How to Drive in American Samoa + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know

First things first, when you're wanting to drive in American Samoa, you need to make sure you have a valid driver's license.

Luckily, most foreign driver's licenses are accepted in American Samoa. Those who might run into hurdles are those whose driving license is not written in English. In this case, it's best to also travel with an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Learn more about driver's licenses and using your IDP in American Samoa in our guide, Can You Drive in American Samoa With an Overseas License?

Car rental options in American Samoa are more limited compared to larger Pacific destinations, with most rental companies concentrated around Pago Pago and the main airport area on Tutuila.

Although the legal driving age in American Samoa is 16, most vehicle rental companies will only hire to drivers aged 21 years and older. Some rental companies may require drivers to be over 25 years of age.

Car Hire Companies in American Samoa

Compare vehicle rental companies in the following: 10 Best Car Rentals in American Samoa LINK#T007.

Vehicle rental can usually be delivered to Pago Pago International Airport or your accommodation for a fee, which is comparable to a taxi rate LINK#T038.

Most vehicle rental companies in American Samoa will go through the standard process of a car inspection, taking your driver's licence details and offering insurance options, additional drivers, etc. Get a full cost breakdown in The Cost of Renting a Car in American Samoa: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown LINK#T004.

Remember that on returning your vehicle, you need to fill up the fuel tank or else you will be charged a premium for fuel - more on gas stations in the section below.

What are the Rental Vehicles Like in American Samoa?

Rental vehicles in American Samoa are not as well-maintained as you might be used to in more developed countries. Nevertheless, they tend to be suitable for the island's road conditions.

There is a reasonable selection of cars to choose from in American Samoa, from compact cars to SUVs and pickup trucks suitable for the island's terrain. Most vehicles have automatic transmission, whilst a few may be manual.

For more advice on hiring a vehicle in American Samoa, head to our full guide, What You Need to Hire a Car in American Samoa LINK#T010.

American Samoa's roads are easy to drive and navigate with the main island of Tutuila having relatively well-maintained tar-sealed roads (especially in comparison to other South Pacific islands) which run the length of the island.

Is it Easy to Drive Around American Samoa?

The road network in American Samoa isn't too complex, with the main road circumventing the south coast of Tutuila and several cross-island roads connecting a few bays on the north coast. Roads are easy to follow on tourist maps. However, directional signage can be limited in some areas, so it's best to plan your route in American Samoa rather than rely solely on road signs and Google Maps to point you in the right direction.

There is very little traffic in American Samoa with the exception of Pago Pago and Fagatogo, which can feel a little busier during peak hours as it's not uncommon for drivers to take their time navigating the winding coastal roads. Be aware of the road rules (see below), take it easy but be alert when driving in the main town areas and you should be just fine.

American Samoa is not a place to speed around. Speed limits are low and there are many hazards on the roads; children are likely to be playing on the roadside, especially when school closes and then again around 4 or 5 pm when they are outside playing during the cooler hours. There are also animals on the road to watch out for, including dogs and the occasional pig. Roads are not well-lit at night, so also be sure to slow down more after dark.

Do You Need a 4WD in American Samoa?

Most tourists do not need a 4WD in American Samoa. However, it is recommended that you rent at least a high-clearance vehicle, as some unsealed access roads to attractions such as remote beaches and hiking trail access points are not suitable for town cars. You'll find that the majority of cars for rent in American Samoa are SUVs (sports utility vehicles) with budget and premium options available.

What Side of the Road Do They Drive on in American Samoa?

American Samoa drives on the right side of the road, following US driving conventions. As an unincorporated territory of the United States, American Samoa maintains the same traffic laws and road rules as the mainland US, including speed limits posted in miles per hour rather than kilometres.

For more facts like this, check out 25 Fun Facts About American Samoa LINK#TT040.

When you're hiring a vehicle, you're going to need to know where to fuel up.

Most petrol stations can be found in Pago Pago and Tafuna, as well as in a couple of villages on the west coast road (Leone and Pava'ia'i).

Note that there are no petrol stations on the east side of the island, so be sure to fuel up before venturing into the mountainous interior or the eastern coastline.

Note that petrol stations in American Samoa are typically full-service petrol stations, meaning a station attendant fills up your vehicle with fuel for you. Tell the attendant how much money you would like to fuel up, then pay the attendant with cash. US dollars are the currency used.

For the most recent fuel prices and car rental information, check out The Cost of Renting a Car in American Samoa: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown LINK#T004.

While most road rules in American Samoa are similar to other countries, especially the United States, there are a few differences that many visitors are surprised by or find different from home. We'll go through some of the most important road rules for visitors here:

1. Drive on the right side of the road.
2. It is legal and mandatory to wear a seatbelt in American Samoa, where they are provided.
3. The maximum speed limit is 30 mph (48 kph), with lower limits in villages and residential areas - signs usually indicate the speed limit in a given area.
4. At roundabouts, give way to vehicles approaching from the left.
5. Do not pass another vehicle by driving off the main part of the road or shoulder — passing must be done on the road itself only.
6. You may only overtake on the right if the vehicle in front is turning left or if there’s plenty of space on a wide one-way road with no parked cars.
7. If another car is overtaking you, you must move right slightly if safe to help them pass, and you must not speed up while they’re overtaking.
8. When turning left, you must give way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are turning right.
9. All vehicles must stop for school buses when they display flashing lights, from either direction, and stay stopped until the lights turn off or the driver signals you to proceed.
10. Do not park within 4.5 metres (15 ft) of a fire hydrant or in front of a fire station unless you're in the car and ready to move immediately.
11. Children under 3 years of age must be transported in special child seats approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Children aged 3 to 4 years must be restrained in a child passenger restraint system or by a seat belt assembly.
12. It is illegal for children under 12 to ride in the back of a pickup truck unless accompanied by an adult.

You can find more tips for driving in What You Need to Hire a Car in American Samoa LINK#T010.

While sticking to the official road rules is a good way to keep safe while driving in American Samoa, there are some additional safety tips we've picked up while exploring the islands:

• Take it easy and stick to the speed limit
• Watch out for children on the road
• Watch out for animals on the road
• Don't leave valuables in your vehicle unattended
• Take extra care when driving on unsealed roads
• Don't park under a coconut tree!

For more safety tips, head on over to our guide, American Samoa Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to American Samoa?