São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe 🇸🇹
#1146
0.350424, 6.710325
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | São Tomé is the capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 70,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 24.00 STN (São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra). ATMs are available, but using credit cards may have limited acceptance. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | SIM cards are available from providers such as Unitel and Movicel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at select locations. Local banks include Banco Internacional de São Tomé e Príncipe. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb. Average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around 300 STN. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; carrying cash is recommended. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Pousada A Cuca and Pensão Bela Vista with rates around 20-30 STN per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking facilities like Espaco 360 offer a productive environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Central provides a comfortable workspace with internet access. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking opportunities sometimes arise at local meetups; checking with expat groups on social media is helpful. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as Expats São Tomé often organize social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in some form in São Tomé, but local taxis are widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited; exploring by foot or taxi is more common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia Jalé, famous for its beauty and proximity, is about 25 minutes from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | STP Airways offers domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and TAP Air Portugal can connect you internationally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads are adequate but not extensive; rural areas may have unpaved roads. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | São Tomé lacks a train system; local transit consists of taxis and minibuses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes available; fares are usually negotiable. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local minibuses can take you to nearby towns, such as Neves and Trindade. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Agostinho Neto is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Options for yoga classes may be available in local community centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers such as Gym São Tomé provide basic workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, with services costing around 5-10 STN per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No widely available food delivery app; local restaurants may offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local dish, Calulu, a fish stew, commonly served in restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Some local eateries offer vegetarian dishes, mainly featuring local produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie São Tomé provides a range of local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado Municipal offer fruits, vegetables, and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; local businesses have minimal online presence. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No mainstream grocery delivery service; shopping must be done in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife is centered around local bars, especially near the harbor. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervejaria São Tomé produces locally brewed beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; local restaurants may have a selection of wines at dinner. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | You can enjoy local street food like grilled fish and banana fritters in town. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | A few restaurants serve international cuisine, like Italian and Portuguese. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the São Tomé City Cathedral and the São Sebastião Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of São Tomé and Príncipe showcases local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort São Sebastião is an important historical site near the center. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Igreja de São Sebastião is worth a visit for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festas de São Tomé in July is a vibrant local celebration. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the historic city center for local arts and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters may host occasional performances; check community boards. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal is a lively market for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music can be found in bars and cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Mural art can be found throughout the city, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes may be offered through community organizations. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Some local galleries showcase the work of national artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Church of the Holy Spirit is a notable example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | São Tomé's heritage is rich with African and Portuguese influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Obo National Park for stunning scenery and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Obo National Park offers rich biodiversity and hiking paths. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic routes exist but are best explored by walking or guided tours. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Miradouro do Roça Monte Café provides breathtaking views of the landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal areas and Obo National Park are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Hotels and beaches may allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Mail services are available, but international delivery may be slow. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; local shops handle minor repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may provide table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some private instructors offer language classes; availability varies. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of São Tomé and Príncipe offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural and community centers host various events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming options; local cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No large casinos; limited gaming options available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €84,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €128,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% transfer tax on property sales. |