Samoa – often grouped or confused with American Samoa – used to be known as Western Samoa until 1997. Before that, the country was under New Zealand rule until (Western) Samoa declared independence.
Samoa is probably the country with the most generous visa policy – no visa is needed to enter the country. Anyone from any nationality can stay in the country visa-free for 60 days (except for US nationals living in American Samoa – they need to apply first). Those from the European Union (or European Economic Area) can stay visa-free for 90 days (in any 180-day period).
Like most Pacific nation islands, Samoa has a lot of stunning nature to see and explore. Fantastic resorts and beaches. And, of course, clear waters – I bet you will share you experiences on Instagram with #GoodLife (at least, I know I would).
The thing is, browsing and posting on Instagram can consume a lot of data, especially if you use the app a lot. This is usually not a concern if you have a reasonable data plan. However, international roaming is not included in most regular plans. Moreover, international roaming can be expensive.
If you are not careful, you could get a roaming bill in the hundreds, thousands, or even millions (depending on your currency, of course), which is certainly not worth it.
That is why you should get a local prepaid SIM card, like a Samoan one, so that you can take advantage of local rates. Luckily for you, you are in for a treat in Samoa.
You can get a Samoan SIM card for free as a tourist or traveler from Vodafone or Digicel. However, you will be encouraged to buy a plan costing at least 20 WST (7.30 USD). Regular SIM cards are available for 5 WST (1.80 USD) or 10 WST (3.65 USD). A data plan with 7 GB will cost you at least 11 WST (36.70.05 USD).
Those are genuinely affordable prices, especially compared to the rest of the region. Moreover, Samoa is one of the 20 countries with the lowest mobile data rates. Additionally, coverage and speeds have significantly improved over the years.
So you better grab yourself a Samoan SIM card to stay connected at affordable prices.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Samoa. Let's get started, shall we?
Original publication: 19th of January 2020. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Samoa?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Samoa, I recommend going with either Vodafone or Digicel. Vodafone has the most extensive coverage and more variety in plans. Digicel has the widest 4G/LTE range and is the cheapest. It also has attractive plans (Prime Bundles) if you use certain apps.
Samoa has two mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Vodafone Samoa (formerly Bluesky Samoa)
- Digicel Samoa
Anyone, including tourists and visitors, can buy a Samoan SIM card with some restrictions.
Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of purchase.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Samoan SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can get a Samoan SIM card in the official stores of Vodafone and Digicel. Some airports may sell (tourist) SIM cards (at higher prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Samoan SIM cards:
Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned earlier.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date WST (Samoan Tālā) to your currency (let's say NZD – New Zealand Dollar) exchange rates.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between WST and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 WST = 0.35 USD
- 10 WST = 3.65 USD
- 100 WST = 36 USD
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Samoa
The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.
Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.
This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).
If you want a local Samoan eSIM, you are out of luck because the mobile operators do not sell them (to prepaid customers).
If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for Samoa.
Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for Samoa and even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my Samoa eSIM buying guide.
Here is a quick introduction to your Samoa travel eSIM options:
- Airalo: Faaf Mobile (Samoa only) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
Use this discount code when getting this travel eSIM:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my Samoa eSIM buying guide.
Samoan Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Vodafone Samoa & Digicel Samoa, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what Samoan mobile operators can offer us.
Vodafone Samoa (Formerly Bluesky Samoa)
Vodafone Samoa, just Vodafone, but used to be known as Bluesky Samoa, is the largest operator in Samoa. It is, however, unknown how far ahead they are of Digicel Samoa, which decided to enter the Samoan market in 2006.
Vodafone uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
This is what you will learn about Vodafone:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Vodafone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Vodafone Samoa (Formerly Bluesky Samoa)
Vodafone has extensive coverage throughout Samoa (Upolu and Savai'i).
Coverage can only be found on the two main islands, which are Upolu and Savai'i. Upolu is the most populated island. Which, in turn, makes it have better coverage than Savai'i.
Below is Vodafone's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Vodafone's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Vodafone Samoa (Formerly Bluesky Samoa)
Vodafone SIM cards can be purchased for 10 WST with 5 WST credit in Vodafone stores.
You can check your Vodafone phone number by dialing *888#.
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get a Vodafone Tourist SIM card sold at Faleolo International Airport (Samoa International Airport).
Although the Tourist SIM card itself is free, you will be highly encouraged to select the Tourist Package. The following one Tourist Package is available:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | International Minutes 1 | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 WST | Tourist SIM | 20 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 100 minutes | Unlimited | 15 days |
1 for Australia & New Zealand
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vodafone Samoa (Formerly Bluesky Samoa)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodafone Samoa (Formerly Bluesky Samoa)
Vodafone has two data-featured prepaid plans: All In One Bundles (combo) & Data Bundles.
All Vodafone plans can be activated by dialing *888#.
I will list all the prices in WST (Samoan Tala).
To convert WST to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
All In One Bundles – Vodafone Samoa (Formerly Bluesky Samoa)
The All In One Bundles are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following All In One Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *888#:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | International Minutes 1 | On-Net SMS | Off-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 WST | Fiafia Tele 3 | 1 GB | 30 minutes | N/A | N/A | 30 SMS | N/A | 1 day |
| 3 WST | Malo+ 3 | 2 GB | Unlimited | 10 minutes | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 24 hours |
| 5 WST | Fiafia Tele 5 | 2 GB | 50 minutes | N/A | N/A | 50 SMS | N/A | 1 day |
| 7 WST | Fiafia Tele 7 | 3 GB | 70 minutes | N/A | N/A | 70 SMS | N/A | 2 days |
| 10 WST | Fiafia Tele 10 | 4 GB | 100 minutes | N/A | N/A | 100 SMS | N/A | 4 days |
| 10 WST | Malo+ 10 | 4 GB | Unlimited | 15 minutes | 10 minutes | Unlimited | 15 SMS | 4 days |
| 13 WST | Fiafia Tele 13 | 7 GB | 130 minutes | N/A | N/A | 130 SMS | N/A | 7 days |
| 13 WST | Malo+ 13 | 7 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 20 minutes | Unlimited | 30 SMS | 7 days |
| 15 WST | Fiafia Tele 15 | 13 GB | 150 minutes | N/A | N/A | 150 SMS | N/A | 7 days |
| 15 WST | Malo+ 15 | 13 GB | Unlimited | 40 minutes | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 7 days |
| 18 WST | Malo+ 18 | 18 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 7 days |
| 21 WST | Fiafia Tele 21 | 21 GB | 210 minutes | N/A | N/A | 210 SMS | N/A | 7 days |
| 21 WST | Malo+ 21 | 21 GB | Unlimited | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | Unlimited | 60 SMS | 7 days |
| 29 WST | Fiafia Tele 29 | 29 GB | 290 minutes | N/A | N/A | 290 SMS | N/A | 28 days |
| 29 WST | Malo+ 29 | 29 GB | Unlimited | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | Unlimited | 60 SMS | 7 days |
| 50 WST | Malo+ 50 | 50 GB | Unlimited | 70 minutes | 70 minutes | Unlimited | 70 SMS | 14 days |
| 79 WST | Malo+ 79 | 79 GB | Unlimited | 79 minutes | 79 minutes | Unlimited | 79 SMS | 28 days |
| 100 WST | Malo+ 100 | 100 GB | Unlimited | 200 minutes | 100 minutes | Unlimited | 200 SMS | 28 days |
1 for Australia & New Zealand
Data Bundles – Vodafone Samoa (Formerly Bluesky Samoa)
The Data Bundles are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).
The following Data Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *888#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 WST | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 1 hour |
| 2 WST | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 2 hours |
| 3 WST | Unlimited 3 | Unlimited | 3 hours |
| 3 WST | Super Data $3 | 1 GB | 1 day |
| 5 WST | Super Data $5 | 2 GB | 2 days |
| 6 WST | Super Data $6 | 3 GB | 3 days |
| 10 WST | Super Data $10 | 5 GB | 4 days |
| 13 WST | Super Data $13 | 7 GB | 7 days |
| 15 WST | Super Data $15 | 13 GB | 7 days |
| 21 WST | Super Data $21 | 17 GB | 7 days |
| 30 WST | Super Data $30 | 50 GB | 7 days |
| 50 WST | Super Data $50 | 70 GB | 10 days |
| 60 WST | Super Data $60 | 60 GB | 28 days |
| 99 WST | Super Data $99 | 99 GB | 28 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Vodafone Samoa (Formerly Bluesky Samoa)
- Name: Vodafone
- APN: 4g.vodafone
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Digicel Samoa
Digicel Samoa, just Digicel, is the other operator in Samoa. Before Digicel entered the Samoan market in 2006, Vodafone Samoa (which was called Bluesky back then) used to monopolize the telecom market in Samoa. Digicel's competition, and other factors, forced Vodafone Samoa to lower its prices to stay competitive.
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
This is what you will learn about Digicel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Digicel Samoa
Digicel has extensive coverage throughout Samoa (Upolu and Savai'i).
There will not be any coverage on the other Samoan islands (Apolima, Manono, and the Aleipata Islands (Fanuatapu, Namua, Nu'ulua & Nu'utele).
Since September 2020, all of Digicel's towers are 4G/LTE compatible. Digicel managed to do that faster than Vodafone Samoa. However, that does not mean that your phone will not fall back to 2G or 3G – it will happen but not as often anymore.
Below is Digicel's coverage map produced by Speedtest.
SIM Card Price – Digicel Samoa
You can get a Digicel SIM card for free in the Digicel store. You can also get the free SEKI SIM+ Offer. However, you need to recharge at least 5 WST to take advantage of the New SEKI SIM+ offer.
Visitors and tourists can get the Digicel Visitor SIM for free at Faleolo International Airport (Samoa International Airport) or the Digicel store. You need to show your boarding pass and passport to get your free Tourist SIM. You can only add Tourist Plans to the Digicel Visitor SIM.
SEKI SIM+ Offer – Digicel Samoa
The SEKI SIM+ offer is an offer giving you free data (up to 4 GB), minutes (50 minutes), and SMS (up to 400 SMS) when you top up at least 5 WST for four months in a row.
Below is an overview of all the SEKI SIM+ Offer benefits:
| Month | Top-Up | Free Data | Free Local Minutes | Free Local SMS | Benefits Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st month | => 5 WST | 1 GB | 50 minutes | 100 SMS | 24 hours |
| 2nd month | => 5 WST | 2 GB | 50 minutes | 200 SMS | 24 hours |
| 3rd month | => 5 WST | 3 GB | 50 minutes | 300 SMS | 24 hours |
| 4th month | => 5 WST | 4 GB | 50 minutes | 400 SMS | 24 hours |
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel Samoa
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Digicel Samoa
Digicel has four data-featured prepaid plans:
I will list all the prices in WST (Samoan Tala).
To convert WST to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Prime Cheehoo Bundles – Digicel Samoa
The Prime Cheehoo Bundles are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Prime Cheehoo are available, which you can activate by dialing the *123#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Internationl Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 WST | 1 Day Prime Cheehoo | 1 GB | 1 GB | 30 minutes | N/A | 30 minutes | 1 day |
| 5 WST | 1 Day Prime Cheehoo | 2 GB | 1 GB | 50 minutes | N/A | 50 minutes | 1 day |
| 7 WST | 3 Day Prime Cheehoo | 3 GB | 2 GB | 70 minutes | N/A | 70 minutes | 3 days |
| 11 WST | 7 Day Prime Cheehoo | 4 GB | 3 GB | 110 minutes | N/A | 110 minutes | 7 days |
| 13 WST | 7 Day Prime Cheehoo | 8 GB | 5 GB | Unlimited | 15 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 15 WST | 7 Day Prime Cheehoo | 12 GB | 5 GB | Unlimited | 20 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 21 WST | 7 Day Prime Cheehoo | 21 GB | 5 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 60 WST | 28 Day Prime Cheehoo | 60 GB | 10 GB | Unlimited | 60 minutes | Unlimited | 28 days |
1 for BiP, DigicelTV, GoLoud & Loop (so you would have the said data allowance per app, aka 1 GB for BiP, 1 GB for GoLoud, 1 GB for Loop, etc., if the data allowance says “1 GB/app”)
Unlimited Data Plans – Digicel Samoa
The Unlimited Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Unlimited Data Plans are available, which you can activate by dialing *123#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 WST | Unlimited | 1 hour |
| 2 WST | Unlimited | 2 hours |
| 3 WST | Unlimited | 3 hours |
| 5 WST | Unlimited | 12:00am – 6:00am |
Supa Seki Data Plans – Digicel Samoa
The Supa Seki Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Supa Seki Data Plans are available, which you can activate by dialing *123#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 3 WST | 1 GB | 1 day |
| 5 WST | 2 GB | 2 days |
| 7 WST | 3 GB | 3 days |
| 11 WST | 5 GB | 5 days |
| 21 WST | 15 GB | 7 days |
| 60 WST | 60 GB | 28 days |
Big On Data Plans – Digicel Samoa
The Big On Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Big On Data Plans are available, which you can activate by dialing *123#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 WST | Big On Data 1 Day | 5 GB | 1 day |
| 10 WST | Big On Data 3 Day | 10 GB | 3 days |
| 15 WST | Big On Data 5 Day | 15 GB | 5 days |
| 20 WST | Big On Data 7 Day | 20 GB | 7 days |
| 50 WST | Big On Data 14 Day | 50 GB | 14 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Digicel Samoa
- Name: Digicel
- APN: web.digicelsamoa.ws
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Samoa
Getting a SIM card from Vodafone or Digicel would do you well when considering a Samoan SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.