Capital city in Água Grande, Sao Tome and Principe
São Tomé
Sleepy equatorial capital for rainforest, old cocoa and coffee plantations and quiet beaches. Slow, cheap and safe, but tourist services are basic and most sights need a driver.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,010–1,840Comfortable, one person · Db22,000–40,000Details
- Value for money65/100Better value than 64% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Mar, 27°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; avoid ice.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: rareDetails
- Getting aroundShared minivan (candonga)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work at few hotels; cash for almost everything.Details
Where to stay in São Tomé
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| São Tomé city center | Hotels, markets, restaurants; walkable |
| Pantufo and the north coast | Beach lodges and quieter stays near the airport |
Apps that work in São Tomé
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Maps.me: Offline maps on forest trails
- Taxis: No ride apps; agree fares with taxi drivers or hire a driver for the day through your guesthouse.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Sao Tome and Principe.
- Mostly cash Cards work at few hotels; cash for almost everything. Euros are accepted in some places, and ATMs in town can be unreliable.
- Currency: Dobra (STN). US$1 ≈ Db21.77 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Only a few ATMs exist in Sao Tome town and they often reject foreign cards; bring euros and exchange them at banks.
- Tipping: Not expected; rounding up or giving a few euros for guides and drivers is appreciated.
- Paying by phone: None practical for visitors; Apple and Google Pay do not work.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities can enter visa-free or apply online for an e-visa; check eligibility with the embassy before booking.
- Passport must be valid for six months; carry proof of onward travel and accommodation.
- A yellow fever certificate is required when arriving from a risk country.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
CST sells prepaid SIMs in Sao Tome town; passport required; coverage is patchy outside towns.
Going to São Tomé solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.