Taxis in American Samoa: Taxi Fares, How to Use & More

Taxis in American Samoa operate under umbrella companies, with drivers working together as a collective network like "Dave's Taxi Stand" and "Airport Taxis". Many taxi drivers take great pride in their service, positioning themselves not just as transportation providers but as knowledgeable local guides who understand the cultural nuances of each village.

How to Negotiate a Taxi Price

Although fares are government-regulated, taxis don't run on meters in American Samoa, so it is customary to agree on a price with the driver before accepting a ride. Just ask how much it is to your desired destination, and away you go.

For tourists (who tend not to know where they're going - we've all been there), drivers typically bring out a map and negotiate the fare based on your destination and any activities you want to include, ensuring both parties reach an agreement before departure.

Fares are paid in cash only, as card payments are not typically accepted.

Taxis as Tour Guides

When we talked to the team from Dave's Taxi Stand, they emphasised their role as cultural ambassadors. They take responsibility for informing tourists about village rules and regulations, advising on appropriate dress codes, and what's allowed or not allowed in different areas. Needless to say, this local knowledge is invaluable for first-time visitors, but you can also wise up on the cultural landscape in American Samoan Etiquette: American Samoa Customs & Traditions.

It is also possible to hire taxi drivers for day tours, with many eager to negotiate hourly rates at around US$20-$40 per hour per person. These extended services often include activities like snorkelling and swimming, with drivers taking customers to scenic spots and staying with them throughout the experience. Tour durations can be flexible, ranging from four to six hours depending on customer preferences.

Taxis on Sundays

Finally, taxis in American Samoa tend to be busiest on Sundays, so visitors should plan accordingly and expect higher demand on this day.

Taxis in American Samoa are only available on the main island, Tutuila (also referred to as Pago Pago, or just Pago). There are no taxis in the Manu'a Islands.

Taxis on Tutuila

Taxis can be found in abundance on Tutuila in all of the key centres where you would want to find a taxi: Pago Pago Airport, Port of Pago Pago, the Fagatogo Market, around the town area encompassing Pago Pago, Fagatogo and Utulei, as well as the industrial areas of Tafuna and 'Ifi'ifi and the villages of Pava'ia'i, Faleniu and Malaeimi.

You will struggle to find taxis in the more remote villages along the east and west sides of the island.

Taxi stands can be found in the villages listed above. Otherwise, accommodation hosts and restaurants can usually call you a taxi with their preferred company.

For more on transport on American Samoa’s main island, check out our Pago Pago Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Tutuila.

Getting a taxi in American Samoa is pretty simple: give a taxi company a phone call, get your accommodation or restaurant to call on your behalf, or show up at a taxi stand.

Call a Taxi!

The easiest way to get a taxi in Tutuila is to simply give a taxi company a call. There’s a dizzying number of taxi companies in American Samoa, so we simply can’t list them all here, but a few examples include:

• Airport Taxi (Tafuna) – 684 699 1136 / 684 699 5177
• Dave's Taxi (Tafuna) – 684 699 1285 / 684 256 2818
• Lagoon Taxi (Nu'uuli) – 684 699 2480
• Sonnyboy Services (Fagatogo) – 684 699 2465
• Aeto Cab (Pago Pago) – 684 644 0111
• Island Taxi (Fagatogo) – 684 633 5645
• Pioneer Transportation (Nu'uuli) – 684 733 8912
• Sal’s Taxi ('Amanave) – 684 256 0196
• Talofa Taxi (Utulei) – 684 633 7162

You might want to be prepared for jotting down a few phone numbers as you go; taxis usually display phone numbers on their logos found on vehicle magnets, as well as at taxi stands.

The international dialling code for American Samoa is “+684”. If your call doesn't go through, try “1 684”. Learn more about making calls in American Samoa in The Best SIM Card in American Samoa for Travellers LINK#TT015.

Get Your Hotel to Call a Taxi for You

Sometimes it’s just easier to ask the reception or your host at your accommodation to call a taxi for you on your behalf. Local staff will know which taxi stand is the closest and will be able to call you a cab accordingly.

American Samoa Taxi Stands

Simply showing up at a taxi stand is another way to get a taxi in American Samoa. They are usually easy enough to spot, if not for the accumulation of taxi vehicles, then for the rough signs of the company’s logo followed by the words “Taxi Stand” or “Taxi Service”.

You won’t find many taxi stands highlighted on “Google Maps”, but just ask a local where the nearest taxi stand is if you’re struggling to find one.

Can You Hail a Taxi in American Samoa?

While American Samoa is not like the streets of New York, hailing a taxi within a town area or village where traffic is moving slowly is certainly a viable option for getting a taxi.

Note, however, most taxis on the move in American Samoa tend to be in service, either carrying a passenger or on the way to pick one up. This is especially true for the quiet roads on the eastern or western sides of the island. Therefore, you are unlikely to have much luck at hailing a taxi under these circumstances. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to try, and the driver may be able to call you another cab.

American Samoa’s taxis do not run on meters. A flat fare is agreed upon before setting off, which often means you can get taxis around Tutuila for a reasonable price. It’s good to have a rough idea of a fair price before agreeing to a ride.

Taxis only accept cash, not credit cards. Learn more about paying with cash in What is the Best Way to Pay in American Samoa? LINK#TT007

Taxi Fare from Pago Pago Airport:

• To Tradewinds Hotel: US$7-$8
• To Pago Pago (Town Area): US$15-$20
• To Tisa's (Alega Beach): US$60

Taxi Fare from Pago Pago (Town Area):

• Pago Pago to Cape Taputapu: US$80
• Pago Pago to 'Au'asi (Boat to Aunu'u): US$60
• Pago Pago to National Park (Vatia): US$75

Note that all of the fares above are for one-way trips and are double the cost for the return fare.

Taxi Tour/Hourly Rates

• Hourly rate: US$20-$40 per hour per person
• 4-hour tour example: 3 people × $20/hour = $60 total
• Available durations: 4-6 hours (negotiable)

Note that tour/hourly rate prices are negotiated based on destination and activities. Additional activities (snorkelling, swimming, sightseeing) may affect pricing.