Apia: The Heartbeat of Samoa's Natural Beauty and Warm Culture

• HelloTalofa
  [Tah-loh-fah]
• GoodbyeFa
  [Fah]
• YesIoe
  [Ee-oh-eh]
• NoLeai
  [Leh-eye]
• Please/You're welcomeFa'amalie
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
• Thank youFa'afetai
  [Fah-ah-feh-tah-ee]
• Excuse me/SorryTulou
  [Too-loh-oo]
• How are you?O ai oe?
  [Oh-eye-oh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Lelei. Pe o oe?
  [Leh-leh-ee. Peh-oh-oh-eh]
• Do you speak English?O lea e te le fa'ailoa i le fa'apalagi?
  [Oh-leh-ah-eh-teh-leh-fah-ah-ee-loh-ah-ee-leh-fah-ah-pah-lah-gee]
• I don't understandE le mafai ona ou te le malamalama
  [Eh-leh-mah-fah-ee-oh-nah-oh-oo-teh-leh-mah-lah-mah-lah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseOu te fia va'ai le mea'ai, fa'amalie
  [Oh-oo-teh-fee-ah-vah-ah-ee-leh-meh-ah-eye, fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
• I don't eat meatE le auai i le kuka pisupo
  [Eh-leh-ah-oo-eye-ee-leh-koo-kah-pee-soo-poh]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseOu te fia totogi, fa'amalie
  [Oh-oo-teh-fee-ah-toh-toh-gee, fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]

• Help!Tulou!
  [Too-loh-oo]
• Go away!Alu i tua!
  [Ah-loo-ee-too-ah]
• Call the Police!Telefono i leoleo!
  [Teh-leh-foh-noh-ee-leh-oh-leh-oh]
• Call a doctor!Telefono i le foma'i!
  [Teh-leh-foh-noh-ee-leh-foh-mah-ee]
• I'm lostUa ou iloa
  [Oo-ah-oh-oo-ee-loh-ah]
• I'm illUa ou mate
  [Oo-ah-oh-oo-mah-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Ou te fia faatau...
  [Oh-oo-teh-fee-ah-fah-ah-tah-oo]
• I'm just lookingUa ou va'ai
  [Oo-ah-oh-oo-vah-ah-ee]
• How much is it?O lea le totogi?
  [Oh-leh-ah-leh-toh-toh-gee]
• That's too expensiveE lelei le totogi
  [Eh-leh-leh-ee-leh-toh-toh-gee]
• Can you lower the price?O le mafai ona ou te fa'aleleia le totogi?
  [Oh-leh-mah-fah-ee-oh-nah-oh-oo-teh-fah-ah-leh-leh-ee-ah-leh-toh-toh-gee]

• What time is it?O le a le taimi?
  [Oh-leh-ah-leh-tah-ee-mee]
• It's one o'clockE tasi itula
  [Eh-tah-see-ee-too-lah]
• Half past (10)Itula i le sefulu
  [Ee-too-lah-ee-leh-seh-foo-loo]
• MorningVaveao
  [Vah-veh-ah-oh]
• AfternoonAoauli
  [Ah-oh-ah-oo-lee]
• EveningAfiafi
  [Ah-fee-ah-fee]
• YesterdayAso nei
  [Ah-soh-nay-ee]
• TodayAso lenei
  [Ah-soh-leh-neh-ee]
• TomorrowAso taeao
  [Ah-soh-tah-eh-ah-oh]
• 1Tasi
  [Tah-see]
• 2Lua
  [Loo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Toh-loo]
• 4Fa
  [Fah]
• 5Lima
  [Lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-noh]
• 7Fitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Valu
  [Vah-loo]
• 9Iva
  [Ee-vah]
• 10Sefulu
  [Seh-foo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?O fea le...?
  [Oh-feh-ah-leh]
• What's the address?O le a le tuatusi?
  [Oh-leh-ah-leh-too-ah-too-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O le mafai ona ou fa'ailoa i ai (i le mapa)?
  [Oh-leh-mah-fah-ee-oh-nah-oh-oo-fah-ah-ee-loh-ah-ee-ah-ee-ee-leh-mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Aso e tali atu le...
  [Ah-soh-eh-tah-lee-ah-too-leh]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (i le ....)
  [Tee-keh-tee (ee-leh)]

Apia, the capital city of Samoa, has a rich Polynesian heritage that dates back thousands of years. The first settlers arrived in the Samoan archipelago around 1000 BCE, developing a sophisticated culture centered around communal living, fishing, and agriculture. The oral traditions, music, dance, and tattooing practices that originated during this period still thrive in Apia today.

The 19th century saw significant changes in Apia with the arrival of European explorers and missionaries. John Williams, a missionary from the London Missionary Society, arrived in 1830, beginning a wave of Christian influence that transformed Samoan society. Churches were built, and many Samoans converted to Christianity, which remains a dominant religion in Apia.

In the late 19th century, Apia became the focal point of international rivalry. The Tripartite Treaty of 1899 saw Samoa divided between Germany and the United States, with Apia becoming the capital of German Samoa. This period was marked by infrastructural development but also by political unrest and resistance from the Samoan people.

After World War I, control of Samoa, including Apia, was transferred to New Zealand under a League of Nations mandate. The 1920s and 1930s saw significant resistance to colonial rule, embodied in the Mau Movement. The movement, which advocated for Samoan independence and self-governance, gained widespread support in Apia. The tragic Black Saturday incident in 1929, where New Zealand police opened fire on peaceful protestors, left a lasting impact on the city.

Samoa, with Apia as its capital, achieved independence from New Zealand on January 1, 1962, becoming the first Pacific island nation to do so. Since independence, Apia has grown into a bustling urban center, blending modern amenities with traditional Samoan culture. Landmarks such as the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and the vibrant Maketi Fou market highlight the city's unique cultural and historical tapestry.

Apia, the capital city of Samoa, is most commonly accessed via Faleolo International Airport (APW), located about 40 minutes from the city center. Several international airlines operate flights to Apia from major hubs like Auckland, Sydney, and Honolulu. There are also regional flights from other Pacific islands. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or rental car to reach Apia.

Within Apia, taxis are the most convenient mode of transportation and are relatively affordable. Make sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey. Public buses are available and offer a unique, colorful experience, but schedules can be irregular. Rental cars are also an option for those looking to explore more independently. Traffic drives on the left side of the road.

The official currency in Samoa is the Samoan Tala (WST). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available in Apia, and currency exchange services can be found at banks and major hotels.

Apia is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The main police station and medical facilities, including the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, are located in Apia. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the city for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly outside of resort areas and when visiting villages. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always dress appropriately when visiting churches and remove your shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient, as buses may not run on strict schedules. Don't expect air conditioning on local buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a warm smile and a handshake. Use 'Talofa' for hello and 'Fa'afetai' for thank you. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Apia like a local, visit the Maketi Fou (New Market) where you can buy fresh produce, crafts, and Samoan delicacies. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a fiafia night to enjoy traditional Samoan music, dance, and food. For a unique experience, visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, the former home of the famous author.