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Essentials

🏙️ City Príncipe is a small island in the Gulf of Guinea, part of the São Tomé and Príncipe archipelago, known for its lush landscapes and eco-tourism.
👥 Population Approximately 8,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average download speed is approximately 10 Mbps, but it can vary.
💸 Currency & Banking Currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). 1 EUR ≈ 24,000 STN.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable, recommend using bottled water.
🔌 Power Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type F sockets.
📶 SIM Card Available from providers like Unitel and CST, offering reasonable data packages.
💳 Banking for Expats ATM and banking are limited. Bring cash; credit cards accepted in few places.
🛌 Accommodation Options include beachfront chalets and local guesthouses like Pousada Porto Real.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited cashless options; carry cash for most transactions.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb options available, particularly around the capital, Santo António.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hotels like Hotel Praia and local guesthouses provide affordable stays.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists The northern coast around Santo António is recommended for access to amenities and beaches.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Consider staying in Ponta Boi for tranquility and natural views.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Currently, no dedicated coworking spaces, but many cafes offer Wi-Fi.
Best Cafe for Work Café Central is popular among expats and provides a relaxed atmosphere.
💼 Networking Events Informal meetups often happen at local bars or popular accommodations.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Check local Facebook groups for expat social gatherings.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App No ride-hailing apps available; local taxis are on-call.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bikes are available for rent at local guesthouses.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Praia de Figueira is the best nearby beach, about a 15-minute drive.
✈️ Top Regional Airline STP Airways services flights between islands.
✈️ Top International Airline TAP Portugal and Royal Air Maroc operate flights to São Tomé.
🛣️ Highway Access Limited; most travel within the island is done via local roads.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Príncipe does not have a train service; transport is largely by road.
🚍 Public Transport Passes No formal public transport pass system; minibuses are common for travel.
✈️ Regional Travel Travel by small ferry services is available between islands.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Hospital de Príncipe offers basic health services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Currently, no specific yoga centers, but you can find yoga classes at some resorts.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Limited options; some hotels have small fitness facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundry services available at some guesthouses.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App No food delivery apps available; local takeaways provide food delivery.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try Calulu, a local fish stew with vegetables and spices.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Limited, but some restaurants offer vegetarian-friendly dishes.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Visit Confeitaria Central for local pastries and sweets.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Visit the local markets for fresh produce and local goods.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Limited e-commerce options; local shopping is more common.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Grocery delivery is not common; shop in-person at markets.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Visit bars in Santo António for a lively atmosphere.
🍻 Local Brewery Check out the locally produced Açaí beer.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited options; few bars serve a selection of imported wines.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors near Santo António offer local treats.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Some restaurants offer pizza and burgers alongside local dishes.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Visit the historic fortress of São Antonio and the beautiful natural surroundings.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Small local museums showcase São Tomé and Príncipe's heritage.
🏰 Historical Sites The old colonial buildings in Santo António are notable.
🕍 Religious Sites The São António Church is a key local landmark.
🎉 Annual Events Cultural festivals are held in July celebrating local traditions.
🎨 Cultural Districts Santo António has vibrant local markets and cultural expressions.
🎭 Theater Venues Limited; check local listings for occasional performances.
🛍️ Local Markets Santo António market is vibrant with local crafts and produce.
🎼 Music Scene Local bars feature traditional music performances.
🎨 Street Art Limited; however, local artists often showcase work in community centers.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Cooking classes are offered at some hotels focusing on local cuisine.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Limited, but some local artisans have small galleries.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Notable colonial architecture can be found around Santo António.
🏴 Local Heritage The rich cultural heritage of the island is celebrated through community events.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Exploration of Obo National Park nearby offers stunning rainforests and wildlife.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Obo National Park encompasses much of the island and is accessible.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Trails along the coastline and in the national park provide great opportunities for hiking.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Visit viewpoints like Ponta do Sinó for breathtaking coastal views.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The abundant forested areas are excellent for birdwatching.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Available at certain beaches, but check local regulations.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Limited international delivery services; use local postal options.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Limited tech repair options available in Santo António.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Find table tennis games setup at local community centers.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes No dedicated language schools; some locals offer informal lessons.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Small libraries exist within community centers.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community hubs provide gathering spaces and events.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited; mostly available at hotels with gaming rooms.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos exist; gaming is typically done in local social settings.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) in Santo António.
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000) in peripheral areas.
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000) in Santo António.
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) in peripheral areas.
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €136,000) in Santo António.
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000) in peripheral areas.
💼 Corporate Tax Standard corporate tax rate is around 25%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax Generally around 15%.
🏦 Tax System Progressive tax system based on residency.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%.
🧾 VAT Standard VAT is 10%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, there are regulations governing foreign income.
🏠 Property Tax Property tax is based on property value assessments.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Typical rate on property purchases is around 10%.
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads Digital nomads can benefit from a simple taxation system with few complex regulations.

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