What is the Best Way to Pay in American Samoa?

Cash is by far the most accepted payment method in American Samoa. Unlike other Pacific destinations, US visitors don't need to exchange currency since American Samoa uses the US Dollar as its official currency. However, international visitors will need to obtain USD either before arrival or while on the main island, Tutuila.

There are many instances where cash is the only accepted payment method, such as entry fees for beaches, to pay for most accommodations, as well as buses, taxis, the market and small shops, most tour operators, alia boat transfers and more.

However, like anywhere in the world, most travellers don’t like to travel with all the cash they will need for one holiday for obvious security reasons. We recommend withdrawing cash from ATMs every few days or exchanging foreign currency at banks or currency exchange bureaus, where possible. On the other hand, you don't want to make separate withdrawals too often in order to save on withdrawal fees.

How to Get US Dollars 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. 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. Check out the ATM locations across both islands in our Information, Shops & Services in American Samoa LINK#TTD096.

You can withdraw US Dollars from ATMs using overseas debit and credit cards but note there will be foreign exchange fees applied by your bank, as well as a withdrawal fee from the ATM.

Another way to get US Dollars in American Samoa is to exchange currency at the local bank or currency exchange bureaus. Banks can be found in Pago Pago and Tafuna on Tutuila. Compare all of your foreign exchange options using The Best Places to Exchange Currency in American Samoa.

For ease and security, paying by credit or debit card is a popular payment option at Tutuila's largest hotels, as well as Tutuila's restaurants, cafes and shops. However, there are many instances where vendors do not accept credit or debit cards, so it’s best to always have enough cash available.

Get an idea of how much money to have available each day by using our guide, American Samoa Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to American Samoa Cost? LINK#TT008

Which Credit and Debit Cards are Accepted in American Samoa?

MasterCard is the most accepted brand of credit and debit cards in American Samoa, as long as they have a four-digit PIN code. Some vendors also accept Visa and American Express.

Credit and Debit Card Charges

Your credit or debit card’s issuing bank will likely have a fee for a “foreign currency service”, which is typically 1-3% of the transaction in your home currency. This fee is often also applied when using an ATM in American Samoa. Note that almost all local businesses apply a card fee of 3-5% for each transaction, making this an expensive form of payment, especially if used frequently.

Learn more about using a bank card to pay your way through American Samoa in our complete guide, Can You Use Your Credit or Debit Card in American Samoa?

PayPal has become a surprisingly popular payment method across American Samoa, offering visitors a convenient alternative to cash transactions. You'll find that many convenience stores, accommodations like guesthouses and homestays, car rental companies and restaurants now accept PayPal payments.

The setup is charmingly straightforward. Most businesses simply stick a piece of paper at the counter with their PayPal email address, allowing you to send payments directly from your mobile device.

Like paying via credit card, PayPal does incur transaction fees of 3.4-5% depending on the country your account is associated with. On the other hand, it's a practical solution that works well for both locals and tourists who prefer digital transactions.

For travellers doing a round-the-world trip or travelling often, travel money cards are a secure and easy option for paying overseas.

Also called travel prepaid cards, travel money cards allow you to load your own prepaid funds in your local currency that you can then spend in one of the selected currencies your chosen travel money card allows.

There are many travel money cards available out there that have US Dollars as an applicable currency. However, in most cases, you will only be able to use travel money cards in American Samoa if it is a MasterCard card.

Banks, exchange bureaus, airlines and a wide array of businesses offer travel money card products, each with its own rates and fees. Typically, you will pay an exchange rate with each purchase, pay a rate to load your card, and pay a fee to transfer funds to your bank account.

Bear this in mind when weighing up your payment options for American Samoa.

Online transfers (also called telegraphic transfers) are a handy way to pay for your accommodation, shopping and tours in American Samoa. You can sort everything out online or pay in advance, which is brilliant for planning ahead.

But here's the catch: they come with the highest fees of all payment methods. Your bank will likely hit you with both an exchange fee and a transfer fee, and we've seen these reach up to US$100!

If you're set on using online transfers, we'd recommend skipping your bank and using a foreign exchange broker instead. These money transfer services offer much better exchange rates and lower fees because they specialise in currency trading.

We're big fans of Wise for their competitive rates and transparent pricing. XE Money is another solid choice that sometimes charges no fees at all. Most transfers arrive within a week, which is pretty speedy.

Of course, Western Union remains the most well-known option if you prefer sticking with a household name.