What to Pack for American Samoa: American Samoa Packing List

American Samoa has consistently warm weather LINK#TT058 – an average high of around 30°C (85°F) in the day and lows of 24°C (75°F) – so light clothing is the way to go when packing for American Samoa.

Also, note that there are local customs when it comes to clothing, i.e. not wearing anything way too revealing, which is why we have included clothing items to "cover-up" in the below packing list.

Learn more about the local customs regarding clothing in American Samoan Etiquette: American Samoa Customs & Traditions LINK#TT033.

What Should I Pack for 5 Days, 1 Week, or 2 Weeks in American Samoa?

If staying in American Samoa for less than a week LINK#TI039, we recommend packing enough clothes for each day. If in American Samoa for more than a week LINK#TI038, then pack a week’s worth of clothes and make use of the laundry facilities in your accommodation.

If there are no laundry facilities available or your accommodation charges per laundry item (which is ridiculously expensive) you can use laundromats or pack some handwashing detergent.

Now, here’s a quick overview of what clothes to pack for American Samoa.

American Samoa Casual Clothing

• 4 Singlets/T-Shirts
• 2 Blouses/Shirts to cover the shoulders for church, visiting villages and exploring
• 2 Shorts/Skirts which are not too short so you can enjoy wearing them at both your resort and when out exploring
• 1 Light evening dress to impress at dinner
• 1 Dress/Skirt below the knee for church, going to town or villages, etc. We recommend light fabrics such as the sustainable bamboo dresses and skirts by Moso Morrow
• 1 Sarong (Lavalava) will be your best friend for hitting the beach and covering your swimwear in between swimming.
• 1 or 2 Light sleepwear if you're against sleeping in your undies
• 1 Light Cardigan/Pashmina/Poncho for windy/rainy days
• 1 Sports shorts/Leggings for hiking/active activities
• 1 Sports T-shirt/Singlet for hiking/active activities
• 1 Outfit to travel between American Samoa and home
• 3 Bras including strapless, sports and comfortable bras
• 6 Underwear
• 4 Socks.

American Samoa Swimwear

• 1 Bikini for resort beach/pool
• 1 One-piece for swimming tours/public beaches
• 2 Boardshorts for guys
• 1 Rash vest (we like sustainable Sharkskin rashies).

American Samoa Protective Clothing

• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Light shirt to cover arms and back
• Light rain jacket.

American Samoa Footwear

• Flip-flops/Sandals
• Walking shoes/Sneakers
• Reef shoes/Water shoes.

From the absolutely essential travel documents to the not-so-essential-but-good-to-have e-reader, this list of travel accessories has something for everyone but not necessarily everything for everyone. While we all have our preferences, here are some ideas on what travel accessories to pack for American Samoa. Pick and choose what applies to you!

American Samoa Travel Essentials and Paperwork

• Passport
• Boarding pass/booking paperwork
• Travel ticket/booking paperwork for travel out of American Samoa
• Accommodation contact details
• Credit/debit card LINK#TT005
• US Dollars LINK#TT009 (or cash to exchange in American Samoa LINK#TT010)
• Driver's license LINK#T040 (if renting a car)
• Medical prescription
• Travel insurance policy (optional).

Head to What Documents Do I Need to Travel to American Samoa LINK#TT045? for all the details on this all-essential paperwork.

American Samoa Travel Accessories and Electronics

• Snorkelling gear (if you’re not staying in a resort or prefer your own)
• Beach/Travel towel
• Waterproof camera
• Books/e-reader
• Phone
• Chargers for electronic devices
• Type I travel adapter 
• Lifestraw water bottle

American Samoa Travel Accessories for Kids

• Baby mosquito net
• Waterproof kids camera
• Go!: Kids Interactive Travel Diary
• Reusable Swim Diaper Training Pants
• GPS tracker/child locator
• Travel games
• Baby carrier
• Portable steriliser
• Baby formula
• Inflatables

See the 20 Tips for Your Family American Samoa Vacation with Kids LINK#TT041 for more information on some of the items mentioned.

American Samoa Food Packing List

While we don't generally recommend that you pack food for American Samoa, if you have dietary needs that are often hard to cater for abroad (aside from vegan/vegetarian LINK#TTD054 and gluten-free LINK#TTD056 - we've got you covered), then you may want to bring a few essential ingredients.

Everyone has their own morning routine and different toiletries they use, so this list may well have a few things you don’t use, as well as a few things missing.

If you’re trying to pack light and are staying in resorts and hotels, know that many accommodations in American Samoa provide shampoo, conditioner and soap in ensuite bathrooms.

A first aid kit is also important to address medical problems that commonly occur when holidaying in American Samoa, such as sunburn, heatstroke and mosquito bites. For more information on packing your own first aid kit, see What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for American Samoa.

American Samoa First Aid Kit

• Travel vaccine passport (vaccinations record LINK#TT026)
• Paracetamol
• Antihistamine pills or cream
• Oral rehydration sachets (medical electrolytes)
• Baby electrolytes
• Antacids
• Antidiarrhoeal pills e.g. loperamide
• Nasal drops
• Band-aids/plasters
• Butterfly closures
• Disinfectant wipes
• Gauzes
• Gloves
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• Elastic wraps
• Flight socks
• Antisceptic cream/spray
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Aloe vera soothing cream
• Hand sanitiser
• Multivitamins
• A copy of the emergency numbers in American Samoa
• Antibiotics if recommended by your GP.

For information on what each medication is for, again, check out What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for American Samoa.

American Samoa Toiletries and Other Medication

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Seasickness pills
• Prescription medication
• Shampoo/conditioner (if not staying in a resort/hotel)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Feminine hygiene products
• Soap (if not staying in a resort/hotel)
• Razor/hair removal
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Hairbrush/comb
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Deodorant.

For more health tips for travelling, see American Samoa Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to American Samoa?LINK#TT027

Finally, what are you going to pack it all into? Everyone has their preferences for luggage, but for American Samoa, a suitcase with wheels tends to be the best option. Most surfaces are sealed where you're going in American Samoa. But if you prefer travelling with a backpack; we don't need to convince you how versatile they are that they'll certainly work in American Samoa - especially when staying at a lodge or homestay.

Luggage to Take to American Samoa

• Beach bag/day pack that fits within the carry-on allowance of your chosen airline (usually 55cm x 40cm x 23cm / 21″ x 15″ x 9″) - we usually travel with Herschel's backpacks and tote bags
• Suitcase/backpack
• Small purse/camera bag
• Packing cubes.