Money and payments
Cards and cash
There are no ATMs that take overseas cards.
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Africa · Middle AfricaOutline guideIsland country in Central Africa
Photo: Burmesedays, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
São Tomé and Príncipe (STP for short) consists of two main islands straddling the Equator off the Atlantic coast of Central Africa.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about São Tomé and Príncipe.
Cards and cash
There are no ATMs that take overseas cards.
Portuguese
The official language is Portuguese. It is spoken natively by over half of the population, but basically everyone (95%) can speak it.
Tap Water is not fit for drinking.
Malaria was once extremely common on the islands, but an eradication program initiated by the Taiwanese government in 2005 has effectively stamped out malaria in populated areas (deaths have dropped from over 1000/year…
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital city and largest city in the country, home to a 15th-century cathedral, the national museum, and the Presidential Palace
the main city of Príncipe Island, it is known for its colonial architecture and for its churches
Places in São Tomé and Príncipe on the World Heritage List.
The Roças of Sao Tome and Principe: Colonial Agricultural System and Forced Migration
Listed 2026
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
The larger island (and surrounding islets).
The smaller island (and surrounding islets).
Public transport and paid services in São Tomé and Príncipe.
On São Tomé Island, there are many taxis, including shared ones that depart to other cities when enough people are there.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in São Tomé and Príncipe.
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São Tomé · International · TMS
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in São Tomé
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 27° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 27° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 26° | 26° | 27° | 27° |
| Avg. low | 27° | 27° | 27° | 27° | 26° | 25° | 24° | 24° | 25° | 26° | 26° | 26° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 140 | 130 | 173 | 168 | 109 | 30 | 14 | 13 | 27 | 96 | 157 | 141 |
| Humidity | 84% | 84% | 83% | 84% | 86% | 84% | 83% | 82% | 83% | 84% | 86% | 85% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$70
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$185
Per person, per day
Luxury
$480
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $100 | $280 |
| Food and drink | $15 | $40 | $95 |
| Local transport | $10 | $20 | $40 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $65 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Sao Tome and Principe due to health risks. U.S. government employee travel restrictions As of August 12, 2026, U.S. government employees working for the U.S. Mission to Angola and Sao Tome and Principe no longer need special permission to travel to Sao Tome and Principe due to safety risks. Health Medical services in Sao Tome and Principe are limited. There are no adequate trauma or ambulance services. Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Review our information on Travel Insurance.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Nature & adventureAs of 2023 the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves is made up of 738 reserves in 134 countries of which 22 are transboundary.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsThe world has over 5,000 different languages, of which more than twenty have 50 million or more speakers. Travel can bring you into contact with any of these.
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