Getting Around Samoa
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use colorful aiga buses for Apia and Upolu. Rural: Rent a car for coastal drives and village exploration. Inter-Island: Ferries to Savai'i. For convenience, book airport transfers from Faleolo to your destination.
Bus Travel
Aiga Public Buses
Colorful minibuses connecting Apia to villages across Upolu and Savai'i with frequent, informal services.
Cost: Apia to coast 2-5 Tala, journeys 30-90 minutes depending on route.
Tickets: Pay cash to driver upon boarding, no advance purchase needed.
Peak Times: Buses run 6 AM-6 PM, avoid midday for less crowding and heat.
Bus Passes
No formal passes, but frequent riders can negotiate with drivers for regular routes at fixed low rates.
Best For: Daily village commutes or multi-stop day trips, saves time over walking.
Where to Buy: Hail from roadside, main bus stands in Apia markets or ferry ports.
Ferry Connections
Government ferries link Upolu to Savai'i daily, with additional private options for islands.
Booking: Buy tickets at ports or online, book ahead for weekends to secure spots.
Main Ports: Apia Wharf for departures, Salelologa on Savai'i for arrivals.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring beaches and rural Upolu/Savai'i. Compare rental prices from 100-200 Tala/day at Faleolo Airport and Apia.
Requirements: International license recommended, credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Basic coverage included, opt for comprehensive for off-road village paths.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 40 km/h urban, 60 km/h rural, 80 km/h main roads.
Tolls: None on main routes, but some bridges may have small fees.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, pedestrians in villages have right of way.
Parking: Free roadside in most areas, secure lots at resorts 5-10 Tala/day.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available in towns at 2.50-3 Tala/liter for petrol, slightly less for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps for navigation, download offline maps due to spotty signal.
Traffic: Light overall, but watch for livestock and potholes on rural roads.
Urban Transport
Taxis in Apia
Metered and fixed-rate taxis cover the capital, single ride 5-10 Tala, day tours 100+ Tala.
Validation: Agree fare upfront, no meters always used, apps like Uber not available.
Apps: Local taxi apps emerging, but call services or hail from stands reliable.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Bike hires in resorts and Apia at 20-50 Tala/day, scooters for longer coastal runs.
Routes: Flat coastal paths ideal, helmets mandatory for scooters.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours around Apia and beaches for safe exploration.
Walking & Local Services
Apia central areas walkable, village shuttles and shared taxis for short hops.
Tickets: 2-5 Tala per ride, pay cash, negotiate for groups.
Beach Walks: Popular trails connect resorts, free and scenic along lagoons.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Choose beachfront on Upolu for relaxation, near Apia for urban access and transport.
- Booking Timing: Reserve 1-2 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and events like Independence Day.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to cyclone season (Nov-Apr) weather risks.
- Amenities: Confirm air-con, mosquito nets, and proximity to buses or ferries.
- Reviews: Check recent feedback (last 6 months) for cleanliness and host responsiveness.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in Apia and main roads, 3G in rural areas with improving 5G in towns.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 10 Tala for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install pre-trip, activate on arrival, covers both islands.
Local SIM Cards
Digicel and Bluesky offer prepaid SIMs from 10-30 Tala with island-wide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or markets with passport for registration.
Data Plans: 5GB for 20 Tala, 10GB for 40 Tala, top-ups easy via vouchers.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in resorts, cafes, and Apia hotels, limited in remote villages.
Public Hotspots: Markets and ports offer free access, but speeds vary.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban spots, sufficient for maps and messaging.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: West Samoa Time (WST), UTC+13, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Faleolo Airport 35km from Apia, shuttle 50 Tala (45 min), taxi 100 Tala, or book private transfer for 80-120 Tala.
- Luggage Storage: Available at Apia bus stands (5-10 Tala/day) and airport lockers.
- Accessibility: Buses and ferries basic, many beaches and paths not wheelchair-friendly due to terrain.
- Pet Travel: Limited options, check ferry rules (small pets allowed with fee), accommodations vary.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for small fee (5 Tala), ferries accommodate for 10 Tala extra.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Samoa
Faleolo International Airport (APW) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Faleolo International (APW): Primary hub on Upolu, 35km west of Apia with shuttle connections.
Maota Domestic (MXS): Small airstrip on Savai'i for inter-island flights, 20-min hops 50 Tala.
Pago Pago (PPG): Nearby American Samoa airport with connections, but use for regional travel.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (May-Oct) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Fiji or Auckland for stopover savings and multi-destination trips.
Budget Airlines
Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, and Virgin Australia serve APW with Pacific connections.
Important: Include baggage and transfer costs, as remote location adds fees.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior, airport processes can be slow.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in Apia and resorts, fees 5-10 Tala, use bank machines to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted at hotels and tours, cash preferred in villages.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in Apia, but limited outside; carry cash backup.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and fales, keep 50-100 Tala in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, but small amounts (5-10 Tala) appreciated for guides and taxis.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport kiosks with high fees.