Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe 🇸🇹
#1764
1.610355, 7.399257
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Príncipe is the smaller of the two main islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, known for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 8,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 5-10 Mbps, though it can be unreliable and slower in certain areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 Euro (EUR) ≈ 24,300 São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN). Credit cards are accepted in few places, and ATMs are limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like UNITEL and MTN, offering data plans for around 200 STN (approx. 0.01 Euro) for 1 GB. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited banking options; mobile banking solutions may be useful. Revolut may work but depends on acceptance. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, eco-lodges, and Airbnb with rates averaging around 150 STN (5.50 Euros) per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is required for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available; prices range from 200 STN (approx. 7 EUR) per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel-style accommodations start around 100 STN (approx. 3.70 EUR) per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, Príncipe does not have dedicated coworking spaces; working from cafes or accommodations is common. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe O Pão is a popular spot with decent Wi-Fi and a friendly atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Informal expat gatherings occur at local cafes or bars; no official networking groups present. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community events happen occasionally, often shared on local social media groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are available locally; no ride-sharing apps currently operate in Príncipe. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited; however, bicycles can often be rented from accommodations or local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia de Banana, known for its scenic views and clear waters, just a short drive from the main town. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | STP Airways provides flights to São Tomé and regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | TAP Air Portugal is the main carrier for international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited paved roads, with primary routes connecting main towns; caution is advisable due to conditions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transit is limited; primarily relies on shared taxis and private vehicles. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not applicable; shared taxis operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Flights and ferry services to São Tomé are the main ways to travel regionally. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Príncipe provides basic healthcare services, though major healthcare needs may require travel to São Tomé. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; local beaches offer informal yoga sessions led by visiting instructors at times. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | No dedicated gyms; outdoor activities like hiking and swimming are commonly pursued. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Few laundry services available; many guesthouses offer laundry services for a fee. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Limited food delivery options; local cafes will often provide takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Calulu, a traditional dish made with fish and vegetables, commonly served in local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local restaurants may offer vegetarian dishes; options might be limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato at Casa do Gelado is popular among locals and visitors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, especially near the main town, offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; purchasing online is generally not common due to shipping restraints. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not widely available; local supermarkets may offer some delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars like Parque das Águas are popular for evening socializing. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Praia Ale from local brewers is a common choice among locals. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very limited; most visitors prefer local beers and cocktails. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Small vendors serve local dishes and snacks around the market area. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; however, some guesthouses may serve a mix of local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Roça Sundy, a colonial plantation house, and the beautiful natural sites like Pico de Príncipe. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Very limited; notable cultural exhibits may be found in local community centers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Roça Bombaim and various colonial ruins provide insights into the island's past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The local church in the main town is worth a visit for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals celebrating music and heritage take place, often announced in local communities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Primarily centered around the main town with local crafts available. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No formal theaters; local gatherings may feature performances at community events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Mercado Municipal de Santo António offers fresh produce and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music often features traditional styles, with occasional public performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local artists may display their works in community areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional classes available through local hotels or guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art is primarily found in local markets and community exhibitions rather than dedicated galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic plantation houses and remnants from the colonial period are scattered across the island. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals often celebrate the unique heritage, including traditional music and dance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Príncipe Island is known for its gorgeous natural reserves, with opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Obo National Park covers much of the island, offering lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited formal paths; however, the landscape provides opportunities for hikes and exploration. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Miradouro do Cão offers breathtaking views overlooking the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The island is a birdwatchers haven with spots around Obo National Park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas are not available; campfires are generally discouraged. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited international shipping options; local post office offers basic services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops handle basic repairs; consider traveling to São Tomé for comprehensive services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not available; local recreational facilities focus more on outdoor activities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language learning options are scarce; informal learning through community engagement is common. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; small community or school libraries may have basic resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community gatherings often occur at local meeting halls or churches. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available; gaming is typically done informally or at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available on the island. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €800 per m² as properties are limited. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €600 per m²; less urbanized areas present lower costs. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m²; options mainly in renovated buildings. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m²; prices vary based on location and condition. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m²; few large apartments available. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m²; suburban options may offer more space. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for local businesses, not including international taxation. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residency for locals is based on domicile; foreign income may not be taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Different rates apply to individuals; top rate after higher income brackets can reach 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax varies by location and use. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applies generally at 5%. No reduced rate available. |