Samoa: Guida di viaggio, visti e alloggi gratuiti · 2026

International driving permits are not accepted in the country. Drivers must obtain a temporary local licence from the transport authority, tourism offices, or car rental agencies. Vehicles travel on the left side of the road.

Stray dogs frequently roam the streets in the capital, Apia. Most animals ignore pedestrians who do not present a threat. Local advice recommends avoiding engagement or feigning to pick up a stone from the ground to ward them off.

Traditional meals are prepared in an umu, which uses heated stones covered with banana leaves. Common dishes include oka, consisting of raw fish marinated in coconut cream and citrus juice, and palusami, made from coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves. The markets in the capital provide access to these regional dishes.

The ava ceremony is a formal ritual practiced across the islands to mark significant social occasions and title bestowals. A mildly narcotic drink made from the roots of the kava plant is shared among participants according to strict cultural rules. Travelers can also purchase the drink informally at the central market in Apia.

Buses operate during daylight hours and depart from central locations near the markets in Apia. On the island of Savai'i, routes begin near the ferry wharf at Salelologa. Passengers can catch buses directly on the main roads where residents assemble.