Getting around by Public Bus is not very practical in Samoa although it is certainly an experience and one to give at least one go at, if only around Apia suburbs. The colourful buses are full of charm and they are a good place to strike up conversation with the locals. On the main island of Upolu, buses are cheap but timetables are erratic. It is possible to get to most places in a day, but getting back to your original destination the same day may not always be easy without a long wait on the road side. On Savaii, public buses are even more scarce and it is not yet possible to go the whole way around the island.

Hiring a Car is the best way to get about, but this has its own draw-backs. Firstly, to hire a car, you'll need to obtain a Samoan driving license from Apia. Once obtained, you'll need a good map and a good sense of direction - the roads around Upolu are little more than country lanes and criss cross the countryside with no sign posts. Getting lost is fairly easy and it's hard to find many of the most attractive sites and beaches which are mostly a little way off the main coastal highway down un-signposted roads. Savaii is a little more straight forward for driving, although again many of the best sites are off the main road. Car hire rates start at about ST$120 per day, and many companies don't offer insurance. Driving is on the left (same as USA), speed restrictions apply and take extra care driving through villages and slow right down - village children are known to stone cars that drive too fast and if you hit a pig or even worse a person, the police advise you don't stop for your own safety but rather drive straight to the nearest police station. The main road circling Upolu and Savaii is tar-sealed but four wheel drive is necessary to reach the sights off the main roads.

Cycling around either Savaii or Upolu is excellent, with lots of fale accommodation around both coasts and lots of sights and villages to see on the way. The coastal roads on both islands are quite flat and free of traffic, especially on Savaii which has recently been tar-sealed to a high standard. Unfortunately there are no organized cycling tours nor bike hire so you would need to take your own. You will attract a lot of curiosity from the villagers as tourists cycling is a novelty.

Airlines, Car Rental & Transfers Samoa Tour Companies

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