How to Buy a SIM Card in American Samoa in 2026

Looking for an eSIM for American Samoa? We have to be straight with you: none of our data plans covers American Samoa, so the way to get online there is a local SIM from Bluesky, the main prepaid operator, bought on Tutuila. This guide explains where to buy it, what it is reported to cost, how far the signal reaches, and how to keep receiving texts from home. Note that American Samoa is not the same as Samoa, the independent country nearby: plans that list "Samoa" do not cover American Samoa. Our plans for the territory are on the American Samoa eSIM page.

Why we do not suggest a data eSIM here

Our American Samoa page shows Vodafone Travel VIP, but its country lists name Samoa, not American Samoa, in either its in-bundle or its daily-fee countries. The plan's own terms say that data used in a country on neither list is charged at $7.50 per MB. A few minutes of maps could cost more than the plan itself, so do not use it in American Samoa.

Bluesky, the network visitors use

Guides disagree on how many operators serve visitors, but they agree that Bluesky is the one to look for: it is the main operator selling prepaid service to travellers, and most resold travel plans also run over its network. Some sellers name AMX American Samoa or ASTCA as further networks.

Coverage is centred on Tutuila, around Pago Pago and Tafuna. One comparison site says the Manu'a islands have little or no mobile signal, so if you are heading there, plan to be offline for part of the time.

Where to buy a Bluesky SIM

Older guides place Bluesky's shops at the Laufou Shopping Center and Fagatogo Plaza. One guide also mentions a store or kiosk at Pago Pago International Airport and outlets in Pago Pago and Tafuna, which we could not confirm from an official source, so do not count on buying at the airport. Some supermarkets sell Bluesky SIMs, but they may need to be activated in a Bluesky shop before they work.

What it costs

American Samoa uses the US dollar. The prices we found do not agree:

• One guide says a Bluesky SIM is free in Bluesky stores, with a sign-up bonus when you top up $5 or more.
• Another gives a general $10 to $20 for a SIM.
• A travel guide lists a $20 tourist plan with 10GB for 30 days and a $30 unlimited plan for 7 days; we could not verify these.

Ask in the shop for the current tourist offers before you pay.

Calling the US and home

Many readers ask how best to call the US or other countries from American Samoa. With a Bluesky SIM and data, the cheapest route is usually a call over a messaging or calling app on Wi-Fi or mobile data; ask Bluesky about their own international rates if you need to call ordinary phone numbers. If you are visiting from the US mainland, check with your carrier whether American Samoa is covered by your plan before relying on it.

What we can offer

The O2 SMS Only eSIM costs $8 a month and gives you a private UK number that receives texts worldwide. It has no data and no calls. Its use here is simple: keep it alongside your Bluesky SIM so security codes from your bank or airline still reach you while your home SIM is switched off. We cannot confirm how well it receives texts in American Samoa, so test it on arrival.

Your choices

Our recommendation

Buy a Bluesky SIM in Pago Pago once you arrive, ideally at one of its shops so it is activated on the spot, and ask for the tourist plans on offer. Add the O2 SMS Only eSIM before you fly if you need your text codes. If American Samoa is one stop on a longer Pacific trip, look at the guide for each country separately, since our plans differ between them. Our eSIM installation guide explains how to set up SMS Only, and the American Samoa eSIM page lists what we sell for the territory.