Overview
Exotic American Samoa is made up of seven islands, including the islands of Ta’u, Olosega and Ofu known as the Manu’a Group, which are volcanic in origin and characterized by high peaks. This tropical island paradise in the heart of Polynesia has preserved the traditional values of ancient Samoa to this day. The islands’ volcanoes, inactive since 1911, have left a fascinating landscape, of which the lava tubes are particularly interesting for tourists. Most people live in villages along the narrow coastlines and subsist on fishing and agriculture, which they operate in the plains and nearby hills. Half of the island chain is still covered with tropical rainforest and is the habitat of numerous animal and bird species. Traditional Samoan society, the fa’a Samoa, or type of Samoan, is based on the tribal system with chiefs inheriting their position within their families. Despite the influence of modern Western civilization, its own traditional culture determines life in American Samoa. See other countries in Oceania on internetsailors.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no non-stop connections to American Samoa from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Hawaiian Airlines (HA) flies to Pago Pago, American Samoa from Honolulu. From Frankfurt/M. From there you can reach Pago Pago with Lufthansa (LH), Japan Airlines (JL) and Hawaiian Airlines (HA) via Shanghai, Nagoya and Honolulu. Austrian Airlines (OS), Air Canada (AC), Hawaiian Airlines (HA) fly from Vienna to Pago Pago via Paris, Vancouver and Honolulu. Pago Pago can be reached from Zurich with Swiss (LX), British Airways (BA) and Hawaiian Airlines (HA) via London, New York and Honolulu.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Pago Pago: 36 hours; Vienna – Pago Pago: from 38 hours; Zurich – Pago Pago: 37 hrs 35 mins (journey time varies depending on route and stopovers).
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
Tolls: There are no toll roads on American Samoa. Documents: It is advisable to carry both the national and the international driver’s license with you.
Arrival by ship
Numerous cruise companies have Pago Pago (Tutuila) in their program.
Cruise ships
Phoenix and P&O Cruises call at American Samoa on their cruises departing from European ports. In addition, cruise ships from the USA and Australia from shipping companies such as Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas dock in Pago Pago.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Samoa Airways (OL) operates the Pago Pago-Ofu route once a week and Pago Pago-Fitiuta several times a week.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network of American Samoa has a total length of about 350 km and extends largely along the coast.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The roads around Pago Pago, as well as Route 1, which runs across the island in an east-west direction, are well developed and paved. The remaining island roads are partially paved or otherwise paved.
Car rental
Car hire is available in Pago Pago both at the airport and in town. The minimum age for drivers is 25 years.
Taxi
There are numerous taxis. Fares for the various routes are set by the government and posted in the taxis; There are no taximeters.
Coach
Buses run between the airport and the center of Pago Pago. Aiga buses, cheap but infrequent, connect Fagatogo with many towns on the island, including those in more remote areas. Aiga buses stop at hand signals everywhere.
Regulations
The traffic regulations correspond to those of the USA.
Roadside Assistance
In the event of breakdowns or accidents, the car rental company must be contacted.
Documentation
It is advisable to carry the international driving license with you in addition to the national driving licence.
Traveling by ship
The Government of American Samoa operates a fortnightly ferry service between Pago Pago and the Manu’a Islands. A tour boat runs regularly to Afono, Vatia and Fagasa on the north coast, as well as to the Manu’a Islands. More information on site.
