
The Samoan tālā is the official currency of Samoa, and it's a great thing to know about if you're planning a trip to this beautiful Pacific island nation. It's divided into 100 sene.
You'll find that the tālā is issued by the Central Bank of Samoa, which is responsible for managing the country's monetary policy and regulating the banking system. The bank also sets the exchange rate for the tālā.
One thing to keep in mind is that the tālā is pegged to the Australian dollar, which means the exchange rate is fixed relative to the Aussie dollar. This can make it easier to budget and plan your trip.
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What is the Samoan Tālā?
The Samoan Tālā is the official currency of Samoa. It's divided into 100 sennin, which are further subdivided into 1,000 sāpī.
The Samoan Tālā is pegged to the Australian dollar at a fixed exchange rate, which is reviewed periodically by the Central Bank of Samoa. This helps maintain the currency's stability and value.
The Tālā is available in various denominations, including coins and banknotes, with the largest denomination being 100 Tālā.
Currency Name
The currency is subdivided into 100 sene.
You can exchange your money for Samoan Tālā at a bank or currency exchange office in Samoa, or you can withdraw it from an ATM using your debit or credit card.
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What is WST?
The Samoan Tālā (WST) is the national currency of Samoa. It's represented using the symbol WS$, SAT, ST, or T.
The WST subdivides into 100 sene, which is the Samoan equivalent to cents.
The Central Bank of Samoa is in charge of issuing and regulating the WST. They manage the exchange rate with foreign currencies and oversee commercial banks that deal in the money.
As of November 2022, a tala is equivalent to $0.35 U.S. dollars (USD). This exchange rate has been relatively steady, ranging between $0.38 to $0.46 since 2010.
Understanding the Samoan Tālā
The Samoan Tālā is the official currency of Samoa, and it's used in various financial activities. The exchange rate of the Tālā is influenced by economic indicators, such as inflation rates, GDP growth, and employment rates.

These indicators play significant roles in determining the value of the Tālā. Political stability and global market trends also impact the exchange rate.
The Tālā has a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar, and it's subdivided into 100 sene. The Central Bank of Samoa (CBOS) is responsible for managing the Tālā and maintaining its stability.
Here are some key facts about the Samoan Tālā:
Key Facts About
The Samoan Tālā is the official currency of Samoa, and it's a fascinating one to learn about. The currency name is simply "Samoan Tālā".
You might be wondering how to recognize the Samoan Tālā when you see it. The currency symbol is WS$, which is a unique identifier for this Pacific island nation's currency.
The Samoan Tālā is used in conjunction with a minor unit called the sene. This is an interesting aspect of the currency, and it's worth noting that the sene is a smaller unit of the Tālā.
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The central bank responsible for overseeing the Samoan Tālā is the Central Bank of Samoa, or CBOS for short. This organization plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the currency.
Here are the banknote denominations you can expect to find when using the Samoan Tālā: 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50. These denominations are widely recognized and accepted in Samoa.
The Samoan Tālā has been the official currency since 1967, and it's been a reliable store of value for the people of Samoa ever since.
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Subdivisions and Denominations
The Samoan Tālā is divided into smaller units called sene, with 100 sene making up one tala. This is a standard unit of currency in Samoa.
You'll find coins in various denominations, including 10, 20, and 50 sene, as well as 1 and 2 tala. These coins are widely accepted in Samoa.
Banknotes are also available in different denominations, ranging from 5 to 100 tala.
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Using the Samoan Tālā
The Samoan tālā is the official currency of Samoa and is subdivided into 100 sene.
You can exchange your money for Samoan tālā at a bank or currency exchange office, or withdraw it from an ATM.
The Samoan tālā is available in various denominations, including coins and banknotes.
You can also use credit cards and traveler's checks in some tourist areas.
The Samoan tālā is pegged to the Australian dollar at a fixed exchange rate.
It's a good idea to have some local currency with you when you arrive in Samoa, especially if you plan to take a taxi or public bus.
You can use ATMs to withdraw cash from your account, but be aware that you may be charged a fee by your bank.
Money Transfer and Exchange
Sending money to Samoa can be a bit tricky, but with the right information, it's easier than you think. You can use Western Union to send money online or from a physical location, and they have numerous locations in Samoa for easy cash pick-up.

Western Union offers several advantages, including convenience, speed, reliability, and an extensive network. They guarantee secure transactions and provide real-time exchange rates and transparent fee structures.
If you're sending a large amount of money, be aware that high fees and exchange rates can apply with your international bank. However, there are many alternative providers that offer better exchange rates, such as Monito, which can help you find the cheapest provider in real-time.
The tala is one of around 180 currencies worldwide, and its exchange rate can fluctuate over time due to economic, political, and market factors. With Monito's currency pages, you can follow the live exchange rate to the tala and set up smart email alerts to follow fluctuations.
Converting Australian Dollars (AUD) to Samoan Tala (WST) is straightforward with Western Union, and they offer a reliable platform to convert currencies. You can easily check the current exchange rate using Western Union's Samoan Tala currency converter.
Here are some key facts about the Samoan Tala:
When sending money to Samoa, it's essential to choose a reliable provider that offers competitive exchange rates. Western Union streamlines the process of transferring Samoan Tala, ensuring smooth and secure transactions.
Traveling and Transferring Money
Traveling to Samoa requires some planning when it comes to payment methods. Credit cards from VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.
Debit cards linked to your bank account can be used for purchases and cash withdrawals. However, cash is still necessary for small transactions, tips, and emergencies. You can exchange currency at a bank or exchange bureau before or upon arrival.
Mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are becoming popular, but check their availability in Samoa beforehand. A prepaid travel card is often the best option due to lower fees on tala currency exchange compared to credit or debit cards.
Here's a quick rundown of common payment methods in Samoa:
- Credit cards (VISA and Mastercard)
- Debit cards
- Cash
- Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay)
- Prepaid travel cards
If you're looking for a reliable prepaid travel card, consider Revolut, which offers excellent exchange rates and multi-currency balances. However, availability is limited to specific countries, including the US, UK, EU/EEA, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Chile.
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Benefits of Western Union Transfers
Sending money abroad can be a hassle, but Western Union makes it a lot easier. With their extensive network, you can pick up your cash in Samoa at one of their many locations.
Western Union is a trusted service used by millions worldwide, and they guarantee secure transactions. This gives you peace of mind when sending money to loved ones or friends.
You can easily send money online or from a physical location, making it a convenient option for busy travelers. Western Union also offers quick transfers, ensuring your funds reach the recipient promptly.
Here are the key benefits of using Western Union for your Samoan Tala transfers:
By choosing Western Union, you can have confidence in the reliability and security of your transactions.
Travelling to Samoa
Travelling to Samoa can be a bit tricky when it comes to payments. Credit cards from VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted, especially in touristy areas.
You can also use debit cards linked to your bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash. However, having some tala banknotes on hand is a good idea for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies.
Mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are becoming increasingly popular, but it's essential to check beforehand how available they are in Samoa.
If you're planning to travel to Samoa, consider using a prepaid travel card. These cards generally incur lower fees on tala currency exchange than credit cards or bank debit cards do.
Here are the payment methods you can use in Samoa:
- Credit cards (VISA and Mastercard)
- Debit cards (linked to your bank account)
- Cash (tala banknotes)
- Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay)
- Prepaid travel cards
Prepaid travel cards, like those offered by Revolut, are an excellent option for Samoa. They provide excellent exchange rates, multi-currency balances, and a travel debit card that allows you to spend like a local.
Key Information and Resources
The Samoan tālā is the official currency of Samoa, and it's used in both Samoa and American Samoa.
The tālā is subdivided into 100 sene.
To exchange your money for Samoan tālā, you can visit a currency exchange office or a bank in Samoa or American Samoa.
The most widely accepted credit cards in Samoa are Visa and Mastercard.
You can also use ATMs to withdraw cash in Samoan tālā, but be aware of any foreign transaction fees your bank may charge.
For the latest exchange rates, check the Reserve Bank of Samoa's website or consult with a currency exchange service.
Sources
- https://www.samoa.travel/samoa-travel-advice/currency-banks/
- https://wise.com/gb/currency-converter/currencies/wst-samoan-tala
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/forex/w/wst-samoan-tala.asp
- https://www.babypips.com/forexpedia/samoa-tala
- https://www.westernunion.com/blog/en/au/unlocking-the-samoan-tala-a-western-union-guide/
- https://www.monito.com/en/what-is-the-currency-in/samoa
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