.058154 |
| IMP | 0.756776 |
| IMX | 5.453701 |
| INJ | 0.131926 |
| INR | 96.418057 |
| IQD | 1,307.338492 |
| IRR | 1,798,526.350174 |
| ISK | 122.098041 |
| ITL | 1,726.520736 |
| JEP | 0.756776 |
| JMD | 158.245515 |
| JOD | 0.7090 |
| JPY | 158.111405 |
| KAS | 23.309496 |
| KAVA | 14.424728 |
| KCS | 0.131726 |
| KDA | 102.425734 |
| KES | 129.808907 |
| KGS | 87.458676 |
| KHR | 4,051.103908 |
| KLAY | 24.010541 |
| KMF | 438.674628 |
| KNC | 6.981428 |
| KPW | 900.124863 |
| KRW | 1,342.464035 |
| KSM | 0.195189 |
| KWD | 0.309106 |
| KYD | 0.831314 |
| KZT | 455.278866 |
| LAK | 22,438.730524 |
| LBP | 90,182.611531 |
| LDO | 2.183023 |
| LEO | 0.112455 |
| LINK | 0.072302 |
| LKR | 329.832333 |
| LRC | 97.401183 |
| LRD | 170.648901 |
| LSL | 16.648893 |
| LTC | 0.014355 |
| LTL | 3.078770 |
| LUF | 35.970022 |
| LUNA | 19.582546 |
| LUNC | 18,912.248100 |
| LVL | 0.626668 |
| LYD | 6.416108 |
| MAD | 9.980674 |
| MANA | 9.670088 |
| MBX | 33.811549 |
| MDL | 17.922118 |
| MGA | 4,428.443037 |
| MGF | 22,142.215186 |
| MINA | 7.422311 |
| MKD | 54.861574 |
| MKR | 0.000497 |
| MMK | 2,099.174641 |
| MNT | 3,595.175637 |
| MOP | 8.082876 |
| MRO | 400.369539 |
| MRU | 40.036954 |
| MTL | 0.382795 |
| MUR | 47.402228 |
| MVR | 15.459664 |
| MWK | 1,730.829499 |
| MXN | 18.075238 |
| MXV | 2.054798 |
| MYR | 4.085653 |
| MZM | 63,829.247419 |
| MZN | 63.829247 |
| NAD | 16.648893 |
| NEAR | 0.191366 |
| NEO | 0.394556 |
| NEXO | 1.175945 |
| NFT | 4,190,663.815560 |
| NGN | 1,322.044719 |
| NIO | 36.763165 |
| NLG | 1.964990 |
| NOK | 9.597859 |
| NPR | 154.341204 |
| NZD | 1.786578 |
| OKB | 0.007669 |
| OMR | 0.384859 |
| ONE | 6.827613 |
| OP | 7.438932 |
| ORDI | 0.219784 |
| PAB | 1.0000 |
| PAXG | 0.000242 |
| PEN | 3.443123 |
| PEPE | 231,222.784273 |
| PGK | 4.505276 |
| PHP | 62.846328 |
| PI | 11.455739 |
| PKR | 276.500279 |
| PLN | 3.906091 |
| POL | 9.144498 |
| PTE | 178.764496 |
| PYG | 5,841.989303 |
| QAR | 3.6400 |
| QNT | 0.003866 |
| QTUM | 1.020152 |
| ROL | 47,663.062704 |
| RON | 4.766306 |
| RPL | 0.522960 |
| RSD | 104.730992 |
| RUB | 84.839842 |
| RUNE | 1.288032 |
| RVN | 407.577404 |
| RWF | 1,473.970869 |
| SAND | 15.207162 |
| SAR | 3.7500 |
| SBD | 8.068691 |
| SCR | 14.163740 |
| SDD | 60,018.065305 |
| SDG | 600.180653 |
| SEK | 10.044667 |
| SGD | 1.279481 |
| SHIB | 170,830.563153 |
| SHP | 0.756776 |
| SIT | 213.680648 |
| SKK | 26.862557 |
| SLE | 23.054890 |
| SLL | 23,054.890345 |
| SNX | 3.993999 |
| SOL | 0.008335 |
| SOS | 568.952433 |
| SPL | 0.166667 |
| SRD | 37.705818 |
| SRG | 37,705.818360 |
| SSP | 5,726.635864 |
| STD | 22,000.817257 |
| STN | 22.000817 |
| STX | 2.668553 |
| SUI | 0.837897 |
| SVC | 8.7500 |
| SYP | 13,003.799512 |
| SZL | 16.648893 |
| THB | 33.659653 |
| THETA | 4.318587 |
| TJS | 9.203639 |
| TMM | 17,546.889500 |
| TMT | 3.509378 |
| TND | 2.992823 |
| TOP | 2.408447 |
| TRL | 49,175,592.222686 |
| TRX | 2.975877 |
| TRY | 49.175592 |
| TTD | 6.770742 |
| TUSD | 1.000791 |
| TVD | 1.434974 |
| TWD | 31.781852 |
| TWT | 1.751715 |
| TZS | 2,638.387381 |
| UAH | 45.039295 |
| UGX | 4,020.145719 |
| UNI | 0.112874 |
| USDC | 1.000272 |
| USDD | 1.000711 |
| USDP | 1.005946 |
| USDT | 1.000506 |
| UYU | 40.396087 |
| UZS | 11,763.105238 |
| VAL | 1,726.520736 |
| VEB | 87,072,456,575.5772 |
| VED | 870.724566 |
| VEF | 87,072,456.575577 |
| VES | 870.724566 |
| VET | 114.592161 |
| VND | 25,995.368232 |
| VUV | 120.212062 |
| WAVES | 3.351971 |
| WEMIX | 5.221776 |
| WOO | 73.054730 |
| WST | 2.783193 |
| XAF | 584.899504 |
| XAG | 0.016528 |
| XAU | 0.000243 |
| XAUT | 0.000243 |
| XBT | 0.000012 |
| XCD | 2.706921 |
| XCG | 1.798218 |
| XCH | 0.638983 |
| XDC | 29.757460 |
| XDR | 0.739158 |
| XEC | 125,401.102072 |
| XEM | 1,592.790725 |
| XLM | 4.633531 |
| XMR | 0.001782 |
| XOF | 584.899504 |
| XPD | 0.000857 |
| XPF | 106.404958 |
| XPT | 0.000584 |
| XRP | 0.665567 |
| XTZ | 2.993002 |
| YER | 236.197715 |
| ZAR | 16.648893 |
| ZEC | 0.000747 |
| ZIL | 274.041152 |
| ZMK | 19,770.351011 |
| ZMW | 19.770351 |
| ZWD | 361.9000 |
| ZWG | 26.771529 |
| ZWL | 66,894.666920 |
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Cities in American Samoa 35
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Cities in American Samoa 35
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Visa Requirements
Check what visa a citizen of American Samoa needs to enter any country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of American Samoa?
The capital of American Samoa is Pago Pago.
What currency does American Samoa use?
American Samoa uses the United States dollar ($) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in American Samoa?
The official language(s) of American Samoa include English, Samoan.
What is the population of American Samoa?
American Samoa has a population of approximately 49,710 people.
What region is American Samoa in?
American Samoa is located in Oceania, specifically in the Polynesia subregion.
What is the international calling code for American Samoa?
The international dialing code for American Samoa is +1684.
What time zones does American Samoa observe?
American Samoa observes the following time zone(s): UTC-11:00.
What is the current time in American Samoa?
The local time in American Samoa is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of American Samoa?
American Samoa covers a total area of 199 km².
How many states or provinces does American Samoa have?
American Samoa is divided into 4 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in American Samoa in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for American Samoa in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of American Samoa?
Visa requirements for citizens of American Samoa vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.