The literacy rate is estimated to be 97% in Samoa, where education is provided by the state in tandem with 5 religious missions, all following a common syllabus. The first 4 years of primary education take place at village schools, following which brighter pupils move on to district schools instead, where the medium of education is English. The only exception to this rule is found in Apia, where urban schools manage the entire process.
Tala or Samoa Dollar (WST; symbol St$) = 100 sene. Notes are in denominations of St$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of St$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 sene.
Health insurance, while recommended, is not mandatory. All health services available to locals are accessible to foreigners usually at minimal cost to the traveller. Emergency medical facilities are available at Moto'otua Hospital, in Apia. Private medical and dental treatment is also available.