Which Car Hire to Choose in Samoa?
The islands of adventure, breathtaking tropical landscapes and captivating culture, Samoa offers an exciting road trip in just a few days! Stop by stunning beaches and waterfalls on Upolu then hop on the ferry over to Savai’i for its epic lava flow formations and relaxed pace of life. We compare all of the best car rental companies in Samoa that can make your roadie dreams a reality in this complete guide to the top car hire companies in Samoa!
Note that there are a few requirements to hiring a car in Samoa, from the minimum rental age of 21 to the essential Temporary Driver’s License, so be sure to wise up with our guide, What You Need to Hire a Car in Samoa.
5 Things to Look For When Comparing Car Rentals in Samoa
Before we dive into our comparison of the car hires in Samoa, know what to look for with these car rental comparison tips.
1. Prices and Inclusions
Car rental companies in Samoa have various inclusions, as well as different daily rates, for example, not all car rental companies have included insurance. We make sure to list inclusions in the comparison below, where available. For costs to consider when making a budget for your car rental, check out The Cost of Renting a Car in Samoa.
2. Vehicles Offered
Samoa’s car rental companies have very varied fleets. The size of your vehicle will matter depending on how many people are travelling. You might want to get a high-clearance vehicle to access attractions like Aganoa Beach, the Coastal Walk and Alofaaga Blowholes which have poor access roads. Otherwise, if just sticking to the high-quality main roads, we recommend choosing a vehicle that complements your budget. Learn more about what it is like to drive on Samoa’s roads in our guide, How to Drive in Samoa + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know.
3. Location
Location is important if you’re hoping to hire a vehicle from the airport or perhaps from a certain resort. Most rental companies will deliver to anywhere in Apia for free, while some offer free airport delivery or resort deals if hiring for a minimum period. Be sure to look at delivery fees too if you’re hiring from outside of Apia.
4. Payment Options
Not everyone wants to have a credit card, and Samoa’s car rental companies would rather you pay cash! Although credit cards are accepted by most car rental companies, there is usually an extra charge to use one, so you may want to pay cash – see where the closest ATMs are located in Information, Shops & Services in Samoa. Plus, learn more about paying for things in What is the Best Way to Pay in Samoa?
5. Service
Once you have picked one or two car rental companies to compare, give them an email or a phone call and ask them a few questions. See how helpful they are in their answers. This little test will give you an idea of how helpful the company will be should anything go wrong during your trip.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comBlue Pacific Car Hire
If you’re looking for large roomy vehicles with high clearance to tackle even some of Samoa’s unsealed roads, Blue Pacific Car Hire rents out nothing less. Providing only premium late-model vehicles, this is a car rental company in Samoa that prides itself on quality. Delivery fees aren’t too extortionate either if you’re staying outside of Apia, while their free delivery extends to the south coast of Upolu if hired for more than three days.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Blue Pacific Car Hire’s main office is on Vaitele Street, Vaitele, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia and Si’umu (Coconuts, Sinalei, etc.). They’ll also deliver free to Saletoga Sands Resort and Lalomanu for free if hired for 3+ days. Otherwise, for delivery elsewhere across Upolu like Faleolo Airport, Mulifanua Wharf and other resorts, a delivery fee applies.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Blue Pacific Car Hire include SUVs and 4WD pickup trucks (utes). Most vehicles have automatic transmission except the odd 4WD pickup.
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Creta
- Hyundai Venue
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Ranger XLT.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia and Si’umu area
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up around Upolu (fees apply)
- Deals such as rent for 7 days get 1 day free/weekly rates
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free liability insurance.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. SUVs with Blue Pacific Car Hire cost approximately ST$150-$190 per day and 4WD pickups ST$280-$320. Note that daily rates decrease the longer you rent.
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via pre-authorised Visa or MasterCard or cash of around ST$500 until the vehicle is returned. Plus, an extra fee of ST$500 applies if the driver is under 25 years old. Liability insurance is included in all vehicle hires with an excess of ST$2,000 (or ST$2,500 if under 25 years old). Excess reduction options are available for a daily fee.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comReef Rentals
A highly competitive Samoa car rental company in terms of vehicle quality, fleet variety and price, Reef Rentals are well worth considering. Whether you’re looking for a budget car or something to impress, there’s something to suit. By also providing Temporary Driver’s Licenses and delivery across the island of Upolu at a cheaper end of the delivery fee scale, Reef Rentals make things pretty convenient. Needless to say, free delivery in Apia is a given.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Reef Rentals’ main office is just off Vaitele Street, Lepea, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia. Deliveries are available at Faleolo Airport, Mulifanua Wharf and resorts across Upolu for a fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Reef Rentals include compact cars, SUVs, people movers, vans and 4WD pickup trucks (utes). All vehicles have automatic transmission.
- Toyota IST
- Toyota Rush
- Toyota Rav4
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai IX-35
- Nissan X-Trail
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Toyota Kluger
- Toyota Vanguard
- Kia Sportage
- Ford Range XLT
- Toyota Alphard (8-seater)
- Toyota Hiace (12-16-seater).
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up around Upolu (fees apply)
- Ferry booking assistance (fees apply)
- Baby seat available
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Insurance available (fees apply).
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Reef Rentals cost approximately ST$100-$150 per day, SUVs ST$150-$180, people movers/vans ST$180-$280 and 4WD pickups ST$280.
Insurance
Liability insurance is a chargeable daily extra for an excess of ST$3,000 including third-party damage and bodily injury of ST$50,000 in the aggregate.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comMoana Rentals
One of the most popular vehicle rentals in Samoa, you’ll see the attractive logo of this contemporary car rental company everywhere in Samoa! Moana Rentals is a good choice for arrival at Faleolo Airport with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and Temporary Driver’s Licenses available to get you on the road immediately. Choose from old models in their budget range to late-model vans and SUVs.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Moana Rentals’ main office is on Alafua Road, Alafua, Apia; as well as at the Pacific Ezy office, Togafu’afu’a Road, Mulivai, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia. Deliveries are available at Faleolo Airport for a fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Moana Rentals include compact cars, SUVs, people movers, vans and 4WD pickup trucks (utes). All vehicles have automatic transmission except pickups.
- Toyota Yaris
- Toyota Prado
- Toyota Tarago
- Toyota Hiace
- Toyota Hilux.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Faleolo Airport (fees apply)
- Ferry booking assistance (fees apply)
- Baby seat available (fees apply)
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free basic insurance.
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via pre-authorised credit card or cash of around ST$500 until the vehicle is returned. Liability insurance is included in all hires with excess reduction rates available.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comLe Talie Car Rentals
If you’re planning on hiring a vehicle for your whole getaway, get in touch with Le Talie Car Rentals. With free airport and wharf delivery when hiring for 7 days or more, as well as other nicknacks like free baby seat hire, your ride couldn’t be easier. They also have just about every kind of vehicle you could possibly need for tackling the island roads, whether you’re a couple or a group. The team are easy to get in touch with (a rarity in Samoa), so why not give them a try?
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Le Talie Rentals’ main office is next to the Latter-Day Saints compound in Pesega, Vaitele Street, Apia.
Delivery/drop-off is available at accommodations, Faleolo Airport and Mulifanua Wharf for a reasonable fee – delivery is free if hired for 7+ days.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Le Talie Car Rentals include compact cars, SUVs, pickup trucks (utes), people movers and vans. Most vehicles have automatic transmission.
- Toyota Ractis
- Toyota Vanguard
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Noah (7-8 seater)
- Toyota Voxy (7-8 seater)
- Toyota Hiace (10-15-seater).
Further Services and Inclusions
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up for a fee or free is hired 7+ days
- Child/baby seats available for a fee or free if hired 7+ days
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free roadside assistance
- Free insurance.
Insurance
Insurance is included in all vehicle hires with an excess of ST$3,000 plus VAGST.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comJetz Rentz
Offering the largest fleet of vehicles on Savai’i, and with a convenient location just a short walk from the ferry terminal (not to mention, free delivery to Salelologa Wharf), Jetz Rentz is an obvious go-to for car and scooter rentals on Savai’i. Your Temporary Driver’s License is sorted with the ability to complete applications at their office located at the Jet Over Hotel.
See how Jetz Rentz compares to other Savai’i rentals in the 5 Best Car Rentals on Savai’i.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Jet Over Hotel, Salelologa, Savai’i (approximately a 10-minute walk north of the ferry terminal).
Delivery/drop-off is available anywhere on Savai’i for a fee or free to Salelologa Wharf.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Jetz Rentz include compact cars, scooters, SUVs, vans and 4WD pickup trucks (utes). Most vehicles have automatic transmission except 4WD pickups.
- Toyota Vitz
- Toyota Passo
- Nissan Note
- Toyota Rav4
- Hyundai Tucson
- Mazda BT-50
- Ford Ranger
- Yamaha Mio Scooter.
See more places to rent scooters in Scooter Hire in Samoa: Where to Rent, Cost & More.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s License applications available
- Child seats available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Salelologa Wharf
- Vehicle delivery (fee applies)
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free liability insurance.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Jetz Rentz cost approximately ST$90 per day, SUVs ST$150, 4WD pickups ST$250-$300 and scooters ST$50.
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via pre-authorised MasterCard/Visa or cash of around ST$500 until the vehicle is returned. Liability insurance is included in all hires.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comFunway Rentals
The closest car rental to the Apia Harbour, Funway Rentals is a convenient option if you’re coming off a cruise ship. Otherwise, the team can deliver their fleet, starting from high-clearance Toyota Rav4s to premium Toyota Hiluxes, to you for free in Apia (delivery to resorts outside of Apia is not the best deal with this company, however).
The company prides itself on the “cleanest cars on the island” but you will get charged if you return the vehicle dirty! They’ll also take you to the nearest licensing authority for the Temporary Driver’s License, making the whole process as easy as an island breeze. Oh, and rent for 7+ days and you’ll get to sport one of the company’s iconic T-shirts or lavalava!
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Funway Rentals is located on Beach Road, Matautu-tai, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia. Faleolo Airport office is only open for prearranged bookings – fees apply for rentals from the airport. Delivery for a fee is also available for Upolu’s resorts.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Funway Rentals include SUVs, people movers, vans and 4WD pickup trucks. Most vehicles have automatic transmission except some vans.
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Voxy/Noah
- Toyota Hiace.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses assistance
- Price beat guarantee
- Ferry booking assistance (fees apply)
- Child/baby seats (when available, fees apply)
- Private driver service available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Faleolo Airport and resorts (fees apply)
- Discounts for hires over 6 days
- Free T-shirt and lavalava if hiring for 7+ days
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Insurance available for a daily fee.
Insurance
Liability insurance is not included but can be purchased at a daily rate for an excess of ST$3,000.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comMy Rental
Opt for some of the newest vehicles on the islands, or at least a late model, with My Rental. Considering full comprehensive insurance is included in all rentals, they offer a good deal for the conservative traveller. Families will love the fact that baby seats are free no matter how long you hire. They also offer tempting weekly deals except for in the peak season (December to January).
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
My Rental’s main office is located on Falealili Street, Tiapapata, Apia. They also have an office at Faleolo Airport (hire fees apply). Delivery/drop-off is available on Upolu for an additional fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by My Rental include compact cars, SUVs, vans and 4WD pickup trucks. All vehicles have automatic transmission.
- Toyota Rav4
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Creta
- Hyundai Creta Grand
- Suzuki Ignis
- Hyundai Accent
- Hyundai H1 Van (12-seater)
- Subaru Impreza
- Ford Ranger FX4.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s License applications available
- Ferry booking assistance (fees apply)
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Upolu resorts and Faleolo Airport (fees apply)
- Deals such as rent for 7 days get 1 day free/weekly rates
- Free baby seats available
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free comprehensive insurance.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with My Rental cost approximately ST$130-$170 per day, SUVs ST$150-$200, vans ST$240 and 4WD pickups ST$300.
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via pre-authorised MasterCard/Visa or cash of around ST$500 until the vehicle is returned. Full comprehensive insurance is included in all hires.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comUSO Rentals
If you’re looking for a rental vehicle to be ready upon arrival in Samoa, USO Rentals has you sorted. One of the rare car rental companies in Samoa offering free airport pick-up and drop-off, they offer a pretty convenient service. Having Temporary Driver’s Licenses available to sign up for upon picking up your vehicle is also pretty handy.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
USO Rentals’ main office is at the Tuanaimato Sports Complex, Gym 2, Talimatau Road, Vaitele, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia and Faleolo International Airport.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by USO Rentals include compact cars, SUVs, vans and 4WD pickup trucks (utes). Most vehicles have automatic transmission except the odd 4WD pickup.
- Nissan March
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota Hiace
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Creta
- Ford Ranger.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia and Faleolo Airport
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Free unlimited kilometres.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comIsland Rento
A small family business operating out of Apia, Island Rento provides affordable car hire with irresistible 4-day and 7-day deals. They’re easy to get in touch with, and then they’ll do their hardest to attend to your car rental needs from there. They also offer assistance with obtaining the essential Temporary Driver’s License.
For more rental companies with irresistible deals, take a look at The Cheapest Car Rentals in Samoa.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Island Rento’s main office is in Vaivase-uta, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia. They’ll also deliver to Faleolo Airport for a reasonable fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Island Rento include compact cars, 4WD SUVs and people movers. All vehicles have automatic transmission.
- Hyundai Getz
- Kia Sportage
- Daihatsu Terios
- Toyota Estima (8-seater).
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses assistance
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Faleolo Airport (fees apply)
- Deals such as rent for 4 or 7 days get 1 day free deals
- Free unlimited kilometres.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Island Rento cost approximately ST$90-$100 per day, 4WD SUVs ST$130-$150 and people movers ST$170.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comAA Rent-a-Car
Certainly one of the most prominent car rental companies in Apia, Faleolo Airport and Upolu, AA Rent-a-Car boasts a wide range of vehicle models in their large fleet including some late-model vehicles, should you be looking for something more reliable. With a price-beat guarantee and boasting rates starting at ST$88, however, they’re also worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.
We have more Upolu rental companies listed in the 10 Best Car Rentals on Upolu, so check out that list too!
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
AA Rent-a-Car has three locations: Main West Coast Road, Lepea, Apia; Lotopa, Apia; and Faleolo International Airport, Faleolo, west side of Upolu.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by AA Rent-a-Car include compact cars, scooters, SUVs, vans and 4WD pickup trucks (utes). Most vehicles have automatic transmission except the odd 4WD pickup.
- Subaru Impreza Sport
- Subaru Impreza Sedan
- Subaru XV
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota Rav4
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Creta
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Toyota Hilux
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Ranger XLT
- Toyota LandCruiser 4×4
- Isuzu D/max 4×4
- Hyundai IMAX (8-seater)
- Toyota Hiace (10-15 seater)
- Yamaha Mio Scooter.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Free child/baby seats available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Deals such as rent for 7 days get 1 day free/weekly rates
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free liability and third-party insurance.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with AA Rent-a-Car cost approximately ST$100-$130 per day, SUVs ST$160-$220, 4WD pickups ST$290-$320, people movers/vans ST$220-$300 and scooters ST$55.
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via pre-authorised Visa or MasterCard or cash of around ST$500 until the vehicle is returned. Liability insurance is included in all vehicle hires with an excess of ST$2,000 plus third-party bodily injured of ST$50,000 in the aggregate.
More About Car Rentals in Samoa
That’s it for our complete comparison of the car rental companies in Samoa. Learn more about renting a car using the following guides:
- What You Need to Hire a Car in Samoa
- 10 Safety Tips for Driving in Samoa
- The Cheapest Car Rentals in Samoa
Finally, compare car rentals with other ways to travel around the island in our Samoa Transport Guide: 14 Best Ways to Get Around Samoa.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2024])
- Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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