|
The islands of Samoa have a relatively
good road system. You can drive around Upolu and Savaii, discovering most
of the sights on your own. On Upolu you can also cross the island on
several places. Tutuila (American Samoa) boosts only one road from east to
west through Pago Pago and one road accross the island along Rainmaker
Mountain.
One thing to note when driving in Samoa is the curfew at 6 pm
(church bells rings) in the villages and the limited free access you may
have into villages and beaches. We suggest you ask permission before
entering a beach or village (usually the villagers will welcome you, but
it is still common practise to ask). In Samoa you drive on the right hand side of the road,
and most of the cars are left hand drive, since they are from either
American Samoa or America. In the past some cars have been imported from
Australia and New Zealand so you might see some right hand drive cars around,
but recent government regulations have now made it illegal for people to
import right hand drive cars. The speed limit within the Apia area is 40kmph
(25mph), and outside of Apia it is 56 kmph (35mph).
When travelling to Savai'i with a car it makes
sense to book your ferry passage before you arrive at the wharf. Tickets can be
obtained from the Western Samoan Shipping Line offices, next to Evening
Shades just off Beach Road, past Aggie Grey's Hotel. Although it may be possible to get on the ferry just turning
up, there is no guarantee. Before you line up for the ferry to Savaii,
please have your tyres cleaned.
Drivers must take extra care and pay attention since people and
livestock cross without warning! You can obtain a temporary Samoan
driver's licence from the Ministry of Works, Infrastructrure and
Transport. You must present your own valid driver's licence and pay
SAT10. The carrental companies can also obtain a Samoan driver's licence
for you in advance, when we give them notice at booking (we need to sent
them a copy of your driver's licence).
If you find yourself involved in an accident that
results in damage of any description and your car is still servicable DO NOT
STOP. Drive to the next village and ask where the nearest police station is.
Let the police negotiate a settlement with the villagers in question. It has also been suggested that if involved in an
accident you could possibly also stop at a pastors house. He may be able to
intercede on your behalf.
If you drive past an accident in which a pedestrian
or cyclist has been injured it is advisable not to stop to offer assistance
unless a number of villagers are already at the scene. There have been
occaisions when well meaning passerbys have stopped to help and become the
victims of mistaken villagers anger.
For more information on
carrental in Samoa, go to:
For
more general information
on Samoa, go to: |
