Samoan Tala
WST
The money
The official currency in Samoa is the tala and 1 tala is divided into 100 sene. The terms ‘tālā’ and ‘sene’ translate directly into dollar and cent in the Samoan language. Introduced in 1967, the tala marked another step in Samoa’s political independence from New Zealand. Pounds, New Zealand coinage and Samoan banknotes were the confusing precursor to the introduction of the Samoan tala. The most commonly used bills for Samoan tala are the 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 notes.
- Currency
- Samoan Tala
- Code
- WST
- Symbol
- WS$
- One Australian dollar
- 1.7888 WST
Bank notes
- WS$ 2
- WS$ 5
- WS$10
- WS$20
- WS$50
- WS$100
Coins
- 10 sene
- 20 sene
- 50 sene
- 1 tālā
- 2 tālā
We supply notes only. Coins are listed so you know what the change in your pocket is worth.
What things cost in Samoa
The left column is what the guide records locally. The right column is that same figure through today’s rate — the arithmetic we would do for you at the counter, done here instead.
| Everyday price | WST | Australian dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range restaurant | 105 | A$58.70 |
| One-way ticket on local transport | 2.5 | A$1.40 |
| Bottle of water | 1.8 | A$1.01 |
Converted at 1 AUD = 1.7888 WST, our online rate as at 7 Sep 2026, 14:27. Local prices are a guide to what you will pay, not a quote.
How much to take
Set the trip and the calculator prices it in WST, using the same rate as the figures above.