Samoan tala (WST) is the official currency of the country. The name of the currency is derived from the word “dollar” and was transcribed in such an unusual way because of the local pronunciation rules. One tala is equal to 100 sene. This name also derives from the American “cent”. In Samoa, there are banknotes in the following denominations: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 tala. Coins are available in the following denominations: 1 tala and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 sene. Tourists can exchange money in banks in Apia only. Banks charge a commission of 5 dollars for the exchange service regardless of the exchanged sum.
Do not worry if you couldn’t exchange money on the arrival day. All hotels and shops in the capital accept New Zealand, Australian, and US dollars. Euro is also widely accepted. A visit to a local market is a great way to know the country better. Life never stops here, and visitors can choose from a range of crafts and items made by local companies and individual masters. The Flea Market in Apia is one of such places. It is possible to buy virtually anything here. There is also a fish market in the capital but it is open only early in the morning. Local fishermen come to sell their catch and leave. After that, the market is empty.
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