The best São Tomé and Príncipe currency guide

The national currency is the dobra, abbreviated as STN.

Most everyday payments are made in dobras. This includes meals, taxis, guides, markets, small shops, and many local services.

The official exchange rate is fixed at 1 euro to 24.50 STN. Euros are sometimes accepted for larger payments, such as hotels or car hire, but São Tomé and Príncipe is not a dual-currency country. If you pay in euros, change is normally given in dobras at the official rate.

You may hear people use large numbers when talking about prices. This comes from the old version of the currency, which had more zeros. If someone says "thirty thousand", they usually mean 30 STN. This is a normal speech habit, not a trick.

Banks and hotels exchange money at the official rate of 24.50 STN to 1 euro. This is formal and predictable, but usually less favourable for visitors.

Many locals and long-term visitors use the parallel exchange market instead. This operates openly and is part of everyday life in São Tomé.

In downtown São Tomé, especially around Rua de Angola near Zima, you will usually see exchange dealers during the day, including Sundays. They are easy to find. I normally use the men who sit on the corner rather than further up the road. I have never been ripped off or had a problem there.

The first rate offered may be slightly below the normal street rate, for example 25 STN for 1 euro. If you decline politely, the rate often moves closer to the usual street level, around 26 STN for euros and 29 STN for British pounds.

Using the street exchange market rather than banks or hotel desks can make a noticeable difference across meals, taxis, activities, and general spending.

If you are nervous about exchanging money this way, get in touch and I can help.

Transport is one of the easiest places to overpay in São Tomé. This usually happens because the price is not agreed before the journey starts.

Always agree the price before getting into the vehicle.

Typical local prices are: moto taxi around town 20 STN, taxi within central São Tomé 50 STN, outer city hotels such as Omali 100 STN.

Some drivers may quote visitors prices such as "20 euros" for short local trips. That is more than 500 STN, far above the normal local rate.

If the price feels wrong, walk away and take the next taxi or moto. This is normal.

Or, simpler still, rent a car from us.

The domestic banking network is called Dobra24. Coverage has improved, but visitors should not rely on ATMs as their main source of money.

Visa cards usually work. Mastercard and American Express often do not.

When international flights arrive, ATMs in São Tomé City can be emptied within hours. Machines may then stay out of cash for some time.

Card payments are limited. They are usually possible only in a small number of high-end hotels and a few supermarkets. For most local payments, cash is expected.

If you have a serious money problem while you are here, get in touch and I will try to help solve it.

The main rule is simple: keep a cash margin.

Do not depend on an ATM working on the day you need it. Carry enough dobras for daily spending, transport, food, and unexpected costs.

You should expect to pay in cash most of the time. You should also think carefully before exchanging all your money at hotels or banks, because the street rate is often better.

Príncipe needs even more planning. The island has more limited financial infrastructure than São Tomé. ATMs are fewer, outages are more common, and cash shortages happen.

Unless your accommodation has clearly confirmed that it accepts card payments or transfers, arrive on Príncipe with enough dobras, or enough money to exchange on arrival, to cover your stay.

Do not assume you will be able to withdraw cash once you are there.