Santo António, São Tomé and Príncipe 🇸🇹
#1944 1.638152, 7.419776

Nomad Score: 57%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Santo António is the capital city of the Príncipe Island, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture.
👥 Population Approximately 7,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average speed is about 10-20 Mbps, with higher speeds available in select areas.
💸 Currency & Banking Currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN), with 1 USD approximately equal to 22 STN.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power 220V, 50Hz, with standard Type C and E sockets.
📶 SIM Card Local providers include Unitel and Movicel, with prepaid SIMs widely available.
💳 Banking for Expats International card payments accepted in major stores, cash preferred in smaller shops.
🛌 Accommodation Options include hotels, guesthouses, and local homestays like Pousada de São Tomé.
💳 Cashless Friendly Some establishments accept cards, but cash is recommended for most transactions.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Platforms like Airbnb have several listings available in the area.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostel options are limited; guesthouses like Residencial Misto provide affordable stays.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Local coffee shops like Café Chave offer good environments for remote work.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Café Chave is popular among digital nomads for its decent internet and relaxed atmosphere.
💼 Networking Events Community events occur sporadically, check local Facebook groups for updates.
🥂 Social Events for Expats A local expat group on Facebook provides updates on upcoming gatherings.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App No major rideshare apps; local taxis are available but should be booked by phone.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bicycle rentals are available at local shops for exploring the island.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Praia Banana, a 15-minute drive from the city, is a popular spot.
✈️ Top Regional Airline STP Airways serves regional flights between islands.
✈️ Top International Airline TAP Air Portugal offers flights to major destinations worldwide.
🛣️ Highway Access Limited road infrastructure; expect bumpy rides to most destinations.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub No train services; public transport consists mainly of shared taxis.
🚍 Public Transport Passes No formal public transport passes; payments are per ride.
✈️ Regional Travel Shared taxis operate between Santo António and other parts of Príncipe.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Centro de Saúde de Santo António serves as the major health facility.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited options; local gyms offer basic fitness classes.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers A few local gyms; check out Príncipe Gym for fitness facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Local laundromats are available, but service may be sporadic.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Limited food delivery services; local restaurants might offer direct orders.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try the local dish 'Calulu', a fish and vegetable stew.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Many local places can accommodate vegetarian diets; however, options may be limited.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Local bakery Confeitaria São António offers traditional sweets.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Visit local markets for budget-friendly groceries and fresh produce.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Local availability is limited; international shipping takes time.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Mostly unavailable; local shops require in-person shopping.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Nightlife is relaxed, with local bars such as Bar do Porto offering drinks.
🍻 Local Brewery Cervejas de São Tomé is the local brewery; try their craft beers.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited; bars serve mainly local drinks and imports.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors offer snacks like 'Pão com Chouriço' (bread with sausage).
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Various local restaurants serve international meals; check out Chez Dede for pizza.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Visit the historic Fort of São Sebastião for a taste of history.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Museu do Cacau highlights the importance of cocoa in local culture.
🏰 Historical Sites Check out the local churches, such as the Igreja de Santo António.
🕍 Religious Sites The Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Graça is a notable religious site.
🎉 Annual Events The Festival of São Sebastião takes place every January.
🎨 Cultural Districts Explore the coastal areas for cultural experiences and music.
🎭 Theater Venues Limited theater spaces; community events are held at local venues.
🛍️ Local Markets The local market is vibrant with produce, crafts, and local goods.
🎼 Music Scene Enjoy local music performances, particularly traditional Príncipe music.
🎨 Street Art Look for local murals and artworks around the city.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Local culinary classes may be available; inquire at community centers.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Limited options, but local artisans display works in local markets.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Portuguese colonial architecture features prominently in the city.
🏴 Local Heritage Explore local customs and heritage through festivals and markets.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Visit Parque Natural do Príncipe for hiking and stunning views.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Parque Nacional do Príncipe offers biodiverse ecosystems.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Several scenic trails exist for walking and cycling around the island.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Monte Café provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The island is home to unique bird species, great for birdwatching enthusiasts.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Some beaches allow bonfires; inquire locally for rules.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service DHL offers limited services; local courier options may also be available.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local shops can handle basic repairs, although specialized services may be scarce.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Limited; check community centers for possible table tennis facilities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Local language schools could be explored for Portuguese lessons.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Local community centers may have quiet spaces for studying.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers host events and classes for residents and visitors.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Gaming options are limited; internet cafes are your best bet.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Not available in Santo António; gambling is not widely practiced.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approximately $1,400 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio costs about $56,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approximately $1,100 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio costs about $44,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approximately $1,300 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² one-bedroom costs about $78,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approximately $1,000 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² one-bedroom costs about $60,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approximately $1,200 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² two-bedroom costs about $96,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approximately $950 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² two-bedroom costs about $76,000).
💼 Corporate Tax Standard corporate tax rate is around 25%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax Dividend withholding tax is approximately 15%.
🏦 Tax System Residency taxation system applies based on worldwide income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate is around 30%.
🧾 VAT Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules No strict regulations on foreign companies.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property taxation is based on property value with a rate of around 1%.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Property transactions are subject to a tax of approximately 5%.