Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Samoa - cash only, or do cards work too?
I recently took several buses around Samoa, and cash was always required. The bus driver charged me when I was getting off, so I made sure to have some Tala ready. It worked out fine because ATMs are easy to find in Apia and Savai’i. I tried to carry smaller bills for convenience since drivers don’t usually have change. It’s a bit old-fashioned, but it’s the norm for public transport there.
It’s a little inconvenient that Samoa’s public transport is cash-only. No card payments on buses yet, even though you can use Visa or Mastercard in most tourist spots. ATMs exist but tend to charge high fees, so running low on cash when traveling between islands can be stressful. They could really benefit from mobile or card payment options to make it smoother for tourists and locals alike.
If you’re visiting Samoa and want to get around using buses, plan to carry cash for fares. Cards won’t work on local buses, so make sure you get Samoan Tala from ATMs in Apia or Faleolo Airport. The withdrawal fees are about ST$5 to ST$16, depending on the ATM and your bank. Bus fares seldom go above ST$12. Also, try to have smaller notes handy since drivers often can’t break large bills like $50 or $100 Tala.
In Samoa, bus fares are paid strictly in cash, using the Samoan Tala. Drivers usually collect the fare when you get off the bus, so keep the exact change handy if you can. Fares are affordable, with trips around Apia costing less than ST$3 usually. Credit or debit cards like Visa or Mastercard are accepted in many shops and hotels but not for local buses. ATMs are available mainly in Apia and near the airport, so it’s wise to withdraw cash in larger towns before traveling.