Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Samoa or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
I visited Samoa for a surf trip and stayed near Maninoa. ATMs were only in Apia, and none nearby worked after dark. Withdrawing cash at night in Samoa is not unsafe, but impractical. Even international cards don’t always work, so I kept both USD and tala in hand.
Used a BSP ATM attached to a petrol station on Cross Island Road - around 9:30 PM. It was functional and decently lit, but the street was empty. Samoa feels peaceful, but after-dark banking isn’t recommended due to limited security staff or machine support. Use central Apia ATMs only if necessary.
I stayed in Lalomanu and learned quickly that there’s no late-night cash option outside Apia. Most places run on cash, and ATMs close or go offline by 8 PM. Definitely withdraw during the day, and carry tala with you - don’t rely on finding a working machine after dinner.
In Apia, I used an ANZ ATM near the Fugalei Market just before 10 PM. The area had a few taxis and street vendors, so I didn’t feel unsafe. That said, nighttime ATM availability in Samoa is limited. Machines in town work, but expect patchy access in beach resorts or villages.