The tālā is the currency of Samoa. It is divided into 100 sene. The terms tālā and sene are the equivalents or transliteration of the English words dollar and cent, in the Samoan language. Its symbol is $, or WS$ to distinguish it from other currencies named dollar.

The word 'tala' is also derived from the German word 'Thaler', and pronounced the same.

The tālā was introduced on 10 July 1967, following the country's political independence from New Zealand in 1962. Until that time, Samoa had used the pound, with coins from New Zealand and its own banknotes. The tālā replaced the pound at a rate of 2 tālā = 1 pound and was, therefore, equal to the New Zealand dollar. The tālā remained equal to the New Zealand dollar until 1975.

The symbol WS$ is still used for the tālā, representing the country's previous name Western Samoa, used up to 1997, when the word Western was officially removed and the country became known as just Samoa. Therefore, the symbol SAT, ST and T appear to be in use as well.

Sometimes figures are written with the dollar sign in front, followed by "tālā". e.g. $100 tālā.

The Samoan currency is issued and regulated by the Central Bank of Samoa.

After independence, finance was taken over by the new government and a new currency called the tālā was issued. Tālā banknotes were first issued in 1967 in denominations of 1, 2, and 10 tālā by the "Bank of Western Samoa." In 1980, a 5 tālā note was issued shortly after the "Monetary Board of Western Samoa" was created.

Beginning in 1985, the new Central Bank of Samoa followed issued notes like the preceding issue from the Monetary Board of Western Samoa, but with the new issuer's name in both Samoan and English. The 1-tālā note was discontinued, and new denominations of 50- and 100-tālā were issued in 1990.

On 29 September 1991, a 2-tālā note was issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary) of Malietoa Tanumafili II as head of state. It was the first and only fully polymer note issued by Samoa. These were withdrawn in 2011 and replaced with the 2-tālā coin.

In 2008 a new series in denominations of 5-100 tālā produced by De La Rue was introduced with brighter colours, new security features, and modern designs.

The two highest denominations (50 and 100 tālā) are protected with De La Rue's Optiks security thread which features a see-through window.

National Flag of Samoa, View of Samoan coastline from a distance, and Child doing his homework

Apia harbour and the Apia town view with passenger ship in the bay, National Coat of Arms, and Flag of Samoa