The Samoan islands are surrounded by miles of pristine beaches, crystal blue ocean, and dazzling reef. A trip to this country means you’ve probably already packed the basics, booked your flight and hotel, and you’re ready to embark on your journey to paradise. But keep in mind that Samoa is a conservative country, and if you don’t do your research ahead of time, you run the risk of offending the locals and putting yourself in danger. Here’s our list of 16 things you should NOT do when visiting Samoa.
1. Don’t Stay Standing
When it’s time to get down to business, you’ll notice that Samoans all sit down on the floor to engage in discussion. It’s also considered rude to eat or drink while you’re standing. If you happen to come across an elder in one of the communities, you’ll want to bring yourself to their level or lower. You can do so by sitting with your legs crossed and placing a mat over them as a sign of respect.
