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São Tomé and Príncipe Practical information São Tomé and Príncipe

 
 
Area : 58  sq.mi - Population 187400 hab.
São Tomé and Príncipe

Our expert São Tomé and Príncipe

map

map São Tomé and Príncipe

Weather

Practical information São Tomé and Príncipe

superficie

Area

58  sq.mi
vol

Flights

From London, there are two possible ways to reach São Tomé by air: via Lisbon, with a connection in Abidjan or via Libreville (Gabon). London-Lisbon: 2 hrs 30 mins. Lisbon-São Tomé: 8 hrs 5 mins. London-Libreville: 8 hrs 15 mins. Libreville-São Tomé: 45 mins.
decallage horaire

Jet Lag

population

Population

187400 hab.
aeroports proche

Airports

The airport is located 4 miles away from the town-centre. Theoretically, taxis are available to drive you into town, but they are not equipped with meters. You had better negotiate the fare beforehand. Besides, they bear no distinctive sign, and because of the usual confusion outside the airport, it is more frequent to actually hitch hike or try and benefit from the shuttle service of your hotel. A USD 20 tax is required on all international departures.
securite

Security

São Tomé is one of Africa's safest countries. It is possible to walk alone in the streets of the capital city, any time of day and night. However, as the number of thefts tends to be increasing, it is recommended not to leave anything visible in cars, especially close to beaches.
langue

Languages

Portuguese is the official language. The Santomeans also speak Forro, a type of Creole, different in São Tomé and in Príncipe. Far ahead of English, French is the most widely spoken foreign language.
formalites

Requirements

A passport valid for 6 months after the return date, a visa and a return ticket are necessary. The visa can be issued at the airport, upon arrival (about USD 50). The visa is valid for three months, starting on the date it was issued, for a length of 30 days. Visa extensions are possible at the Immigration Department, in São Tomé.
religion

Religion

There is a majority of Roman Catholics (82 %), living side by side Protestants and Adventists.
monnaie

Currency

The currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STD). Cards are only accepted in larger hotels and restaurants. There are no cash machines here, and banks do not allow cash withdrawals on presentation of a credit card. It is therefore essential to bring enough cash and travellers cheques with you. Bring dollars even though pounds and CFA francs are accepted.
Currency can be exchanged in banks, accredited foreign exchange offices in São Tomé or on the black market (which is safe). Travellers cheques are only accepted at the Banco Internacional de São Tomé et Príncipe (BISTP) on the Praça de Independência, in São Tomé. Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to
11:30am.
transports

Local transportation

Air São Tomé ensures five air links a week between São Tomé and the island of Príncipe. Ferries are also available, but the links are very irregular.
On São Tomé, it is possible to hitch hike or take a taxi (collective or not). As taxis aren't equipped with meters, do negotiate the fare before leaving. There is no other public transport accessible to tourists.
It is possible to hire a car, with or without a driver, preferably a 4 x 4. It is recommended not to rent a car from individuals because of the bad condition they are in and the lack of insurance. An international licence is recommended. Driving is on the right.
On Principe, a red mini-bus is the only means of transport.
sante

Health

Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory (vaccination booklet required). It is preferable to be vaccinated against tetanus, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever and hepatitises A and B.
São Tomé is an area at high risk from malaria: plan a chemoprophylaxis (go see a doctor) and bring mosquito repellent products.
Tap water is not drinkable. Only drink water in bottles with caps on (imported from Portugal) and always peel fruit and vegetables.
Right below the equator, sun beams hit at 90°C and it is strongly recommended to put on strong sunscreen protection.
In case of a serious problem, there is no other solution than sanitary repatriation. It is thus essential to subscribe to a good insurance. Supply of medicines is rather uncertain, thus it is essential to have a well-equipped pharmacy kit with you.
electricite

Electricity

220 V. Power cuts are frequent and high variations in power can damage the equipment. In this case, bring an uninterruptible power supply.
frequentation

Flood of tourists

taxe

Taxes and tips

telephone

Telephone

To call São Tomé from the UK: 00 + 239 (country code) + number you are calling.

To call the UK from São Tomé: 00 + 44 + number you wish to call excluding the initial 0.