Samoa Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Samoa, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type I (AS/NZS 3112, two angled flat pins plus vertical grounding pin, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 230V and 50Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Samoa.
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Samoa Electrical Outlets Explained
Samoa power plug standards follow the Australasian system, meaning every electrical outlet in the country runs on 230V at 50Hz and accepts the Type I plug. This AS/NZS 3112 design uses two angled flat pins set at 30 degrees along with a vertical grounding pin, giving appliances a secure, polarized connection that resists accidental disconnection. Visitors from regions with different AC power plugs and sockets will need to plan ahead, since Samoa's outlets are physically shaped to accept only this angled-pin configuration.
The Type I standard is the same one used throughout Australia, New Zealand, and much of the Pacific, so travelers arriving from those regions will find their existing plugs work without any adapter. Everyone else will need a compatible adapter to plug in laptops, cameras, and other devices safely.
Is a Voltage Converter Necessary?
Samoa operates on a 230V, 50Hz electrical system, which matches the voltage used across most of Europe, Oceania, Africa, and Asia. If you're traveling from one of those regions, no voltage converter is needed—only a plug adapter to physically fit the Type I sockets. Travelers coming from countries with 120V systems, such as the United States or Canada, should check whether their devices are dual-voltage (most modern phone chargers, laptop chargers, and camera batteries are) before relying solely on an adapter, since single-voltage 120V appliances would require an actual voltage converter rather than just a plug adapter.
Power Sockets and Plug Types in Samoa
Samoa uses the Type I plug exclusively, the same Australasian standard found in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and parts of China and Argentina. The plug's two angled flat pins measure 8mm long and 6.5mm wide, set at a 30-degree angle, plus a vertical grounding pin for appliances that require earthing. This design is rated for 10A at 220-240V, suitable for household electronics, phone and laptop chargers, and small appliances typically packed for travel.
Modern Samoan outlets, like their Australian and New Zealand counterparts, often include safety shutters that block foreign object insertion, adding a layer of protection in homes, hotels, and resorts. Two-pin ungrounded versions of the Type I plug also exist for double-insulated devices that don't require a grounding pin.
Where to Buy a Travel Adapter for Samoa
Travel adapters for Samoa's Type I sockets are widely available before you even leave home, sold at airport shops, electronics retailers, and online marketplaces. Look for adapters specifically labeled for Australia, New Zealand, or the Pacific Islands, as these are built to the correct AS/NZS 3112 pin configuration. If you can't find one before departure, larger hotels and shops in Samoa's main towns typically stock basic adapters, though selection may be limited compared to shopping ahead of time.
- Confirm your device is dual-voltage (100-240V) before traveling
- Pack a Type I adapter rated for at least 10A
- Check for adapters with a built-in grounding pin if using appliances that require earthing
- Buy adapters from reputable retailers to ensure proper safety certification
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, unless your home country also uses the Type I plug, you'll need a travel adapter to use Samoa's electrical outlets. Samoa exclusively uses the Australasian Type I plug with its distinctive angled pins and grounding pin, so devices with other plug shapes won't fit without one.
Pack a Type I plug adapter compatible with the AS/NZS 3112 standard, since this is the only plug type used in Samoa. If your appliances aren't dual-voltage, you may also need a voltage converter, though most modern electronics already support 230V systems.
Samoa uses the Type I plug, featuring two angled flat pins set at 30 degrees plus a vertical grounding pin, rated for 10A at 220-240V. This is the same plug standard used in Australia, New Zealand, and several other Pacific nations.
Most likely yes, since Samoa's electrical system runs on 230V, 50Hz and the vast majority of phone chargers are dual-voltage and support this range. You'll still need a Type I plug adapter to physically connect your charger to Samoa's outlets, but a separate voltage converter typically isn't required.
