Where to Get the Cheapest Currency Exchange in American Samoa
Not an issue for most travellers to American Samoa LINK#TT038 coming from the US, but a fiddly and compulsory aspect of planning a trip to American Samoa for the rest of us is getting the local currency, US dollars.
Cash is king in American Samoa, and you'll need it to pay your way for most expenses, especially if you plan to visit the Manu'a Islands. Plus, in order to avoid using your credit/debit card and, in turn, paying unnecessary fees, it's a good idea to just pay one (or two) currency exchange fees and pay your way with cash.
But where are the best places to exchange money in American Samoa? Find out with this American Samoa currency exchange guide.
For more money advice, be sure to also check out What is the Best Way to Pay in American Samoa?
Table of Contents
Is it Better to Exchange Money in American Samoa?
The US dollar is the world's number one most traded currency globally, which means you'll often find better exchange rates overseas where there's more competition between currency exchange bureaus compared to within American Samoa itself.
If you have time before your trip, we recommend shopping around for the best rates in your home country. According to our very own travel manager, Robin, taking the time to compare rates can save you a decent amount, especially on larger exchanges.
However, what we don't recommend is exchanging currency at airports overseas before arrival. Airport exchange bureaus are notorious for poor rates and high fees - take it from someone who's fallen into this trap before.
If you don't have time to exchange before arrival, it's best done in Tutuila, which we'll dive into the details of in this article.
Currency Exchange at Banks in American Samoa
Banking options for currency exchange in American Samoa are extremely limited. The Territorial Bank of American Samoa (TBAS) is currently the only operating bank in the territory, making it your sole banking option for currency exchange.
Territorial Bank of American Samoa (TBAS) Currency Exchange
TBAS is the only remaining bank offering currency exchange services in American Samoa. While this limits your options, the bank does provide currency exchange for major international currencies to US Dollars (the official currency of American Samoa).
TBAS has only two branches, both located on Tutuila:
Centennial Branch (Pago Pago)
- Address: 716 Centennial Building, Pago Pago, American Samoa
- Hours: from 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday
- Saturday: CLOSED
Tafuna Branch
- Address: Tafuna Industrial Road
- Hours: from 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday
- Saturday: CLOSED
Planning Your Currency Exchange in American Samoa
The territory has gone through significant banking changes in recent years. Both Bank of Hawaii and ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank have closed their doors, leaving TBAS (Territorial Bank of American Samoa) as your only banking option.
This means you'll need to plan ahead more than you might expect.
TBAS operates two branches, but both close on weekends. Since many local businesses also have limited weekend hours, we recommend sorting out your currency exchange needs during the week.
If you're planning to use banking services, visit TBAS during their weekday hours (9 am to 3 pm). From what we've personally experienced, Mondays and Fridays can be absolutely hectic: that's when payrolls happen across the territory, and the queues can be enormous. Trust us, it's not worth wasting your precious holiday time waiting in line.
Our advice? Use a currency exchange bureau.
Currency Exchange Bureaus in American Samoa
Let's be honest – finding a place to exchange your money in American Samoa isn't exactly like popping into a bureau de change on every street corner. The territory's remote location and small population mean your options are pretty limited.
From our experience, No1 Currency/Western Union is your best bet for currency exchange. They've got the most locations dotted around the territory, which makes life a lot easier when you need to swap your dollars.
If you're catching a flight, Samoa Money Transfer/Exchange at Pago Pago Airport is incredibly handy – you can sort out your currency needs without even stepping outside the terminal.
Just remember that with so few options available, it's worth planning ahead rather than leaving it to the last minute.
No1 Currency/Western Union Locations in American Samoa
- Pago Pago Airport - from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm Sunday
- Leone – from 7:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday
- KS Mart - from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday
- Tradewinds – from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday (was not open on last visit)
- Nu'uuli – from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday
- Pava'ia'i (Haleck Building) – from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday
- Fagatogo (near the Visitors Bureau) – from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 5 pm Friday and 7:30 am to 2 pm Saturday
- Anua (near the cannery) – from 9 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 12 pm Saturday.
Samoa Money Transfer/Exchange Location
- Pago Pago Airport - from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm Sunday
What to Expect & Planning Your Currency Exchange
From our experience, exchange rates are slightly better at branches outside of the airport, though the difference is minimal and still not as favourable as what you can get for USD overseas.
Here's what you need to know to make your currency exchange as smooth as possible:
- Bring Your Passport: You'll need valid identification for any currency exchange transactions over US$1,000, and we recommend bringing your passport to avoid any hassles.
- Weekend Planning: With banks closed on weekends, currency exchange bureaus become your lifeline for weekend currency needs.
- Major Currencies Accepted: Currency exchange bureaus in American Samoa accept USD, EUR, JPY, WST, FJD, AUD, CNY, NZD and more, so you'll have plenty of options.
Withdrawing US Dollars from ATMs
More abundant across American Samoa than currency exchange bureaus and banks, ATMs are another worthy way to get US dollars in American Samoa with an overseas debit or credit card. You cannot, however, exchange foreign currency at an ATM; only make a withdrawal.
What International Cards Do American Samoa ATMs Accept?
American Samoa ATMs accept overseas debit and credit cards issued by Visa and MasterCard, as long as there is a four-digit PIN encoded.
There is likely to be a withdrawal fee for withdrawing currency from an ATM from an overseas bank account, usually around a US$3-$10 flat fee. Note that your bank is likely to charge a conversion surcharge of around 3-5%.
See Can You Use Your Credit or Debit Card in American Samoa? for more details.
Where Are the ATMs in American Samoa?
There are more than 20 ATMs in American Samoa, mostly found in Pago Pago, Tafuna and various shopping centres and stores across Tutuila Island. Several locations offer 24-hour access, including Pago Plaza, Laufou Shopping Center and LBJ Hospital.
You'll also find ATMs at Ofu Airport on Ofu Island and at Fitiuta Lodge Store on Ta'ū Island in the Manu'a Islands.
See a full list of ATM locations in Information, Shops & Services in American Samoa LINK#TTD096.
More About Money in American Samoa
That's it for our guide on the best places to exchange currency in American Samoa. For more about paying your way through your holiday, check out the following guides:
- What is the Best Way to Pay in American Samoa?
- Can You Use Your Credit or Debit Card in American Samoa?
- American Samoa Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to American Samoa Cost?
For more essential tips for your Am Sam getaway, check out the 30 Tips for Travelling in American Samoa LINK#TT042.
