What to Know Before Driving in Samoa (With 7+ Tips)
Samoa is an absolutely beautiful place. And while there are plenty of amazing things to do and see, one thing you should know before you visit is how to get around the islands.
Alert! Cautious! Awake! These are the three words to sum up my husband’s driving experience in Samoa.
You’re probably thinking that driving in Samoa is easy compared to your home country — but it’s not! You have to be extra careful and alert while on the road.
If you’re planning on renting or borrowing a car, I’ve got some tips for you so that your trip can be as smooth as possible!
The roads in Samoa are different from what you’re used to.
In urban areas, roads are well-paved and broad, with well-marked lines. In rural areas, roads are narrow with few visible lines. Some roads are not made for speed due to ruts and potholes.
There are many switchbacks, particularly when driving the routes in the Tiavi and towards Aleipata. Some switchbacks are dangerous because you can’t see the car from the other side.
It is common for drivers to drive on the wrong side, so to be safe, drive slowly or honk to ensure the other car is not driving in your lane.
Drive on the left side of the road.
In Samoa, people drive on the left side of the road — the opposite of what you’re used to in the United States or anywhere else.
If you’re not confident in driving, use other means of transportation such as a bus, taxi, or even ask a friend or someone you know to drive you around the islands.
You need a temporary driver’s license (TDL).
Even if you have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you’ll still need to apply for a temporary driver’s license (TDL) before driving around Samoa. Don’t forget — if you don’t abide by this rule, you could get a ticket!
To get a temporary driver’s license (TDL), visit the Land Authority Transport main offices located in Vaitele, Apia, and Salelologa, Savai’i.
You’ll also pay a fee depending on how long you’re staying on the islands. For us, we paid WST$21 for one month for the driving permit.
Click here to find out more about TDL. https://www.samoa.travel/pagepreview/getting-a-drivers-licence
The speed limit is low.
The speed limit for driving in towns and villages is 40 km/h (25 miles per hour) and 56 km/h (35 miles per hour) on open roads.
It is good to know that the speed limit is low, so you won’t get caught speeding or driving recklessly. However, most of the time, there aren’t any cops out on the road enforcing this law, so watch out!
When driving within villages, be aware of children and animals (pigs, chickens, dogs). Animals roam free on the islands, and the locals will be heartbroken if you hit one.
Watch out for stray balls, as many villages have volleyball courts near the road.
Be on the lookout for speed humps and bumps. The majority you’ll find in villages without any signs posted.
Police can direct traffic at any time.
You’ll encounter police directing traffic in Apia or around the town areas. When that happens, obey them instead of following traffic lights or signals. It’s how we keep traffic moving smoothly!
Driving at night can be unsafe.
Driving at night isn’t recommended due to the lack of streetlights and other drivers’ unfamiliarity with their surroundings.
So, if you’re planning on driving at night, make sure your headlights are working properly and that there’s enough gas (fill up your tank at any gas stations in the town areas).
Also, ensure the car you’re renting, or borrowing has no issues.
Google Maps doesn’t work 100%!
Don’t rely on Google Maps because it doesn’t work all the time. Instead, visit the Samoa Tourism Visitor Information Fale in Matafele, Apia, to get a physical map.
Keep an eye out for each village billboard located on the side of the main road. The billboards help you know what village you are in and show you further directions.
If you are still off track while driving in rural areas, look for landmarks such as buildings, trees, and even roads that intersect.
You can also ask a local for directions.
Other Helpful Tips
- Drive below the speed limits when driving in bad weather conditions.
- Most gas stations are in the town areas, so fill up on gas before you embark on your journey to the countryside.
- Follow the speed limits, and you’ll be fine.
- This is our personal tip: when you’re in a certain place, save the location on Google Maps for future driving reference.
Want to know more? Check out the Samoa National Road Code: https://www.samoapolice.ws/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SAMOA-NATIONAL-ROAD-CODE-ENGLISH-VERSION.pdf
Samoa is a beautiful country, and I hope the tips provided are helpful to you before driving around the islands.
If you have driven in Samoa or are about to, please don’t hesitate to share with me your comments.
This blog is inspired by our 2-week vacation in Samoa. I write to inform and share tips that’ll benefit travelers.
***All photos were taken by Quinney Sua’ava.
