Does Budget require an IDP in Samoa?
Budget in Samoa: the policy in plain terms
Requires an IDP when your licence is not in the Roman alphabet. Value rental brand operating in 120+ countries.
Samoa switched to driving on the left in 2009; an IDP is advised with your home licence, and a local temporary permit may be required.
In Samoa specifically, samoa legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Budget will ask for it at the counter. Apia desks may issue a local temporary permit; an IDP helps.
Budget runs a global network; at its Samoa desks, foreign renters are asked for the Local rules-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Samoa drives on the left, uses the WST, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the Budget counter in Samoa
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the Local rules format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the WST deposit; Samoa drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Samoa Budget renters should know
- Drive on the left (since 2009).
- Low speed limits in villages.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Watch for pedestrians and pigs on roads.