Unlock Samoa’s tropical delights!
Gear up for an unforgettable island adventure by converting your Aussie dollars to Samoan Tālā. With Tālā in hand, you are ready to explore Samoa’s lively culture. Explore traditional Fales and enjoy festive ava ceremonies. Convert your NZD to WST today and prepare for your fill of sun-soaked and culturally enriching experiences!
At Travel Money NZ, we provide great rates for buying Samoan Tala. You can visit one of our many branches across New Zealand for in-person exchanges.
Choose us for currency exchange as delightful as Samoa’s renowned hospitality!
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We know holiday budgeting can be a snooze fest, but it's important! Just pop in your trip details, and our clever tools will mix crowd-sourced Numbeo data with our exchange rates to show you how much to bring. Easy as!
How to save money on your Samoan adventure
Making the most of your Samoan Tala is a breeze! From indulging in fresh seafood at beachside restaurants to paying entry fees for cultural gems, your Tala goes a long way.
- Keep an eye on the Samoa dollar to NZD exchange rate before your trip and shop local for handcrafted treasures—bargaining adds a fun twist to your experience.
- Explore small, family-run eateries for authentic dishes that won’t break the bank.
- Budget for must-see spots like the To Sua Ocean Trench and traditional performances, where every Tala spent creates lasting memories.
All about Samoan currency
A quick guide to money in Samoa
The Samoan Tala (WST) is a shining symbol of the islands' vibrant culture and natural beauty. Each note and coin are a celebration of Samoa, featuring designs that highlight breathtaking landscapes, traditional symbols, and the stories of national pride.
Whether it’s the lively colours of the notes or the cultural nods etched into the coins, the Tala carries the essence of Samoa’s rich heritage in every transaction.
Cash rate
Purchase in store
*Online rate not available in store
Card rate
Purchase in store
Code
WST
Symbol
T
Coins
$1, $2, 10, 20, 50
Banknotes
$2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
Samoan notes and coins
In Samoa, the notes and coins are largely similar to the New Zealand versions. Since 2011, the coins in circulation have been worth 10, 20 and 50 sens, joined by the 1 and 2 tālā coins.
Notes were also updated in 2011, and you’ll never guess how much they’re worth. Yep, they’re 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 tālā. Even Samoa’s currency is relaxing!
Fun facts about Samoan cash
- The 10 sene coin, with its depiction of a traditional kava bowl, is a subtle homage to Samoan ceremonies and culture.
- Interestingly, prices in Samoa are often rounded to the nearest 10 sene, saving you the hassle of dealing with the smallest coins.
- Even the Tala’s notes are a sight to behold, featuring vibrant designs that honour the nation’s lush landscapes, cultural symbols, and historical landmarks.
Travel Money Trivia - Samoa edition
- Tālā is just the local translation of ‘dollars’. So it’s only fitting that the tālā is divided into 100 sene, which means – well you can probably guess.
- Up until 2011, the coins in circulation were printed with tropical fruit and wildlife, such as a palm tree, cocoa beans, and even a pineapple. Groovy.
- Samoan coins and banknotes are actually produced in Australia.
- The WS$ symbol stands for ‘Western Samoa Dollars’, referencing the old name of the nation.
Good to know
- Have some cash on hand for markets and roadside snacks, as not all places take cards.
- And always withdraw in Samoan Tala at ATMs to avoid extra fees, keeping more for tropical cocktails and adventures. With a little planning, your Tala will unlock Samoa’s best, from culture to cuisine.
Why exchange with us?
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Getting the best exchange rate for your NZD to WST conversion is important for a fun and easy time in Samoa. With Travel Money NZ, getting Samoan Tala is easy, freeing up time for you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and rich culture of Samoa.