For meals, transport, tips - whats the safe amount to carry in Samoa ? Trying to plan a daily budget for a month long trip
From my experience, a daily transport budget of about ST$100 suits budget travelers using scooters or occasional bus rides. Eating local is economically smart and tasty. Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Always keep some cash in Tala as card payments can be limited in villages.
Samoa made me realize scooter rentals are the best value for local transport, costing around ST$10 per day plus fuel. For food, fresh local dishes like palusami or oka can be had for under ST$15. Ferries can be pricey but necessary if you want to explore outer islands. Expect to spend ST$120-150 daily here.
Planning a month-long trip? Carry roughly ST$150-180 daily. I preferred hiring a mid-range car with airport transfers, costing about ST$180 per day. Meals at roadside eateries are affordable, usually under ST$30. Use buses where possible; they're the cheapest option but not very frequent.
In Samoa, budget travelers spend about ST$100 daily on transport, mainly scooter rental and petrol. Food from local markets is cheap and tasty, averaging ST$20-30 for meals. Taxis and car rentals push the daily cost higher. Ferries connecting islands are around ST$80-$100 each way. A safe daily budget would be ST$150 including food and transport.