Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Getting Around

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Samoa

My partner and i are planning a trip to Samoa in August in which we wish to drive around the islands. We are over 21 and have been driving for a few years on restricted licences but have only just got our full un-restricted licences about a month ago. I have noticed a lot or car rental companies have a minimum licence holding period of about a year before you can rent a car. I am unsure if this is the same in Samoa as i have also noticed that you have to purchase a Samoan licence to drive.

Can anyone help shed some light onto this topic for me?

I don't believe you would have a problem with this in Samoa. As long as you have a full licence. Yes, you have to purchase a licence in Samoa. We did it through the car rental company. We paid for it at the same time we rented the car and it was $12 tala I believe. I'm not sure if all of the car rentals will let you do this, you might want to check a head of time. They will give you a slip of paper to keep in your wallet.

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