What is the Currency of American Samoa?

American Samoa uses the US Dollar and Cent. Prices in American Samoa are usually written as a dollar symbol ($), while internationally, the currency is displayed as "USD" or "US$". 100 Cents equals one Dollar.

US Cent Coins

Coins come in values of 1¢, 5¢, 10¢ and 25¢.

US Dollar Bank Notes

Notes come in values of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

In this section, we will cover a few aspects of the money culture in American Samoa, as a couple of things may be different from back home.

Tipping in American Samoa

Tipping is not expected or customary in American Samoa. Unlike many tourist destinations, there is no established tipping culture in the territory. If you wish to leave a gift for good service, you're welcome to, but it is absolutely up to you whether or not to choose to tip and to choose the value.

The lack of tipping culture reflects American Samoa's small, close-knit community, where service is often provided as part of traditional hospitality rather than with the expectation of additional payment.

Learn more about the tipping culture in American Samoa Tipping & Tax Guide for Travellers.

Cash or Card?

Cash is absolutely king in American Samoa. Cash in US Dollars is not only the most accepted form of payment, but often the only form of payment accepted. It's essential to always have enough US Dollars in cash available to pay your way.

Many businesses throughout American Samoa operate as cash-only establishments. As one local business owner explained during our last research trip: "Credit Card, no, because we don't have a machine" - this sentiment is echoed across car rental companies, shops, restaurants and service providers throughout the territory.

Very few stores and restaurants accept foreign credit and debit cards due to limited payment processing infrastructure. When cards are accepted, MasterCard is typically the most reliable option, but always confirm payment methods before making purchases or bookings.

Learn more about which credit cards are accepted in Can You Use Your Credit or Debit Card in American Samoa?

All ATM withdrawals in American Samoa are in US Dollars. The Territorial Bank of American Samoa (TBAS) operates the limited ATM network, while No1 Currency/Western Union locations provide currency exchange services for international visitors.

Alternative payment methods are emerging among some businesses, including PayPal transfers and bank transfers, as creative solutions to limited credit card infrastructure.

Since American Samoa uses the US Dollar as its official currency, US visitors don't need currency exchange, while international visitors should exchange to USD before arrival or at the limited exchange locations available. More advice on currency exchange can be found in The Best Place to Exchange Currency in American Samoa.

Learn more about payment options using our guide to The Best Payment Methods in American Samoa.

Currency can be exchanged in banks and local currency exchange outlets located at Pago Pago Airport and around Tutuila's commercial areas like Fagatogo, Nu'uuli and Tafuna. Overseas exchange rates tend to be better than what is found in American Samoa. Find out more in The Best Place to Exchange Currency in American Samoa.

There are no restrictions on how much cash you can bring into American Samoa, but you will need to declare, complete a cash reporting form and pay duty on more than US$10,000 through Customs. Find out more in Arriving in American Samoa: Airport Customs, Quarantine & Arrival Process.

When withdrawing money from an ATM in American Samoa, the money will be in US Dollars. ATMs are available in both Tutuila and Manu'a Islands, as listed in the Information, Shops & Services in American Samoa LINK#TTD096.

What are the Exchange Rates Like for the US Dollar?

The US Dollar is typically quite expensive when compared to the New Zealand, Australian and Canadian Dollar, Euro, Fijian Dollar, Tongan Pa'anga and Samoan Tala, so if exchanging from these currencies, be sure to compare exchange rates between banks and currency exchange bureaus, ideally before arriving in American Samoa.

American Samoa's banks have extremely limited operating hours, open between 9 am and 3 pm, Monday to Friday only. Unlike many destinations, banks are completely closed on Saturdays, making weekend banking impossible.

Banking options in American Samoa are severely limited. The territory currently has only one operating bank - the Territorial Bank of American Samoa (TBAS). While historically there were three banks, including Bank of Hawaii and ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank, these international banks no longer operate in American Samoa, leaving TBAS as the sole banking provider.

TBAS operates just two branches serving the entire territory:

• Centennial Branch (Pago Pago) - 716 Centennial Building
• Tafuna Branch - Tafuna Industrial Road

The ATM network is primarily operated by TBAS at major shopping centres around Tutuila, while there is the odd ATM in the Manu'a Islands. Some international credit or debit cards should work in TBAS ATMs as long as your card has a four-digit PIN code and is MasterCard compatible. We strongly recommend letting your bank know before visiting American Samoa so that they don't lock your card for being used overseas.

For details on banks and ATMs across all of the islands, start with our Information, Shops & Services in American Samoa LINK#TTD096.

Travelling to American Samoa involves a few taxes worth knowing about before you go. The territory has an 8% import tax built into retail prices, making everyday items more expensive than mainland US prices, but still on par or cheaper than New Zealand, Australia and Independent Samoa. You'll also encounter a 5% government tax on hotel accommodation at checkout, though larger hotels often include this in their quoted rates.

The good news? There's no departure tax when leaving American Samoa. However, flights from the US include a federal tax of approximately US$13.40 for international travel, and there's a US$4.50 passenger facility charge built into your ticket price.

For the complete breakdown of all taxes, tipping customs, and budgeting tips, read our full American Samoa Tipping & Tax Guide for Travellers.