Samoa
Driving permit
You need a temporary Samoan driver’s licence to drive.
Get a temporary licence from:
- Apia Post Office
- Ministry of Works
- Land and Transport Authority in Vaitele
- some car hire agencies
You’ll need to show your valid Australian licence and pay a fee.
Road travel
Driving in Samoa is hazardous, especially at night.
Hazards include:
- poorly lit and maintained roads
- lack of footpaths and verges
- animals and pedestrians on roads
- drivers not following traffic laws
You’re almost 3 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Samoa than in Australia.
Samoa switched to driving on the left-hand side of the road in 2009. However, many vehicles still have the driver’s seat on the left.
If you plan to drive:
- check if you’re covered by your travel and hire car insurance policies
- learn local traffic laws and practices
- void driving at night
More information:
Motorcycles
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis
Use only registered taxis and limousines.
Book through your hotel or resort.
Public transport
Samoa has a small and irregular bus network. Buses are usually crowded.
Bus schedules are limited on Sundays.
Petty crime can happen on buses. Take care of your belongings.
More information:
Sea travel
Samoa’s inter-island ferries may not meet Australian safety standards. They may:
- be old
- be overcrowded
- not have enough life jackets and life rafts for everyone
Emergency safety procedures may not work.
If you need to travel by ferry:
- before booking, check the operator’s safety history and their safety equipment
- don’t travel on an overcrowded or overloaded vessel
- always use the safety equipment, such as life jackets, even if others don’t
If you aren’t given safety equipment, or it’s not in usable condition, use another provider.
More information:
Air travel
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Samoa’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government