n Pago Pago, there are only a few accommodation options, and even fewer of them are really cheap. For a basic air-conditioned room and a hot shower you can expect to pay about US$60 per night, however if you can do without these luxuries - and are prepared to share cold shower facilities - you can bed down for as little as US$30. The average homestay costs US$40 per night, including meals.

Travel around the island is cheap but unpredictable. The colourful buses on Tutuila do regular but unscheduled runs to all major destinations. If you're only on the island for a day or two, car hire is a good idea (from US$60 a day). If you're based in Pago Pago and are on a tight budget, you could get by with basic food and shelter for US$60 a day, but that's really living frugally. For a few extra creature comforts and a wider selection of better food, count on spending about US$100. Those moving around will need to allow substantially more.

There is no currency exchange at the airport, so arrive with US$ cash or travellers' cheques. There are two banks in central Pago Pago, the Bank of Hawaii and the ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank. The latter charges a US$5 commission on travellers cheques. US dollars and travellers cheques are accepted at most shops and hotels.

Although a distant relative of the United States, American Samoa has retained some sanity regarding tipping. Unless you've received fantastic service at a top-notch hotel, tips can stay in your pocket. And anyway, the small change might come in handy when adding on the 2% sales tax to all items purchased. Bargaining isn't practised either. The listed price is generally the one you pay.

Currency

Name                    US Dollar

Symbol                 US$