Now, to drive in Samoa you need to validate your foreign driver’s license by taking it to the Ministry of Works Transport & Infrastructure in Apia, across the road from the flea market or to the Transport Control Board office in Vaitele near the Vailima factory. Cost for validation is ST$12, and some rental car companies will also assist in getting your license endorsed.
There are 24 rental car companies to choose from and you can hire everything from sedans and soft top 4WDs to 12 seater vans if you have a big group.
On September 7, 2009, Samoa switched from driving on the right hand side of the road, to the left. Most vehicles are left hand drive, and drivers should be cautious if you are not familiar with driving on the left side of the road. Another fun way to explore the islands is to take a map and board a local bus.
Buses come in a variety of colour schemes and all the seating is wooden. If the bus is full when you board locals will sit on a persons lap, if the bus is heading into either Apia or Salelologa, the locals will carry their produce on board to the markets.
There are no bus stops around the islands, so just wave down a bus if you want to get on, and when you want to get off simply pull the cord to ring the buzzer. You pay your fare as you leave the bus.
The Samoa Shipping Corporation runs the passenger/vehicle ferry between the mains islands of Upolu and Savaii. The ferry departs from the Mulifanua Wharf on Upolu near the international airport, so if you coming from Apia, allow 45 minutes for the journey. The ferry departs from the Salelologa Wharf on Savaii for the return journey. The trip takes just over one hour each way and it pays to arrive early at the wharf to purchase your tickets.
Check with your hotel for sailing times and one way passenger fares are ST$5 for child 2-12 years and adults ST$9. Vehicle charges (depending on the size of the vehicle) are between ST$50 – ST$100 each way.
To get to Manono Island, boats operate from the Manono-uta at the western end of Upolu, just down the road from Mulifanua Wharf. One way fares cost ST$1 for children and ST$3 for adults one way.