Smaller retail businesses are now embracing cashless payments and reshaping everyday commerce in Samoa, making transactions safer and more convenient with electronic payment options.

At family-run shops, customers now routinely tap their locally issued Visa Debit Cards or pay electronically, reducing the need for cash handling. 

Local bank, ANZ Samoa, said the shift reflects a wider trend across Samoa, where electronic payments are seeing strong use from both local customers and visiting tourists.

ANZ Samoa country head Sucharu Tandon said the bank continues to see strong uptake of electronic payments as customers look for safer and more convenient ways to transact.

“Visa Debit is a safe and convenient option for local, international, and online transactions, using money from a customer’s everyday account,” Tandon said. “It gives customers and retailers a high level of security against card fraud, particularly when making contactless or ‘tap and go’ payments.”

He said cashless payments also reduce the risks associated with carrying and handling cash or cheques, while offering stronger dispute protection and clearer transaction records for both customers and businesses.

“These options are fast, secure, and help support smoother operations for vendors who want to minimise the challenges that come with managing physical cash or cheques,” Tandon said.

Last year, ANZ announced it would waive merchant fees for all banks’ local Visa Debit Card payments under WST15. The change was designed to encourage retailers to accept more card payments and support the development of a cashless economy in Samoa. Digital transactions through EFTPOS, online banking and ANZ’s mobile app remain low-cost or free for most customers.

Across the country, Samoa is steadily advancing toward a more cashless environment. Mobile payment options such as Digicel’s MyCash app, which allows QR code scanning, are increasingly used alongside bank-issued contactless Visa and Mastercard debit cards at major merchants and restaurants. Urban areas, particularly Apia, are leading the transition, while cash is still commonly required at local markets, for village fees and in more remote areas.

“We encourage customers and vendors to take advantage of the tools and channels already available,” he said. “Electronic payments offer transparency, convenience and peace of mind for both sides of the transaction,” said Tandon.