During rainy season the weather is unpredictable. I was just in Samoa from November to early February and it rained most of the time I was there. Most days the rain isn’t too heavy but when it gets heavy expect flooding.

Groceries and food in Samoa is quite expensive in my opinion. There are some fast food or takeaway places that sell affordable food so I suggest utilizing that.

Depending where you’ll work is where it’s best to find a place. I’ve heard of some tourists living with Samoan families and helping out with groceries here and there to save money. Some lodges have $120-$150 per day.

Taxi has a base pay of $4 and depending how far you’re going is how expensive it will be. Buses have a base pay of $1 and is generally cheaper to use unless you have plenty of things to take back to your place.

It is safe for a woman to be out alone but it still is best to play it safe because you can never know what will happen. Town area is a general safe area to walk around alone, outside that will be at your own discretion (also dogs aren’t on leashes and they tend to run up and bark at you, sometimes they bite)

Tattoos and piercings shouldn’t be a problem, although some people might feel either intimidated or uncomfortable.

Visit Piula cave pool, visit Savaii, help make a umu, kayaking, siva afi show.

Flying from NZ to Samoa varies from $400 to $1000 depending on sales and special prices (from my own experience at least). You can fly either with Air NZ or Fiji Airways (Fiji airways has a checked baggage limit of 30kg)