Getting around Samoa

Road

Exploring Samoa by car is fairly easy. Drivers should be alert though, especially at night, to the hazard of roaming pigs, dogs and people.

Side of road
Left
Car hire

Available from several agencies. Deposit and insurance are usually required. Bicycles and scooters are also available.

Taxi

Cheap and readily available in Apia. They are not metered and prices should be negotiated in advance.

Coach

Brightly coloured buses travel around Samoa. With their wooden benches, they might not be the most comfy way to explore the country, but they're a great way to meet locals. Other than the main bus terminals, there are no official stops - just wave your hand and flag one down.

Regulations

Speed limits are 40kph (25mph) within the Apia area and 56kph (35mph) outside the Apia area.

Documentation

You must carry a valid national licence from your own country. You then need to obtain a Temporary Drivers Licence for a small fee; this is available from the Land Transport Authority, Samoa Post and many car hire companies.

By water

Samoa Shipping Corporation (www.samoashipping.com) runs passenger/vehicle ferries between Mulifanua (Upolu) and Salelologa (Savai'i) (journey time - 1 hour).

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.