Souvenirs and handcraft São Tomé and Príncipe

 Shopping

Tortoise shell jewellry and diverse objects are one of the archipelago's specialities, but it is strictly prohibited to import them back into Europe. Other than that, carved wooden objects are the essential Santomean handicraft: marquetry caskets, masks, statuettes, trays. Ideally, try and buy these objects directly from the person who made them (ask for the necessary information from the locals). They can also be haggled from children who go up to tourists at the airport or near hotels. In Sao Tome, there is an official shop, next to the offices of the company Air Sao Tome, near the post office, but the choice is limited and the prices higher. Another shop has a wider range opposite the town market. Hotel boutiques aren't recommended, because the prices are excessive. Collectors will be interested in the very beautiful stamps and telephone cards.
The very few shops on the island are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm and 4pm to 7pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm (these times are not guaranteed).