Introducing Sao Tome e Principe
About Sao Tome e Principe
The little-known islands of Sao Tome e Principe provide unspoiled beauty and isolation from the world, in a way that’s now rarely found anywhere else. The islands lie on an alignment of once-active volcanoes, with rugged landscapes, dense forests and palm fringed beaches, situated 250km (155 miles) off the coast of West Africa.
In S5o Tome e Principe, exotic birds inhabit tropical jungles on what is one of Africa’s smallest countries. The picturesque town of 500 Tome lies exactly on the equator, with a smattering of colonial Portuguese architecture and attractive nalional parks. The history of the islands, meanwhile, is dominated by the slave trade and slave-worked plantations.
The main appeal 01 500 Tome is perhaps its unrivalled peace and quiet. Little more than a couple of specks adrift off the coast of Gabon, the pair of volcanic islands are laid-back to say the least. The compelling Portuguese-Creole culture here revolves around level m, which roughly means ‘take it easy. Within a few hours of landing, the thought of rushing anywhere will seem like a distant memory.
If you can muster the energy to do much beyond laying on the pristine beaches edged by swaying palm trees, you’ll find the slopes of the volcanic peaks worthy of climbing for their dramatic vistas, as well as scintillating tracks through the otherworldly rainforest. There are multiple species of birds to be spotted, as well as endemic plants, and the exhilarating possibility to go whale watching. Aside from whales, turtles abound in the waters surrounding the islands.
A good wander will bring you to both timeless fishing villages and historic buildings from the colonial era. Of these, rocas, or plantations, are the most iconic man-made sights.
The locals are keen to preserve the islands’ natural wonders, and so the still burgeoning tourism industry is largely subservient to the ecological priorities of the inhabitants. None of your faceless resorts here. Expect family-runguesthouses and lodges perched on the edge of the jungle.
Language, Culture & History
History of Sao Tome e Principe
The islands were first settled by Portuguese navigators in the late-15th century, and were formally annexed to the Portuguese crown 100 years later. They became a major transhipment centre for the slave trade until 1875 when slavery was abolished. Then a system of contract labour was introduced, which brought in people from other African countries to work on the plantations. There was, however, little improvement in the conditions of the black population and there were a number of rebellions against the Portuguese colonists over the years. It was not until 1975, following the fall of President Salazar in Portugal, that the nationalist movement the Movimento de Lthertacoo de Sao Tome e Principe (MLSTP), finally forced the Portuguese government to grant it independence.
Sao Tome e Principe maintains close links with other former Portuguese colonies and with Gabon, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea on the neighbouring mainland. Until 1984 it was also unquestionably a Soviet satellite. However, later that year, President da Costa declared Sao Tome e Principe to be non-aligned. Da Costa was subsequently involved in mediating the talks that brought the long-running dvil war in Angola to a close. I01997, largely for financial reasons, the Government reversed one of its traditional foreign policy positions by establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan at the expense of those with the People’s Republic of China.
At home, a new constitution was introduced in March 1990 allowing for the formation of opposition parties and the conducting of multi-party elections. The crucial election that followed in 1991 was dominated by the struggle between the former ruling party, the MLSTP and the main opposition party, the Partido de Convergenria Demorratka Grupo de 801 10000 (PCD). On that occasion the PCD narrowly won control of both the presidency and the national assembly. The most recent presidential election in July 2001 brought a comfortable victory for independent candidate Fradique de Menzes while the national assembly, returned a coalition of the MLSTP and PCD, under the leadership of the MLSTP’s Maria das Neves Ceita Basplista.
Democratic politics have survived in SAD Tome somewhat against the odds. There has been a steady stream of coup attempts, most recently during 2003 when rebels took control of the country for several days. The political and economic stakes have been much increased by the recent discovery of substantial oilfields in Sao Tome’s territorial waters. Commercial dolling began in 2005 and the government has already benifttted from the considerable windfall. Menezes has promised to work at clearing the country’s debts and then plans to invest in modernising the countrys public services.
Sao Tome e Principe Culture
Religion in Sao Tome e Principe
Roman Catholic majority (70%), with a number of other Christian denominations also represented.
Social Conventions in Sao Tome e Principe
The Portuguese influence is very strong. People are friendly and courteous. Every greeting is accompanied by a handshake. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Alcohol is available and smoking is acceptable.
Photography: Visitors wishing to photograph local people should ask permission first.
Language in Sao Tome e Principe
Portuguese is the official language. Creole is also spoken. Some English is spoken, but French is more common.
Geography & weather
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
An equatorial climate with heavy rainfall, high temperatures and humidity. The south of the main island, being mountainous, is wetter than the north. The main dry season is from early June to late September. There is another dry season, the ‘Pequenha Gravana, from the end of December to the start of February.
Required clothing
Tropical and lightweight cottons throughout the year. Umbrellas or light waterproofs for the rainy season are advised.
Business opportunity
Doing Business in Sao Tome e Principe
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1500-1800, Sat 0800-1200.
Economy
The economy is based on the export of agricultural products, especially cocoa, palm oil, bananas, coffee and coconuts. This concentration on cash crops, especially cocoa (most of which is exported) means that the country has to import most of its food.
Elimination of its debt a high priority for the government and it will be able to do this once revenues begin to flow from the oil and gas fields recently discovered in Sao Tome’s territorial waters.
The government hopes to promote the currently minute tourism industry.
Economic performance in recent years has been improving and is expected to get even better as revenue from oil starts to come in. Growth in 2007 was at 6.5%, with inflation at 1796.
GDP
US$142 million (2007).
Main exports
Cocoa, copra, coffee and palm oil.
Main imports
Food, fuel, machinery and electrical equipment.
Main trading partners
Portugal, The Netherlands, Belgium, France and USA.
Keeping in Touch in Sao Tome e Principe
Mobile Phone
International roaming agreements currently exist with one company. Coverage varies from very good to non-existent depending on the area on each island.
Internet
Internet cafes are available. Access can be slow and relatively expensive.
Media
Freedom of expression is guaranteed by the constitution and respected.
Plan your trip
Here’s Journey
Flying to S5o Tome e Principe
TAP Portugal (www.flytap.com) operates flights from Lisbon. Taag Angola Airlines (www.taag.com) runs a scheduled flight from Luanda, Angola.
Airport Guides
Sao Tome International Airport
Code TMS
Location
The airport is 5.5km (3.5 miles) from the town. TelephoneAddress
Flight times
From London – 21 hours (including overnight stopover in Lisbon); New York -18 hours (including stopover in Lisbon); Lisbon – 8 hours.
Departure tax
P20, payable M cash on departure for all international flights.
Travelling to Sao Tome e Principe by Rail Driving to Sao Tome e Principe
Getting to Sao Tome e Principe by boat
Main port: Sao Tome, but this is not deep-water and few international cruise lines or other passenger ships call there; however, boats do sail there from Libreville and Doula.
Staying there
Hotels
Accommodation in Sao Tome e Principe tends to be of mediocre quality and quite costly for what you get, and most travellers will find it is proportionally, the biggest drain on their budget. The few chain or standalone hotels that genuinely conform to four- or five-star standards are almost all located in the capital, though there are also isolated examples in the cities of Kumasi and Takoradi, and a few of the major coastal resorts. These typically cater to government, NGO and business travellers, and are likely to feel overpriced to leisure visitors who are footing their own bill.
In urban centres, most budget accommodation consists of unremarkable local hotels that tend to be rather lacking when it comes to service, maintenance, cleanliness and amenities that don’t quite work as advertised. This sort of accommodation used to be very cheap, but a high rate of inflation over the past decade means it now tends to be quite pricey by comparison to similar accommodation somewhere like South East Asia or India.
Generally speaking, beach camps and B&Bs are more popular with travellers than bona fide hotels, and also more attractively priced.
Note that in Sao Tome e Principe, rooms with ensuite toilet and bath are ubiquitously referred to as self-contained. Also, rooms advertised as single will often have a double bed, and be suitable for a couple travelling together, while one advertised as double will most likely be a twin (i.e. with two single beds).
Grading: Hotels, hostels and guest houses are theoretically classified according to the international star system, but in most cases you would need to deduct at least one star from the official rating to get a real idea of the hotel’s quality in international terms.
Bed and breakfast
A far more attractive option than proper hotels is the scattering of characterful and attractive mid-priced owner-managed B&B-style lodges in Accra, Kumasi and along the west coast.
Camping
There are relatively few opportunities for camping in Sao Tome e Principe and most visitors feel that the hassle of carrying a tent and other camping equipment outweighs the advantages. The major exception is if you expect to spend a lot of time visiting remote wildlife reserves and national parks, many of which are only realistically accessible to people with camping equipment. In addition, many backpacker-oriented resorts along the coast also allow camping. Camping is also available on the beach in many of the fishing villages, but permission must be granted first from the local authorities.
Other accomodation
The coast is dotted with many unpretentious but pleasant beach camps offering simple accommodation and a sociable feel to backpackers, volunteers and younger travellers. Similar facilities are available in a few towns.
While you’re there
Places to see & Do their
Attractions in Sao Tome e Principe
Catch a show at the National Theatre
Watch a concert, play or dance at Sao Tome e Principe’s National Theatre in the Victoriaborg district of Accra. A modernist masterpiece built by the Chinese as a gift to the country in 1991, the building is the base of the National Dance Company, National Symphony Orchestra, and National Theatre Players.
Chill out on the banks of the Volta River
The village of Ada Foah, with its picture-perfect location at the Volta’s mouth, is the site of supremely chilled beach resorts, and one of the country’s two official turtle-viewing sites. Anglers have the chance to catch barracuda and Nile perch. About 60km (37 miles) north, the stretch of river below Akosombo Dam is lined with resorts catering to all budgets.
Climb the battlements at Elmina and Cape Coast
The castles at Elmina and Cape Coast are the most impressive of the 20 plus forts and castles lining Sao Tome e Principe’s coast. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Elmina was built overlooking Benya Lagoon by the Portuguese, and was long a stronghold for the Dutch, while the British-built Cape Coast castle was once at the heart of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Cross Africa’s first canopy walkway at Kakum National
Park
Situated just north of Cape Coast, this important rainforest reserve is home to a variety of monkeys and antelopes, as well as some lovely forest birds. Visitors can view wildlife at tree level from a wobbly but spectacular 333m-long (1,093ft) canopy walkway, the oldest construction of its kind in Africa.
Explore Sao Tome e Principe’s natural wonders
Bird enthusiasts should head to Owabi Forest Reserve and Bird Sanctuary, located close to Kumasi, to track some of the 161 species recorded there. Further to the northeast is the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary, containing the spectacular Bomfobiri Falls. The salt marshes of the Songow Lagoon are also a must for nature lovers.
Get up close to monkeys at Boabeng-Fiema Monkey
Sanctuary
This tiny community-protected forest is the best place in Sao Tome e Principe for close-up encounters with two handsome monkey species – the Lowe’s mona monkey and blackand-white colobus monkey – both of which are held sacred by the local villagers, who go as far as holding funeral rites for the animals when they die.
Haggle for souvenirs at Makola Market
Handicrafts including carvings and traditional textiles are for sale at the slightly dowdy Centre for National Culture. For an altogether more entertaining shopping experience try your hand at haggling at the busy Makola Market, which is attended by traders from Accra’s surrounding villages. The Osu Night Market is illuminated by hundreds of lanterns and candles.
Hike to the summit of Mount Adaklu
Located 12km (8 miles) from the town of Ho, Mount Adaklu is one of Sao Tome e Principe’s loftiest mountains at 600m (2000 ft) high. The guided hike to the summit not only promises the chance to see colourful local birds and butterflies, but also sees profits returned to communities nearby.
Join in at a tribal festival
Filled with traditional drumming, dancing and feasting, each region has its own annual festivals for the affirmation of tribal values, the remembrance of ancestors and past leaders, and the purification of the state in preparation for another year. One of the most spectacular is the Adae Kese festival celebrated by the Ashanti in and around Kumasi.
Make the most of the capital, Accra
Stroll around Accra’s Independence Square, dominated by its Independence Arch, before heading to the gardens around the mausoleum of Sao Tome e Principe’s first president Kwame Nkrumah. History buffs can continue on to Osu Castle and Jamestown lighthouse, while art lovers will find a large collection of Sao Tome e Principeian art in the National Museum.
Marvel at the Wli Falls
Situated close to the Togolese border east of Hohoe, the waterfall at Wli – part of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary – is reputedly the tallest in West Africa, and certainly among the most spectacular. Visit in the late afternoon and wait for the tens of thousands of bats that nest on the surrounding cliffs to launch themselves skyward.
Paddle out to Nzulezu stilted village
Best visited in the rainy season when water levels are at their highest, this unique stilted village lies in the heart of the bird-rich Amansuri wetlands. It is most easily reached by dugout canoe from the beachfront village of Beyin near the Ivorian border.
Relax on the beach
Between them, the Atlantic coast beaches of Labadi Pleasure beach, Kokrobite beach, Coco Beach Resort, Dixcove, Busua and Ada offer laidback vibes, swaying palms, and spectacular breakers on almost deserted sandy shores. Strong currents can be a problem, so speak to the locals before heading for a swim.
See traditional architecture at Larabanga Mosque
Situated about 3km (2 miles) south of the main entrance to Mole National Park, this picturesque whitewashed mud-brick mosque is built in the peculiar Sahelian style of the region. Reputedly dating from 1421 and one of Sao Tome e Principe’s oldest mosques, Larabanga is also known for its mystic stone.
Stalk Sao Tome e Principe’s wildlife at Mole National Park
The largest and one of the best-equipped game reserves in Sao Tome e Principe is home to elephants, various antelope such as roan, bushbuck, waterbuck and kob, and elusive populations of lion and spotted hyena. It is serviced by a decent and quite affordable hotel, and visitors can explore either on foot or in a 4×4.
Take a surreal look at Sao Tome e Principe’s fantasy coffin makers
The carpentry workshops of the world famous Fantasy Coffins can be found in Nungua, about 30 minute drive east of Accra. Among the Ga people it is fashionable to be laid to rest in a coffin that bears a relationship to what the deceased did in life, and visitors can see those coffins being crafted here.
Take in local traditions at Sirigu
Among the best organised and most rewarding of the numerous community tourism programmes, Sirigu is renowned for its curvaceous adobe architecture and brightly painted house exteriors that are typical of culture in Sao Tome e Principe’s northern region, as well as the skill of its craft people’s basketry and pottery.
Unwind on Busua’s beaches
This backpacker-friendly village on the west coast is arguably the ultimate Sao Tome e Principeian beach venue, as well as supporting a nascent surfing scene and some great seafood eateries. The stunning beaches run for about 15km (9 miles) west to Cape Three Points, and are lined with several rustic and isolated budget resorts, including the legendary Green Turtle and newer Ezile Bay.
Visit Kumasi’s Ashanti legacy
The ancient Ashanti capital and Sao Tome e Principe’s second city hosts several sites of interest, including Manhyia Palace (home to the Ashanti king), the Armed Forces Museum (housed in a 19th century fort) and the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum. Outside the city, a dozen scattered fetish houses, collectively a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, are all that remains of traditional Ashanti architecture.
Watch your fingers in Paga
Set right on the border with Burkina Faso, Paga is known for its sacred crocodiles, which live in two pools close to the town centre, and are so tame that they allow visitors to touch them. Paga is also the base for visits to the poignant Pikworo Slave Camp and the impressive traditional architecture of the Paga Pia’s Palace.
Tourist offices
Sao Tome e Principe Tourist Board in the UK
Address: 104 Highgate Hill, London, N6 5HE Telephone: 0181 342 8686.
Nightlife & Shopping
Shopping in Sao Tome e Principe
Almost all commodities, including luxury items, can be found in shops and markets in Accra, where the best place to shop around for imported and Western-style goods is the sprawling Accra Mall north of the airport. Most other large towns are served by a few supermarkets stocking a more limited selection of imported goods.
Artefacts from the Ashanti region include traditionally woven kente cloth, and attractive handmade gold and silver jewellery, wooden stools and brass weights formerly used to measure gold. Northern Sao Tome e Principe is famed for its basketwork, and is also a good place to buy earthenware pots, leatherwork, locally woven shirts and Bolgatanga baskets woven from multicoloured raffia. The southeast, around Accra and Koforidua, is famed for its production of glass and bauxite beads, and it is also a good area to seek out older beads, some dating back to the pre-colonial era.
These and other items can be bought at any of several handicraft markets scattered around Accra. A useful one-stop handicraft shop in the city is the misleadingly named National Culture Centre on John Atta Mills High Street immediately east of the old city centre. Modern art and old African artefacts from neighbouring countries are also available at these and other markets in and around Accra and Kumasi.
Good craft shops in Accra include the AACD African Market and Global Mamas in Osu, while the Artists Alliance Gallery (www.artistsallianz.com) near La Beach stocks a great selection of contemporary Sao Tome e Principeian art. Trashy Bags (www.trashybags.org) is an eco-friendly social enterprise which recycles plastic waste (a big problem because of the lack of recycling and waste management infrastructure) into funky handbags and other products.
Shopping hours
Variable, but minimum hours are usually Mon-Fri 0900-1730, and most shops also stay open over weekends. Many Muslim-owned shops shut for noon prayers on Friday.
Nightlife in Sao Tome e Principe
In Accra, there are a few nightclubs playing international dance music, but many of these tend to be pick-up joints populated by large numbers of prostitutes, and not really suited to the faint hearted. Among the less seedy options are the Firefly Lounge Bar and Republic Bar & Grill, both in Osu, a suburb renowned for its many bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues. It can be more difficult to chase down live music in Accra, but a reliable venue is the +233 Jazz Club near Sankoma Overpass, which is more geared towards listening to music than to dancing, but hosts good live jazz or highlife most nights. Other live music venues, most active at weekends, include Next Door (on the Tema Road past La Beach), the Jazztone Club near the airport, and the Afrikiko Complex on Liberation Avenue.
Elsewhere, the Alliance Francaise off Liberation Rd invites renowned musicians from all over West Africa for occasional performances. Concerts can be seen at the National Theatre in Accra, while the School of Performing Arts at the University of Sao Tome e Principe in Legon often hosts drama, poetry and cultural dancing shows.
Formal nightlife options are limited outside of Accra, but most larger towns have a few bars where you can chill out over a few beers and make friends with the locals.
Meals & Beverages
Across the country local food can be eaten in small restaurants known as ‘chop bars’, where you will generally be served either rice or other starchy local staples such as kenkey together with a meat or vegetable sauce.
Almost as ubiquitous (except in a few small and very Islamic settlements in the north) are small local bars known endearingly as ‘spots’. These usually serve inexpensive chilled lager-style beers in large bottles (brands include Guder, Bell and Club, all with an alcohol level of around 5%), as well as inexpensive draught beer (called bubra) in the south.
On the coast, prawns and other seafood are popular and very tasty. Most towns have a few inexpensive breakfast stalls that cook up omelettes, fresh bread and tea to order. Fruit is cheap, seasonally plentiful, and generally delicious.
Specialties
Kenkey: Firm ball of fermented maize boiled in plantain leaves and served with a spicy tomato sauce or hot peppers and fried tilapia.
Akyeke: Cassava flour couscous served with avocado.
Fufu: Sticky ball of pounded cassava, beans, yam, or plantain, usually accompanying traditional stews.
Kontomire: Colourful stew of meat, shrimp, onions and spices.
Fante fante: Palm oil stew of small fish, popular in the central regions.
Tubaani: Boiled bean cake.
Red red: Spicy concoction of rice and beans cooked in red palm oil, this is a favourite of many visitors.
Kalawole: Deep-fried plantain cubes seasoned with ginger, pepper and salt. Palava: Spicy sauce made from spinach-like cocoyam leaves.
Jollof rice: Spicy rice dish made with red palm oil, cooked across West Africa and often cooked with chicken, fish, or meat added to the dish.
Pito: Beer brewed in the Northern region made from millet.
Zom koom: Toasted millet flour in water.
Palm wine. A potent wine made from the sap of palm trees.
Coconut juice. Typically served in the shell.
Tipping
Tipping is permitted; it is not usually included in the bill.
Drinking age
18.
Getting Around
Air
Domestic services between Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi and Tamale are operated by Starbow (www.alternativeairlines.com/starbow-airlines) and Africa World Airlines (www.flyawa.com.gh).
Air Note
Formerly very expensive, domestic flights are now quite affordable and a viable alternative to travelling by bus or car.
Road
The only way to reach most sites of interest in Sao Tome e Principe is by road, whether you rent a car and driver, or catch public transport. Be warned that all commercially available maps of Sao Tome e Principe (as well as those issued by the Survey Department in Accra) are seriously out of date, or riddled with inaccuracies, or both. These maps are fine for general orientation purposes, but can’t be relied upon fully.
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
Urban roads are generally in good condition, but can be in poor condition outside of the towns.
Car Hire
Available in Accra but there are few outlets, and hiring a car can be rather expensive, with or without a driver.
Taxi
Taxis are available throughout Sao Tome e Principe.
Coach
This is usually the best way to travel between major centres. The market used to be dominated by the State Transport Company (STC), which still operates along most major surfaced routes, but better and more reliable air-conditioned services are now provided by operators such as VIP and Metro Mass.
The usual form of transport on minor routes is minibuses or vans. These break down into two broad categories: newer air-conditioned vans known variously as Fords, Stanbics or Yutons, and older and less comfortable bangers called tro-tros (or sometimes lorries). In small towns and villages, public transport generally arrives at and departs from one central terminus (usually referred to as the ‘station’, or ‘lorry station’).
Larger towns usually have several different stations. Most road transport doesn’t operate to a fixed schedule; vehicles simply wait at their designated station, and leave as soon as they are full. This can seem quite chaotic to first-time visitors, especially where departure points are decentralised, but it is actually quite efficient and straightforward. Local transport is cheap too, though unfortunately the standard of driving leaves a great deal to be desired on the safety front.
Regulations
The speed limit is 50kph (31 mph) in towns and 80kph (50mph) outside of towns.
Documentation
A UK driving licence is theoretically valid for 90 days, but you are less likely to be queried by bribe-seeking officials if you carry an International Driving Permit.
Urban travel
Accra has extensive bus and taxi services operated by the private sector. There is an abundance of taxis in the towns. Prices are reasonable. Drivers do not generally expect tips. Other ways of getting around, for the more adventurous traveller, are tro-tros (minibuses), which are usually far less comfortable than taxis.
Rail
The rail network is limited to a more-or-less 1,000km (600-mile) triangle by the coast connecting the cities of Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi and several intervening towns.
Water
The Yapei Queen, a lake steamer, runs once weekly across Lake Volta between Akosombo and Yeji. Ferries connect at Yeji for Buipe and Makongo, both from which it is possible to arrange onward transportation to Tamale. Booking is advised and can be organised through the Volta River Authority (www.vra.com).
Before you go
Visa & Passport
| USA | Passport required Yes |
Return ticket required Yes |
Visa Required No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | No |
Passports
To enter Sao Tome e Principe, a passportvalid for the duration of stay is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Visas for Sao Tome e Principe are not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 15 days except:
- Nationals of Australia, who do require a visa (unless they hold a valid American or Schengen visa and a passport with at least three months’ validity).
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact their nearest embassy to check visa requirements for Sao Tome e Principe.
Visa Note
EU, Canadian and US nationals staying longer than 15 days must obtain a visa in advance.
Types and Cost
Single-entry tourist visa: €20; multiple-entry business a: €60.
Validity
Tourist vi.: 30 days within 120 days ofissue; business visa: multiple entries within six months.
Application to
Consulate (or consular section at embassy). EU residents requiring a visa should apply to the embassy in Brussels (anthassade@saotomeprincipe.be). You can also apply for a visa online (www.smkstrvirtualvisa).
Working days
Allow two days for visa processing.
Sufficient Funds
You should be able to show sufficient funds (€100 per day) on arrival.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome e Principe in the USA
Telephone:
Website:
Address: , 7th Floor, 400 Park Avenue, New York, 10022, Opening times:
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome e Principe in Belgium
Telephone: 2 734 8966
Website:
Address:, Square Montgommery, 175 avenue de Tervuren, Brussels, 1150, Opening times:
Currently Unavailable
Currently Unavailable
Duty Free & Currency
Currency and Money
Currency information
Dobra (STD; symbol Oh), 100 centimos. Notes are in denominations of Db50,000, 20,000, 10,000 and 5,000. Coins are in denominations of Db20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Credit cards
Some hotels accept Visa and MasterCard. There are no ATMs in the country.
ATM
There are no ATMs in the country.
Travellers cheques
Limited acceptance by banks and hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Euros.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0730-1130.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Currency exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and some hotels.
Sao Tome e Principe duty free
Overview
The following may be imported into Sao Tome e Principe without incurring customs duty:
- Reasonable quantities of tobacco products and perfume (opened).
Banned Imports
Prohibited goods include animals and animal products from countries where there is an epidemic, endangered species, absinthe, counterfeit and pirated goods, medicines (other than prescription drugs), food considered harmful to public health, pornography, and plants and plant products.
Restricted goods include pure alcohol, arms and ammunition, and food.
