How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

The country consists of two main islands: São Tomé Island and Príncipe Island. São Tomé Island is the larger island. All international flights land on São Tomé Island. Flying is the only way to arrive on the islands, with the main airport being São Tomé International Airport. The airport is ten minutes away from the capital of the country with the same name.

In São Tomé, there are some minibuses you can take but these are not the most efficient for sightseeing. Instead, we would recommend renting a car, using the transportation options your hotel offers, or taking a taxi. Normally, a taxi ride from the airport costs around $10 USD.

What are my public transportation options to get around in São Tomé?

A great way to see the island is to rent a scooter from the locals. They are friendly and the Hotel staff will assist you with this. The cost is typically around $20 US per scooter.

Around the mercados there are a swarm of collectivo vans hawking for riders. Vans serving different routes cluster together. In the absence of any signage about routes drivers will point you towards the area to find a suitable van. Collectivos are always crowded and cheap.

Renting a car provides the most flexibility and convenience for exploring the island at your own pace. Cars can be rented at the airport or in Sao Tome city.

When is the best time to visit São Tomé and Principe?

The best time to visit Sao Tome is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During this period, the weather is generally warm and sunny, with lower chances of rainfall. The dry season is ideal for outdoor activities, exploring the stunning beaches, and embarking on nature hikes.

However, it's important to note that Sao Tome's climate is tropical, and rain showers can occur year-round. The rainy season, from October to May, brings more humidity and frequent rainfall, but it also contributes to the lush greenery and vibrant landscapes of the island.

What is the tipping culture in São Tomé?

Tipping in Sao Tome and Principe is part of the culture. While it is normal to tip the different service providers, if the service you are receiving is not good, you may decide to give a tip lower than what is stated as the normal tipping amount or decide not to give any tip at all; average tipping percentage in restaurants is between 7% to 13%, between 8% to 20% for taxi drivers, and between 2.00 to 5.00 USD/EURO/GBP in hotels.

I don`t speak French. Will many people speak English?

Portuguese is the official language of Sao Tome. While Portuguese is the official language, English is not widely spoken among the local population. English proficiency levels vary and you may find some individuals, especially those in the tourism industry or younger generations, have a basic understanding of English.

The locals take pride in a rich diversity of languages which reflects the ethnic mix present in the nation. Local varieties of the language also command a large speaking population such as Forro, Principense, Cape Verdean Creole, and Angolar. English and French are the two top foreign forms of speech taught in school.

What is the currency of São Tomé and Principe?

The Dobra is the official currency of the islands and is represented by the symbol Db. The Dobra was pegged to the Euro in 2010 at a stable rate of 1 Euro = 24,500 STD. It's important to note that the Sao Tome and Príncipe Dobra is a non-convertible currency, meaning it is not widely traded outside of the country. Therefore, it's recommended to exchange your currency to Dobra upon arrival in Sao Tome. While some establishments may accept major foreign currencies such as the Euro or the US Dollar, it is advisable to carry local currency for smaller transactions and when visiting local markets or smaller establishments. ATMs can be found in Sao Tomé, and some establishments may accept credit cards, although cash is more commonly used.

Is Sao Tome Island a dangerous area?

Sao Tome is very safe and probably the most Peaceful African Nation since Independence. It is such a small, peaceful country that it would be very rare if something bad happened there. Because of the size of the country, it feels like everyone knows everyone. It’s still important to use common sense though and good travel insurance is recommended.

The only dangerous animal on the islands is the black cobra. They are usually afraid of humans so it’s unlikely that you will meet any. Be careful when hiking though!

What is the food like?

São Tomé’s cuisine is based on fresh seafood, beans, maize, cooked banana, an excellent selection of fruit, and indigenous herbs. Tropical fruits such as pineapple, avocado, and bananas are a significant component of the cuisine. The use of hot spices is prominent in São Tomése cuisine. Coffee is utilized in various dishes as a spice or seasoning.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

The local emergency number: 2-22-22-22; Fire: 112

The only hospital in the country is in Sao Tome, Hospital Central Ayres de Menezes. Because medical facilities on São Tomé and Príncipe are limited, many health conditions need evacuation to Europe, South Africa, Ghana or Gabon for treatment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.