WSTSamoan TalaSamoan Tala (WST)
The Samoan tala is Samoa's national currency and legal tender. The Central Bank of Samoa is responsible for the monetary framework and currency issuance, and WST is the ISO code used in international exchange-rate and payment systems. One tala is divided into 100 sene. The name tala is shared with other Pacific-language references to money, so the country and code should remain visible in a conversion or invoice. In Samoa, the tala supports domestic prices, cash payments, accounts and settlement.
- ISO code
- WST
- Symbol
- T
- Region
- Oceania
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Samoan Tala operates under the reviewed market-determined exchange-rate framework arrangement.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
WST at a glance
Currency profile
How WST works
The Samoan tala is Samoa's national currency and legal tender. The Central Bank of Samoa is responsible for the monetary framework and currency issuance, and WST is the ISO code used in international exchange-rate and payment systems. One tala is divided into 100 sene. The name tala is shared with other Pacific-language references to money, so the country and code should remain visible in a conversion or invoice. In Samoa, the tala supports domestic prices, cash payments, accounts and settlement.
Central Bank of Samoa administers WST within a market-determined exchange-rate framework system.
- Introduced as Samoa's national currency in 1967.
- The reviewed cash profile records WST 5, WST 10, WST 20, WST 50, WST 100 for banknotes and 10, 20 and 50 sene, WST 1 for coins.
Context
Why this currency matters
Samoa's tala has been the country's national monetary unit since 1967. The Central Bank's role includes maintaining currency quality, supporting payment services and publishing monetary information, while the physical system includes tala banknotes and sene coins for everyday use. WST reference rates can help a traveler compare a budget or a business record a cross-border amount, but the date and source remain part of the fact. The national unit and its documented banknote and coin structure provide the key context for that comparison. Samoa's tala is a national currency whose name can be confused with other Pacific monetary terms. WST gives a stable identifier for invoices, remittance records and comparison tools. The tala and sene structure, central-bank information and provider date provide context for interpreting a comparison rate.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Samoan Tala operates under the reviewed market-determined exchange-rate framework arrangement.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for WST
Tala introduced
Samoa replaced the New Zealand pound with the decimal tala and sene system.
Central Bank of SamoaCentral bank established
The Central Bank of Samoa assumed responsibility for monetary policy and currency issuance.
Central Bank of SamoaUpdated circulating coin series
Samoa introduced a smaller and more durable family of circulation coins.
Central Bank of Samoa
Usage and economy
How WST is used
- WST denominates Samoan retail prices, wages, taxes and public accounts.
- Tala comparisons often involve NZD, AUD, TOP and FJD through migration, tourism and trade.
Banknotes and coins
WST currency units
The issuing authority documents the reviewed WST banknote denominations used in the current cash system.
The issuing authority documents the circulation coin system for WST.
One Samoan Tala unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Sene as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
WST questions
When was the tala introduced?
The tala was introduced as Samoa's national currency in 1967.
Who issues Samoan currency?
The Central Bank of Samoa is the monetary authority responsible for the tala's currency framework and issue.
What changed for WST in 1967?
Samoa replaced the New Zealand pound with the decimal tala and sene system.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.