Santo António, São Tomé and Príncipe 🇸🇹
#1944
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santo António is the largest city on the island of São Tomé, known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 10-20 Mbps in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the São Toméan Dobra (STN). 1 EUR is approximately 24 STN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; it is advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, and uses Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main telecom providers include Unitel and Movitel. SIM cards are readily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted at major banks and some businesses. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, local inns, and Airbnb accommodations. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is preferred; however, some establishments accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are common for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Pensão Leão and Albergue São João. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area near the Centro Cultural is popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider the Avenida Marginal for its accessibility to cafes and co-working spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There is a growing number of co-working spaces such as The Hub in nearby São Tomé city. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Sabor offers a comfortable atmosphere and good Wi-Fi for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for community events hosted at Centro Cultural São Tomé. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the São Tomé Expat Community group on Facebook for meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are common; consider using local taxis, as no rideshare apps are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia das Conchas is a beautiful beach located just 15 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | STP Airways operates flights within the islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | TAP Air Portugal provides international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main road connects Santo António to the capital easily. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transport options are limited; taxis and minivans are the main services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | There are no standardized public transport passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Santo António to other towns on the island. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Adelino de Carvalho is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are available at local studios, inquire at hotels for sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Most hotels offer gym facilities, including Gym Centro Fitness. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats such as Lavandaria Santa Clara offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery services are minimal; local restaurants do offer takeout options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss the local dish, Calulu, a flavorful fish and vegetable stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Taste local vegetarian fare at Onda do Mar. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie da Praia is a great bakery for desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado Municipal offer fresh produce at great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local goods can be found on social media marketplaces, but international e-commerce is limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are not widely available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars like Blue Moon offer a lively nightlife with local music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveja Praia is a popular local beer worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are limited wine bars; most wine is available at restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street stalls offer delicious snacks like grilled fish and coconut sweets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Taste various cuisines at places like Pizzaria São Tomé. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the iconic Fort de São Sebastião and the local market. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu Nacional de São Tomé e Príncipe offers insights into local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore colonial architecture at the old city center. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of São António is a significant landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Holidays and festivals occur throughout the year, including the Festival de São Tomé. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Stroll through the historic downtown for local culture and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater performances are hosted at Centro Cultural. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal is vibrant with local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Enjoy live music at bars like Clube de São Tomé. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for vibrant murals and creative work throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join a cooking workshop to learn about local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries exhibit works from São Toméan artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit old colonial houses around the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The island's heritage is celebrated in community events and folklore. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the lush rainforest and hiking trails at Obo National Park. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Obo National Park is a stunning natural reserve for outdoor enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bike along scenic coastal roads and trails around Santo António. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit viewpoint at Pico de Ana Chaves for panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Great birdwatching can be found along the coastal areas. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire areas exist near some beaches. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office offers package services, but timings may vary. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited repair services; check local electronics shops for assistance. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may offer ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in São Tomé city offer Portuguese lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Visit public libraries for study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers host various community gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Video game lounges are limited; inquire locally. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no large casinos; gaming options are limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €72,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax is approximately 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is about 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | São Tomé has a progressive tax system similar to many countries. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | São Tomé does not have strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | São Tomé offers favorable tax conditions; low taxes on business income, making it ideal for digital nomads. |