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Although Samoa’s small economy has been growing steadily over the last few years, its citizens are still dependent on remittances from family members in Australia and around the world to help with daily expenses.
Australia has strong ties with the small Pacific nation and a number of trade programs in place to help them build a stronger economy. This includes scholarship programs to help build skills and a seasonal worker program that allows Samoan citizens to work in Australia’s horticultural industry. With so much support between the two nations, there is a demand for secure means of transferring money from Australia to Samoa. An online money transfer service with cash pickup, bank account to bank account and airtime transfers available.International Money Transfer Offer
WorldRemit International Money Transfers
International Money Transfer Offer
The “Rate” and “Amount Received” displayed are indicative rates that have been supplied by each brand or gathered by Finder.
Exchange rates are volatile and change often. As a result, the exchange rate listed on Finder may vary to the actual exchange rate quoted for the brand. Please confirm the actual exchange rate and mention “Finder” before you commit to a brand.
Curious to find the least expensive way to do this before going back to Australia this year, Losefa takes the time to research some of his money transfer options by researching how much he spends in fees to send his family $1,000 Australian dollars (AUD) and how much they receive in Samoan Tala (WST).
| Bank | Money transfer service | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | AUD 1.00 = WST 1.79 | AUD 1.00 AUD = WST 1.97 |
| Transfer fee | AUD 20 | $15 |
| Amount received for $1,000 AUD – in WST | WST 1,784.30 | WST 1,966.39 |
| Transfer time | Two to three business days | Ten minutes |
| Transfer options | Bank to bank transfer | Pick up at an agency |
| Difference | WST 182.09 |
Losefa’s research showed him that the money transfer company put more of his money into the pocket of his family. When looking over the math he realised that when you include the difference in bank fees, he was losing almost AUD 94 every time he sent AUD 1,000 home. To do the same type of research that Losefa did, you will want to look at the following features of both banks and money transfer companies:
With the amount of workers, students and citizens of Samoa in Australia, a number of banks and money transfer companies have recognised the demand for reliable means of transferring money. You will find that the following banks and transfer companies are equipped to send money from Australia to Samoa:
Compare services for sending money to Samoa
Back to topIf you find yourself in a situation where you need a cash transfer while on vacation in Samoa, you have a few options:
Both MoneyGram and Western Union have agents set up in Samoa where cash pick ups can be made. Before leaving for any location make sure that you have your identification with you and the money transfer reference number. Below you will find a few locations that may be convenient for you to pick up your money:
Laulii
Apia, Apia 814
Phone: +685-25623
Open Seven days a week from 8am to 6pm
Savaii, Savaii 814
Phone: +685-25623
Open Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm. Saturday 8:30am to 1:30pm. Sunday closed.
Fagamalo
Savaii
Salelologa, Salelologa 814
Phone: +685-23749
Open Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday 8am to 2pm.
Beach Road
Apia
Phone: +685-66100
Open Monday through Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday
Vaitele
Phone: +685-23005
Open Monday through Wednesday 9am to 4:00pm. Thursday through Friday 9am to 4:30pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Savaii Island
Salelologa
Phone: +685-51208
Open Monday through Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm. Saturday and Sunday closed.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) an Australian should exercise normal safety precautions when traveling to Samoa. Even so, you should be extra vigilant when traveling to any of the above listed locations to pick up cash. Only travel to the agency with a trusted friend and immediately return to where you are staying to secure your cash.
Back to topIf you have chosen to use a money transfer service to send cash from Australia to Samoa you will need to have the following:
After you have given the reference number to your family member or friend, save the paper until you are sure they have received the cash. This paperwork serves as a receipt of the transaction in the event that there is a dispute.
When sending money overseas from Australia to Samoa, or any other destination, it's important that you look into your options carefully. Fees can vary greatly and are sometimes hidden in the currency exchange rate. Once you have found the most cost effective method for your situation, you will find it easy to send money from Australia to friends and family in Samoa.
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hi was just wondering if i can send money back on to samoa through moneygram can my family member pick it up from western union instead cause that’s closer where they lived??
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately when you send money through a Western Union it needs to be picked up at a Western Union kiosk.
Western Union provides an online option, where the money can be received online if that’s easier for your family.
Cheers,
Shirley