About Money in São Tomé and Príncipe: Currency, Exchange, and Budget Tips
Exchange, and Budget Tips in São Tomé
1) Euros: The Preferred Foreign Currency
The local currency is the dobra (STN), which has been pegged to the euro since [insert date] to stabilize inflation. The official exchange rate is fixed at 24.5 STN per 1 EUR, used by banks and most hotels.
For better rates (around 25 STN per 1 EUR), visit licensed money changers downtown (look for their association member cards).
Pro tip: Larger sums or high-value bills (€50/€100) may fetch better rates, depending on market demand.
Where to Use Euros:
- Accepted everywhere, but change is given in dobras.
- Small shops/villages: Use €5/€10 notes.
- Hotels/restaurants: Larger bills (€20+) are widely taken.
2) US Dollars: Limited but Exchangeable
USD can be exchanged at banks, hotels, or downtown changers, but rates fluctuate with global markets. Unlike euros, USD is rarely accepted in small shops.
Key Tips:
- High-value bills (50/50/100)get the best rates.
- Smaller bills (1/1/20) lose value quickly.
3) Other Currencies: from African countries
Downtown money changers will accept:
- Ghanaian cedis
- Angolan kwanza
- CFA francs
Always check online rates beforehand and negotiate with the local agents.
4) Credit Card Payments: What You Need to Know
- VISA cardswork at ATMs (the only widely accepted card for cash withdrawals).
• Mastercardmay work at upscale hotels—always confirm before booking.
• ATM locations: Available in São Tomé city, São João dos Angolares, and Neves, but rely on cash as backup.
Pro Tips:
✓ Withdraw in the capital (most reliable ATMs).
✓ Avoid month-end (especially weekends after payday)—ATMs often run out of cash.
5) Online Payments & Bank Transfers: Convenient Options
Thanks to strong European connections, many São Tomé businesses offer flexible payment solutions:
- SEPA transfers– Free and fast transfers to Portuguese accounts
- Online systems– Some accept PayPal or credit cards (always confirm in advance)
Why this works well:
- Pay services online directly
- Transfer money and collect dobras locally
- Creates win-win situation (businesses source goods in Europe and sell locally)
6) Tips Culture in São Tomé
São Tomé has a Portuguese-Mediterranean Catholic heritage, where tipping is not an ingrained cultural practice like in Anglo-Saxon countries. While tips are never mandatory, they are always appreciated. The custom of tipping in bars, restaurants, and for local guides only emerged with tourism.
That said, if you’re happy with the service, feel free to tip:
- Bars: 20–50 dobras.
- Restaurant: 50–100 dobras.
- Guides: 5–15 euros per day is fine.
Beware! Excessive or undeserved tips can create imbalances and unintended problems. When in doubt, just ask your guide for advice. Keep it simple and fair.
A Funny Story About Tipping
An English couple once booked a sea turtle night tour online, with only the taxi to be paid in cash. Upon arrival, the lady handed me 50 euros instead of 40. I paused and said, “Sorry, madam, there’s a mistake.” She immediately assumed she hadn’t tipped enough!
I laughed and explained that, as a French-run business, we don’t rely on tips—we charge fair prices and pay our guides properly so they can earn a dignified living. We believe tipping can encourage servility, which goes against our philosophy of respect and empowerment of people.
7) Budgeting Your Daily Expenses
Assuming major costs (hotels, tours) are prepaid, here’s a daily budget guide:
Meals in São Tomé:
- Tourist restaurants:€25/pax (meal + drinks + dessert).
- Local upscale spots:€12/pax.
- Very local eateries:Under €8/pax (check hygiene!).
Souvenirs in São Tomé:
- Gourmet goods (coffee, chocolate, oils):€50–€200.
- Handicrafts (wood carvings, jewelry):€50–€150.
8) Too Much Money? Don’t Know How to Spend It?
If you want to make a financial donation to help locals, you should consider sending a donation to a local NGO. We proudly sponsor CACAE Youth Education Association. Feel free to ask for more info about how to help them.
