Samoa Electrical Outlets & Power Plugs

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What is the Plug Type in Samoa?

In Samoa, the power plugs and sockets are Type 1. It has three flat pins: two angled ones and one straight one. Note that some appliances don’t have that straight bottom pin but they are still compatible with Samoa’s electrical outlets.

Other Countries That Use Type 1 Plugs

If you have visited any of the following countries, chances are that you already have a travel adapter that will work in Samoa.

American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Vanuatu.

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Samoa’s Voltage and Frequency

In Samoa, the electric current is 230 V 50 Hz. This means that the electrical current is 240 volts with 50 cycles per second.

If your country of origin uses a voltage that ranges between 220 and 240 V, then you will be able to use your appliances and gadgets in Samoa with no problem at all. This includes countries like New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the UK and the majority of Asia and Africa.

If you are from North or South America or any country that uses a voltage between 100 V and 127 V then you will need to have a power converter or transformer. Many travel adapters include this function so there is no need to get yourself two separate items – check out the Amazon selection.

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Will My Appliances Work in Samoa?

If you’re using appliances from a country that also use 220-240 V, then they will work in Samoa as long as they have a Type 1 output or you have a travel adapter. More on that later.

If coming from a country that uses 110/120 V, for example, then you should find that modern appliances, such as phones and laptops, are designed to use from 110 V to 240 V. Regardless, you should check the labels of all of the appliances that you intend to use in Samoa.

Appliances that don’t clearly state that they can be used for up to 230 V should not be used in Samoa’s electrical outlets. Otherwise, the higher voltage than required could damage your appliance (or worse). The most common types of appliances this applies to include hairdryers, electric razors and irons.

Do You Need a Convertor / Transformer for Samoa?

If the label on your appliance states a single voltage number, such as 110 V or 120 V, you will need a travel adapter which is also a voltage converter.

If the label has a combined low/high number, such as 120/240 V or 100/240 V, or a voltage of 200 or higher, you don’t need a converter.

Can You Use a 60 Hz Appliance in Samoa?

Samoa uses a 50 Hz outlet. Therefore, it is not recommended to use a 60 Hz appliance, even if the voltage of your appliance is compatible with Samoa. Using the wrong frequency (which is what Hz is) can cause appliances to stop functioning properly.

Again, check your appliance label. Some appliances work on both 50 and 60 Hz.

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Samoa Travel Adapters

Yes, regardless of the voltage, if your appliances are from a country that doesn’t use Type 1 power plugs then you will need a Samoa travel adapter. In other words, a Type 1 travel adapter.

Recommended Samoa Travel Adapters

• AC Power Travel Adapter (cheap)
• HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter (use it all over the world)
• BESTEK Travel Adapter (universal and converts voltage for US appliances).

For more details on these travel adapters and more, see the 5 Best Travel Adapters for Samoa.

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Are There USB Wall Sockets in Samoa?

While USB outlets are becoming more and more available across the world, you will rarely find them in Samoa, so they should not be relied on for power.

Some travel adapters, like this OREI Travel Adapter, have two USB inputs on them and are recommended if most of your appliances require a USB input.

See what other facilities to expect from accommodations in Samoa in How to Choose the Best Resort in Samoa for You, as well as Staying in a Beach Fale in Samoa + 10 Essential Tips!