Overview
Samoa offers travelers an authentic glimpse into the realm of Polynesia like no other country in the area. The capital, Apia, lies on the beautiful north coast of Upolu, the largest of the nine Samoan Islands in number and area. The history of the island state goes back more than 2,000 years. In the Aleipata district, waterfalls and white sandy beaches dominate the landscape. Falefa Falls, Mafa Pass and Fuipisia Falls are 40 miles from Apia and are accessible by car. Scottish poet and writer Robert Louis Stevenson lived the last five years of his life in Samoa; his tomb atop Mount Vaea can be seen from the garden of his home. Today his estate is a museum. See other countries in Oceania on cheeroutdoor.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Samoa’s national airline Samoa Airways (OL) connects Apia with Auckland (New Zealand) and Brisbane and Sydney (Australia). Fiji Airways (FJ) also fly to Samoa from Nadi (Fischdi) and Air New Zealand (NZ) from Auckland (New Zealand).
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
Tolls: Most of the roads leading to beaches have cash tolls. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, an international driver’s license and a local driver’s license are required. The local driver’s license can be obtained from police stations or car rental companies upon presentation of the national/international driver’s license and a fee to be paid. The minimum age for drivers is 21 years.
Arrival by ship
Upolu’s Apia International Port is used by cargo and passenger ships from New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Europe, the United States and the larger Pacific Islands. Ferries also operate between Pago Pago (American Samoa) and Apia.
Cruise ships
Cunard docks at the port of Apia on its cruises departing from Hamburg and Southampton. Coming from Europe, Phoenix, P&O Cruises and MSC Samoa are also on the program.
Ferry provider
Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) ferries regularly connect Pago Pago (American Samoa) with Apia, Salelologa and Mulifanua (Samoa).
Transportation
Traveling by plane
There are no domestic flights in Samoa.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network covers around 2,100 km. The main road on Savai’i runs along the coast. Upolu is also surrounded by a coastal road; several more or less well-developed roads also run there in a north-south direction. Tolls: Most of the roads leading to beaches have tolls, payable in cash. There are petrol stations in Apia and on Savai’i in Salelologa and Manase. No petrol stations can be found, especially on the south coast of Upolu. It is advisable to leave the cities with a full tank.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
About 20% of the entire road network is paved; especially the coastal roads. In general, Samoa’s roads are in poor condition; potholes are always to be expected even on the paved roads.
Car rental
Rental cars are available at Apia in town and at the international airport and at Savai’i in Salelologa. In most cases, a deposit must be paid and insurance taken out.
Taxi
Taxis are mainly available in Apia. Since they don’t have taximeters, you should agree the fare in advance.
Bicycle
Bicycles and scooters can be rented on the islands.
Coach
Most towns can be reached by bus. However, there are no strictly regulated departure times. Bus trips are cheap on Upolu and Savai’i. In Apia, the bus station is next to the Fugalei market and in Savai’i, by the Salelologa market.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: 0.00 ‰. Speed limits: – urban: 40 km/h (25 mph); – extra-urban: 56 km/h (35 mph).
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, an international driver’s license and a local driver’s license are required. The local driver’s license can be obtained from police stations or car rental companies upon presentation of the national/international driver’s license and a fee to be paid. The minimum age for drivers is 21 years.
Traveling in the city
Downtown Apia is easily explored on foot; Taxis are available to get to the outskirts.
Traveling by ship
Samoa Shipping Corporation Ltd (SSC) passenger/car ferries operate daily except Sundays between Upolu (Apia) and Savai’i (journey time: 1 hour). There are also boat connections between Upolu and Manono Island.
