China licence Samoa

Driving in Samoa with a China license

Short answer: you cannot drive in Samoa on a China license or an International Driving Permit alone — Samoa requires a local or temporary licence.

Not accepted

An International Driving Permit is not sufficient to drive in Samoa. Samoa does not accept the IDP for foreign visitors — a local or temporary licence is required. Always confirm the current rule before you travel.

Convention basisSamoa relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

At the rental deskApia desks may issue a local temporary permit; an IDP helps.

CarryCarry BOTH your China national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Convention: Local rules

Mainland China is not party to the IDP conventions, so Chinese drivers typically obtain a temporary local licence in the destination country. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the Local rules format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Samoa

Drive on the left (since 2009).
Low speed limits in villages.
0.08% alcohol limit.
Watch for pedestrians and pigs on roads.

Common questions

Can I drive in Samoa with a China license?

you cannot drive in Samoa on a China license or an International Driving Permit alone — Samoa requires a local or temporary licence. Samoa relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

Is my China driver's license valid in Samoa?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Samoa?

Can I rent a car in Samoa with a China license?

Apia desks may issue a local temporary permit; an IDP helps.

What IDP format does Samoa accept?

Samoa relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Samoa?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing China license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the Local rules format Samoa uses — carried alongside your China license.

Do I still carry my China license?

Carry BOTH your China national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.