en
São Tomé and Príncipe - online guide 

Money & Banking on Príncipe Island

Managing money in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), including Príncipe Island, requires careful planning due to the unique nature of the country's financial infrastructure. For visitors, the fundamental reality is that cash is essential—this cannot be emphasized strongly enough. The limited banking connectivity with international networks makes advance financial preparation critical for successful travel.

Local Currency & Exchange Rates

Official Currency

The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN). The Dobra replaced the old Dobra (STD) in 2018 at a rate of 1,000:1, though confusion sometimes persists about which denomination is referenced.

Preferred Foreign Currencies

Travel with Euros (€) or US Dollars (USD) for exchange into Dobras. The Euro is the most widely accepted and preferred foreign currency in the country, reflecting historical Portuguese colonial ties and contemporary European tourism and development connections. US Dollars are accepted but Euro exchange rates are typically more favorable.

Exchange Rates

The Dobra can only be exchanged upon arrival in the country—you cannot obtain Dobras before traveling. A referenced exchange rate indicates 1€ equals approximately 24,500 STN, though rates fluctuate and vary between official and street exchange.

When to Use Dobras

Use Dobras for street vendor transactions (buying roasted corn or breadfruit), local restaurants, market purchases, and any informal sector interactions. Many small vendors cannot accept foreign currency or provide change, making Dobras essential for these authentic local experiences.

Note Condition

Dobra notes in circulation are almost always old, stained, torn, or crumpled. Accept this reality—attempting to refuse damaged notes creates difficulties as pristine notes are rare. The notes function despite appearance.

Banks, ATMs & Withdrawal Costs

The most critical information for travelers is the severely limited connectivity of STP's banking system with international networks.

Fundamental Restriction: No International Connection

ATMs in São Tomé and Príncipe are not connected to the international banking network (Visa/Mastercard/Cirrus/Plus). ATMs operate only on the domestic network for national bank cardholders. As a result, travelers must arrive in the country with all Euros or Dollars in cash they intend to spend. This is the single most important financial planning point—many travelers have been caught completely unprepared by this reality.

Cash Withdrawal Options

Bank Counter Withdrawals: Cash advances with credit cards (primarily Visa) are possible at some bank counters, such as Banco Internacional de S. Tomé e Príncipe (BISTP). However, this process is expensive, slow, and unreliable. A specific service fee of €20 applies to Visa card withdrawals at BISTP—an exorbitant charge making this option viable only for emergencies.

ATMs: ATMs are available in São Tomé capital. The international airport (TMS) has a BISTP ATM, but it can run out of cash occasionally, particularly after international flight arrivals when multiple travelers attempt withdrawals. Withdrawal fees at capital ATMs are €2-4, though this is irrelevant since international cards don't function.

Luxury Hotel Workarounds: Some luxury hotels accepting credit cards may offer cash withdrawal possibilities as a guest service, but there are no guarantees of this accommodation. Never assume this option will be available.

Currency Exchange

Exchange Euros or Dollars for Dobras at banks or hotels. Banks offer official rates with documentation; hotels provide convenience but sometimes less favorable rates.

Street Exchange: Small amounts can be exchanged at street level, potentially offering slightly better rates than banks. This informal exchange carries risks but is widely practiced. The airport exchange counter in São Tomé may be closed during late arrivals (e.g., 6 PM flights), forcing reliance on informal exchange or hotels.

Credit Cards & Payment Methods

Cash Dominance

Cash is the preferred payment method on the island, being essential for markets, taxis, moto-taxis, street vendors, local restaurants, and any rural locations. Even establishments that theoretically accept cards often prefer cash and may offer unofficial discounts for cash payment avoiding processing fees.

Limited Card Acceptance

Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are only accepted at some hotels—primarily international chains and luxury properties. Budget guesthouses, local restaurants, guides, and most tour operators operate on cash-only basis.

Tourist Establishments

Large hotel groups including HBD Group (managing properties like Roça Sundy and Bom Bom) and Pestana accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards. These establishments maintain international payment processing capabilities making them exceptions to the cash-only rule.

Reported Problems

Even at establishments claiming to accept Visa, final bill payment may require cash or international bank transfer at checkout. Some properties accept card deposits for booking but require cash payment on arrival. Confirm payment methods explicitly when booking to avoid surprises.

Essential Budget Tips for Travelers

1. Bring Sufficient Cash (Euros)

This is the single most important travel advice. Calculate your total budget including accommodation, meals, activities, guides, transport, souvenirs, and emergency buffer, then bring the corresponding amount in Euros or Dollars in cash. Better to bring excess and convert back than run short with no withdrawal options.

2. Minimize Cash via Transfers

To reduce cash transport quantity, ask your accommodation if deposit and final bill payment via international bank transfer is possible. Some lodges maintain bank accounts in Portugal or Italy enabling wire transfers—arrange these before arrival when possible. This strategy particularly benefits expensive luxury accommodation where carrying thousands of Euros creates security concerns.

3. Fee-Free Cards

Use services like Revolut or Wise Card to save on banking commissions where cards are accepted (mainly large hotels). These fintech cards offer superior exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees compared to traditional bank cards, though their utility remains limited to card-accepting establishments.

4. Daily Budget Estimates

A budget-conscious traveler can expect to spend an average of €100-200 per person per day covering food, accommodation, and activities. A 2023 spending estimate calculated approximately €124 per person per day for mid-range travel. Luxury travelers should budget €300-500+ daily depending on accommodation choice.

5. Accommodation Costs

Prices vary drastically from budget guesthouses like Residencial Brigada at approximately $38 USD per night to luxury hotels like Roça Sundy from €415 per night, or Sundy Praia exceeding €1,000 per night. This enormous range means accommodation choice is the primary budget determinant.

6. Tourism Tax

A tourism tax of 75 Dobras (approximately €3) per tourist per night applies to guests over 12 years old. Budget this additional cost beyond quoted accommodation rates. Some luxury properties quote inclusive rates while others add taxes at checkout—confirm whether quotes include or exclude tourism tax.

7. Tipping

Tipping is not common for meals at local restaurants, but rounding up to avoid small change is customary. Tips of 5-10% are appreciated by guides and at tourist-oriented restaurants. Tour guides particularly appreciate tips given the modest wages they earn—€5-10 per person per day represents meaningful appreciation for quality guiding.

8. Vehicle Rental Costs

Budget €45-70 per day for 4x4 rental, typically with fuel included. Confirm inclusions when booking—some arrangements include unlimited mileage and fuel while others charge separately, significantly affecting total costs.

9. Activity Costs

Guided trails cost €40-80 per group depending on difficulty and duration. Boat tours to Baía das Agulhas run €80-150 per person. Turtle observation requires guide fees of €30-50. Budget €100-200 per person for a full day of organized activities.

10. Meal Costs

Local restaurants charge €8-15 per meal. Resort restaurants cost €25-50 per meal. Self-catering isn't viable given limited grocery options, making restaurant budgeting essential.

Sample Budgets

Budget Traveler (3 Days)

  • Accommodation (Residencial Brigada): €40 × 3 = €120
  • Meals (local restaurants): €25 × 3 = €75
  • Activities (1 trail, 1 boat tour): €120
  • Transport (moto-taxi & shared): €30
  • Contingency: €55
  • Total: €400 (€133/day)

Mid-Range Traveler (3 Days)

  • Accommodation (Quinta Santa Rita): €100 × 3 = €300
  • Meals (mix local/resort): €40 × 3 = €120
  • Activities (2 trails, boat tour): €200
  • Transport (4x4 rental): €180
  • Contingency: €100
  • Total: €900 (€300/day)

Luxury Traveler (3 Days)

  • Accommodation (Roça Sundy): €450 × 3 = €1,350
  • Meals (mostly included, some extras): €50
  • Activities (included in accommodation): €0
  • Transport (included transfers): €0
  • Contingency: €100
  • Total: €1,500 (€500/day)

Critical Reminders

Cash is King: This cannot be repeated enough. International cards don't work in ATMs. Credit cards work only at select hotels. Cash remains essential for the vast majority of transactions.

Security: Carrying large amounts of cash creates security concerns. Use hotel safes, distribute cash across multiple locations (luggage, person, travel companion), and withdraw from hotel safes only what you need for the day.

Exchange Strategy: Exchange only what you need for immediate use. Keep most funds in Euros/Dollars, exchanging incrementally as needed. Reconverting unused Dobras back to Euros at trip end incurs unfavorable rates.

Emergency Planning: Build financial buffer for unexpected expenses—extended stays due to flight delays, medical emergencies, or opportunities like extended boat tours or additional nights at preferred locations. Running out of cash with no access to funds creates serious problems.