The Ultimate Samoa Packing Checklist for First-Time Travelers

FCNZ Samoa Blog

8min read

Published 14 October 2024


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It’s official. Your tickets to Samoa are booked, you’re wrapping up your last day in office (and chucking the out-of-office on), and the excitement is starting to kick in as you envision a Long Island by the resort pool in just 24 hours’ time. Yet, one glaring obstacle stands in your way - packing your bags. Let’s face it, when you’re heading to the Pacific Islands you can bank on it being hot, but if you’re coming from the more temperate climate of Aotearoa, it can be tricky to know exactly how hot. Especially if it’s your first-time visiting the destination. Well, fear not, we’ve got you covered!  

Whether you’re going for a cute getaway with your mates or living out your best White Lotus fantasy with a cheeky, luxe, beach getaway, here’s your definitive guide for what to include when you head to Samoa!

Make sure you’ve checked your luggage allowance. Before you drag the Samsonite out of storage and put the washing machine into overload, check what your bag weight allowance is, and how many bags you’re allowed to take. Depending on the class of travel - i.e. Economy vs. Premium Economy - there may be a variation in quantity and weight that you’re allowed to take. The standard Air New Zealand allowance is 23kg, whilst a carrier like Emirates can often allow 30kg. Confirm this for your carry-on luggage as well. It pays to check - literally, so you don’t get hit with overweight fees on your luggage! 

What to take in your carry on

Your carry-on luggage needs to be lightweight and compact so that it can fit under the seat in front or in the lockers overhead on the plane. Make sure to load it with a book or device in case the plane isn’t equipped with personal screens at each seat. Plus, you’ll want to pack your phone, wallet and essential medication. If you’re taking a drink bottle to have on you in Samoa, ensure it’s empty before you go through customs and you can fill it up on the other side.  

Packing Blog
Packing Blog
Packing Blog

What to pack in your main suitcase

Make sure you include those bare necessities!

Shirts ✔️, pants ✔️, skirts ✔️, dresses ✔️, underwear ✔️, socks ✔️ - a never-ending list that we run through in our minds as we pack, and as we’re in the Uber on the way to the airport. We’ve all felt the panic of wondering whether you need 5 or 25 pairs of underwear for your 5-night holiday, and then throwing in 2 extra pairs to be safe. 

Well, here's exactly what you need to pack!

  • Lighter layers: Forget the knitted jumper and your puffer coat and throw in an extra pair of board shorts or loose shirt for lying by the pool. Samoa is a tropical environment and so you’ll most likely be spending your time in typical summer clothes.
  • Clothes to swim in: A trip to Samoa means a dip in the sea, and most likely in the resort pool also. Make sure to pack multiple pairs, so that a dash to the pool isn’t ruined by having to pull on an old, cold pair (and so you can show off your numerous, fashionable options!).
  • A Light Coat: Being a tropical island, it’s not uncommon for the rain to make an appearance. Take a light coat or jacket so you’ve got a bit of cover for if this happens.
  • Light sleeping clothes: Pyjama shorts and singlets will be your best friend in getting to sleep when the temperature is high.
  • Footwear: You’ll find yourself spending the majority of your time in your jandals or Birkenstocks, but having a pair of sneakers or nice shoes will be beneficial for hikes or heading out for dinner.
  • Something nice: Not necessarily your Sunday-best, but make sure to pack at least one nice outfit. You may find yourself wanting to dress up to go to one of the bars or to head somewhere different for dinner and having this on hand is essential. 
Packing Blog
Packing Blog
Packing Blog

Clothes covered ✅ But what about the other things you might need? 

  • The Travel Essentials: Passport, Phone (with boarding pass loaded), accommodation details, wallet and insurance information are your must haves at all times. Consider swapping some cash from NZD into Samoan Tala. You can easily arrange this at your local Travel Money when you’re organising your booking. You never know when you might need cash, so it pays to have it on hand.
  • Everything sun: Sunscreen, glasses, hat - if it’s got sun before it, you’ll likely want to take it. Make sure you have a good hat and your favourite pair of sunnies to help for those days spent basking in the island sun! Although it may not be as harsh as in Aotearoa, make sure to take a good brand of sunscreen with you. SPF30+ is recommended as a minimum but take SPF50+ so that you can bring it back and use it in NZ also! (Just keep in mind those size and liquid limits that are imposed by customs).
  • Toiletries: Make sure you pack these as soon as you’re able to do so, or to have the toiletry bag visible on the bathroom bench for you to pack before you leave. Include all the essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant.
  • Power Adaptor: Pro-tip - take a multi-tab with you. Samoa has the same plugs as we have here in New Zealand, so you won’t need to worry about an adaptor. A multi-tab can help you out in case your room has limited spots to plug in, allowing you to charge multiple things at the same time. Plus, when it comes to packing to return home, it means all your cords are in one location rather than spread out across the room!
  • Entertainment options: If you’ve got some downtime you may want something easy to do. Packing a handheld console (especially for the kids) or an iPad is a great way to pass the time. Make sure you also have a great book on hand - you’ll likely have plenty of downtime during your holiday, and sunbathing by the pool can only be enhanced by a cocktail in one hand and a good book in the other. Most streaming services allow you to download a few episodes to a device too, so having these at the ready can be a lifesaver! 

Lastly, take a look at your plan for while you’re there and consider what those events or activities may require. Are you planning to snorkel? What about hiking? If you’re in need of some ideas before you go, then we’ve got you covered also! 

  • You could explore beneath the waves with Snorkelling in Namu’a Island Lodge. Part of the Aleipata Islands, the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon surrounding Namu’a just out of a volcanic reef and is abundant with marine life. There are spots right off the beach and between white poles, that mark a marine reserve area you can explore. Note if you opt to do this, you will need to bring your own snorkelling gear or hire it from Upolu before you head to Namu’a.
  • Want to sleep beneath the stars? Then a night in the Fales could be just what you’re after. The stunning Coconut Beach Club Resort and Spa boasts luxurious overwater Fales offering you a memorable family experience, or a romantic escape. Ask one of our amazing Travel Experts about how to make this dream a reality.
  • Looking to indulge in delectable local cuisine? Whilst it’s essential to check out our Best Places to Eat guide, one of our forever favourites is the Bistro Tatau in Apia. A bold approach to European, Mediterranean and Australian flavours, it interweaves the essence of the South Pacific for an unrivalled experience. Not to mention they’re heavily accoladed, having won Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor every year since 2013. This is a must-do for foodies, and you’ll want to ensure you’ve packed something nice to wear to really elevate the experience. 

Ready to pack your bags? Book your Samoa holiday package today!

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