How to Call Samoa
Complete guide to dialing Samoa (country code +685)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in the stunning Pacific islands? Learning how to call Samoa doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Samoa successfully. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions from various countries, highlight the most common mistakes people make when placing calls, and share essential phone etiquette tips to ensure your conversations go smoothly. You'll also discover useful numbers for emergencies, tourism information, and important services. By the end of this guide, calling Samoa will feel as natural as dialing a local number, helping you stay connected across the miles with confidence.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Samoa: Complete International Calling Guide
Calling Samoa requires understanding the international dialing format. Samoa's country code is +685, and all Samoan phone numbers are 5-7 digits long, with no area codes required.
International Dialing Format Structure
The standard format for calling Samoa is:
Exit Code + 685 + Local Phone Number
Your exit code depends on your location: 011 (USA/Canada), 00 (UK/Europe), or + (from mobile phones worldwide).
Dialing from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 685 (Samoa country code)
- Dial the local number
From the UK or Europe:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 685 (Samoa country code)
- Dial the local number
From Mobile Phones (Any Country):
Simply dial +685 followed by the local number. The + symbol replaces your country's exit code.
Specific Calling Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Samoan landline from USA:
To call +685 22123 from USA: 011-685-22123
Example 2 - Calling a Samoan mobile from UK:
To call +685 7712345 from UK: 00-685-7712345
Example 3 - Calling from a mobile phone internationally:
To call +685 7598765 from any mobile: +685-7598765
Example 4 - Calling Samoa Tourism Authority:
From USA to +685 63500: 011-685-63500
Important Notes About Local Numbers
Samoa doesn't use leading zeros in their phone numbers, so there's nothing to drop when dialing internationally. Simply add the complete local number after the country code.
Mobile numbers in Samoa typically start with 7, while landlines vary. Always include all digits of the local number without adding or removing any digits.
When calling Samoa, consider the time difference to ensure you're calling during appropriate hours. Samoa operates on Samoa Standard Time (SST), UTC+13.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Samoa, avoid these common dialing errors:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: If you have a Samoan number starting with 0, remove it when dialing internationally. Samoa's local numbers don't use leading zeros in international format. Simply dial +685 followed by the local number.
Using incorrect exit codes: Many people get confused with exit codes (011 from the US/Canada, 00 from most other countries). The safest approach is using the + symbol, which works universally from mobile phones. Just press and hold 0 until + appears.
Confusing the country code with an area code: Samoa doesn't use area codes. After dialing +685, you proceed directly to the local number (typically 5-7 digits). Don't add extra digits thinking you need an area code.
Adding unnecessary spaces or dashes: While formatting like +685-1234-5678 helps readability, some phone systems misinterpret spaces or dashes. When in doubt, dial continuously: +6851234567.
Dialing at inappropriate hours: Samoa is UTC-11, meaning it's behind most countries. Check the time difference to avoid calling during late-night hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Samoa, understanding local customs helps build respectful connections. Samoans value warm, personal communication that reflects their strong sense of community and family ties.
Greetings and Formality
Always begin calls with "Talofa" (hello) and inquire about the person's well-being before discussing business matters. Samoans appreciate this personal touch, even in professional contexts. Use formal titles like "Mr." or "Mrs." when calling someone older or in a position of authority, showing proper respect.
Business vs Personal Calls
Business calls follow a more relaxed pace than in Western countries. Don't rush conversations—small talk is essential and expected. Personal calls often involve extended family discussions, so be patient if calls take longer than anticipated.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during church hours, particularly Sunday mornings, as Samoa is deeply Christian. Early evening (5-7 PM) is generally ideal for both business and personal calls. Weekday mornings work well for professional matters.
Voice Messages
If leaving a message, keep it warm and personal. State your full name, relationship to the recipient, and reason for calling. Samoans prefer direct conversation, so expect calls to be returned rather than ongoing voicemail exchanges.
Cultural Considerations
Respect the "fa'a Samoa" (Samoan way) by being courteous and unhurried. Speaking softly demonstrates respect, while loud voices may seem aggressive. Always thank the person sincerely before ending the call.
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Emergency Numbers
In Samoa, the main emergency number is 911, which connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services. This consolidated system operates 24/7 and handles all emergency situations.
Essential Numbers:
- 911 – Police, Fire, and Ambulance (all emergencies)
- 995 – Police (direct line)
- 994 – Fire Department (direct line)
- 996 – Ambulance (direct line)
All emergency numbers are free to call from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Samoa. English-speaking operators are generally available, though Samoan is the primary language used. The 911 service provides the fastest response as it's the country's centralized emergency dispatch system.
Important Note: Mobile phone coverage can be limited in rural areas and some outer islands, so always inform someone of your travel plans when venturing outside Apia.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Directory Assistance: 910 - For local phone number inquiries
- International Operator: 900 - Assistance with overseas calls
Tourist Services
- Samoa Tourism Authority: (685) 63500 - Travel information, attractions, and accommodations
- Samoa Visitors Bureau: (685) 20878 - Tourist guidance and support
Embassy Contacts
- New Zealand High Commission: (685) 21711
- Australian High Commission: (685) 23411
- US Embassy: (685) 21631
Other Useful Numbers
- Immigration Office: (685) 34331 - Visa and entry inquiries
- Samoa Airlines: (685) 22881 - Flight information and bookings
- Samoa Shipping Corporation: (685) 20935 - Ferry services between islands
- Weather Information: (685) 20855 - Forecast updates and cyclone warnings
Keep these numbers accessible during your stay for convenient assistance.
Tips for Calling Samoa
When calling Samoa (UTC+13), timing is crucial for successful connections. The best times to call from the US are typically during your evening hours, which align with Samoan morning business hours. For callers in Europe, early morning calls work best.
Samoan business hours generally run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Always schedule business calls in advance, as last-minute calls may catch professionals in meetings or outside the office. Email confirmation of your call time prevents confusion across time zones.
Avoid calling during major holidays including Independence Day (June 1), Arbor Day (November 4-6), and Christmas holidays. Sundays are traditionally reserved for church and family, making them inappropriate for business calls.
For clear communication, speak slowly and clearly, as English, while widely spoken, is a second language for many Samoans. Be mindful that internet connectivity can vary, potentially affecting VoIP call quality. Consider off-peak hours (early morning or late evening Samoa time) for potentially better connection rates. Always confirm the call time in both time zones when scheduling, and send a reminder 24 hours before important calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Samoa is +685. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Samoa from anywhere in the world.
To dial Samoa from your cell phone, start with + (or your country's exit code), then dial 685 (Samoa's country code), followed by the local phone number. For example: +685-XXXX-XXXX.
Samoa does not use leading zeros in its local phone numbers, so there's no zero to drop. Simply dial +685 followed directly by the local number, which is typically 5-7 digits.
The cheapest way to call Samoa is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Samoa.
In Samoa, the emergency numbers are: 911 for fire services, 994 for police, and 996 for ambulance services. These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone in Samoa.
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