São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe 🇸🇹
#1146
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | São Tomé is the capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe, located on São Tomé Island. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 70,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds in São Tomé are around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN). 1 USD ≈ 22,000 STN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not considered safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main mobile providers are Unitel and Movicel, offering prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International debit and credit cards are accepted mainly in urban areas. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and small apartments for long-term rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is king; however, a few establishments do accept credit cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like São Tomé Club or guesthouses starting at around $20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Centro Histórico or São Gabriel, which are close to major attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Praia da Concha is recommended for its community vibe and internet access. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking space Nomad Hub offers a reliable internet connection and a collaborative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Cais offers good internet and pleasant views, ideal for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are irregular; check social media for digital nomad gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Expat community on Facebook for regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services operate widely; Uber is not available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops near the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia dos Tamarindos is a popular beach, about 30 minutes from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAAG Angola Airlines offers regional flights to nearby islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | TAP Air Portugal is the primary international carrier serving São Tomé. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Basic road connections; main road loops around the island, but conditions can vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; taxi or minibus is the primary transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Minibus routes are informal; there are no transit passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regional travel is commonly done via boat to Príncipe Island and nearby islets. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Nossa Senhora da Graça is the primary healthcare facility in São Tomé. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes can be found at various local studios; specific names may vary. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options like FitBox Gym offer basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are rare; inquire at hotels for laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established food delivery apps; local restaurants may offer delivery services directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Moqueca, a traditional fish stew made with coconut milk. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian meals are available in local restaurants, especially in hotels. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelaria Panificadora São Tomé serves a variety of local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Mercado Municipal offer affordable local goods and produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; local vendors may use social media for sales. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No well-known grocery delivery services; buying locally is common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife is centered around São Tomé City, with bars like Cervejaria do Porto. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveja Rosa is the local beer, available in various bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; best options are found in hotel restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local tacos and grilled fish can be found at street vendors around the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer Italian and Portuguese dishes alongside local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The São Tomé Cathedral and the Presidential Palace are key landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu Nacional offers insights into the island's culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort São Sebastião, an ancient fortress, is a must-visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Convent of São António, known for its architecture, is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival in February is celebrated with vibrant parades and local music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Centro Histórico for its colonial architecture and vibrant markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional serves as the main cultural venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal is the main market for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music and dance performances can be found in various venues, especially during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals can be seen in urban areas, reflecting the island's culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are occasionally offered by local chefs focusing on traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries showcase art from São Tomé artists, primarily around the city center. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former colonial buildings scattered around the city are significant attractions. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The island's culture is deeply influenced by African and Portuguese heritages. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Trilhas de São Tomé offers beautiful hiking trails through lush landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Obo National Park is a natural reserve known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling routes are limited; walking routes are available in urban areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Miradouro da Lua offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching opportunities abound in the Obo National Park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas like Praia dos Tamarindos allow bonfires in designated spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates for international shipping; local courier services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech repair options; check in larger electronics shops in São Tomé. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Portuguese courses; specific offerings vary. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library facilities are limited; studying can be done in cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers engage in cultural and educational activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming venues; local cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No formal casinos exist; local gaming is minimal. |
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. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $184,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend distributions are taxed at 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | São Tomé has a progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules are in place for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 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 | 0% tax on earnings sourced outside of São Tomé for residing digital nomads. |