Which currency to use in São Tomé, how much cash to take in euros, where cards work (and where they don't), the tourist tax paid at the airport and the costs that catch travellers by surprise.
How much money should you take to São Tomé? Take euros in cash. The local currency is the dobra (STN), pegged to the euro at a fixed rate, and euros are accepted in many places — but credit cards work in very few places and ATMs are scarce and not always working. On a tour with half board included, most travellers spend little; the problem is not the amount, it is the form.
It is the question we are asked most often the day before departure, and the one that causes the most trouble when it is answered badly. Someone who arrives with a card and a hundred euros may spend the trip unable to pay for what they want.
Coconuts for sale by the roadside, next to the sea. Photo: Príncipe Collection
What is the currency of São Tomé and Príncipe
The currency is the dobra, code STN. It is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate under a currency cooperation agreement with Portugal. In practice this is an advantage: there are no exchange-rate surprises against the euro, and the value doesn't swing from one day to the next as it does in other African destinations. If you are coming from the UK or the USA, change your pounds or dollars into euros before you leave.
The notes in circulation are new dobras, issued after the 2018 redenomination. If you see prices in thousands of dobras on old websites, they refer to the old currency — ignore them.
Take euros or change to dobras?
Both, in this order.
- Take euros in notes. It is the safest and most widely accepted option. Small notes — €10 and €20 — are far more useful than €100 or €200 notes, which almost nobody has change for.
- Change some into dobras. For small everyday payments: a coffee, fruit by the roadside, an entrance fee, a tip. In many places paying in euros means getting your change at a rate that does not favour you.
- Where to change: at banks in the city and at some hotels. You don't need to change everything on arrival — change as you go.
| Payment method | Where it works | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Euro notes | Hotels, agencies and restaurants for tourists; accepted in many places | Bring small notes, €10 and €20; change comes in dobras |
| Dobras (STN) | Everywhere: cafés, roadside fruit, entrance fees, tips | Change some at city banks or at some hotels, as you need it |
| Credit or debit card | Only some larger hotels and a few restaurants in the capital | Don't count on it outside the city |
| ATMs | Few, almost all in São Tomé city, and not always connected or stocked with cash | Don't count on withdrawing money at the destination |
| US dollars and pounds | Of little use | Not worth it: the dobra is pegged to the euro |
The tourist tax of €2.10 per person per night is paid in cash at the airport on arrival.
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Cards and ATMs: the tricky part
This is where most plans fail. Credit and debit card use in São Tomé and Príncipe is very limited. Some larger hotels and a handful of restaurants in the capital accept them; beyond that, practically nothing — and that includes most roças, the lodges in the south and north, local restaurants and anything you buy along the way.
ATMs are mainly in São Tomé city, there are few of them and they may be offline or out of cash. Don't count on withdrawing money at the destination. Sort everything out before you leave.
If you are staying outside the city — at Praia Inhame, Mucumbli or a roça — assume there will be no way to get cash that day.
São Tomé city market, with fresh fish from the morning catch. Photo: Príncipe Collection
The tourist tax paid on arrival
There is one compulsory cost that catches many people off guard: the tourist tax of €2.10 per person per night, paid in cash, at the airport, on arrival. Keep the receipt — you show it when you leave.
For a 7-night trip for two, that is about €30 you need in hand as soon as you step off the plane, in the early hours after an overnight flight. It used to be paid at hotel reception; now it is paid at the airport.
How much money to take to São Tomé: daily budget
It depends mainly on one thing: whether meals are included. On an organised tour with half board, most costs are already paid and your money is for extras.
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- Lunches not included in the package: at a local restaurant the cost is modest; at a hotel restaurant or a gastronomic experience it goes up considerably.
- Drinks: local beer and water are cheap; imported wine is expensive, because everything imported pays to be shipped to the island.
- Entrance fees and local charges: small but frequent — roça visits, cocoa cooperatives, beach access.
- Souvenirs: cocoa, chocolate, coffee, pepper and crafts. This is where most people spend more than planned, because the quality is good and prices are fair.
- Tips: not compulsory, but much appreciated, and they make a real difference to people working in tourism.
The rule we give our travellers: work out what you think you will spend and take a third more, in small notes. Money left over comes home with you; money you are short of can't be found there.
What about the cost of the trip itself?
This article is about the money in your wallet. If you are looking for the total cost of the trip — flights, accommodation, tour — we have a dedicated article on how much a trip to São Tomé and Príncipe costs, with the real prices of our tours.
Fresh island fruit served on a leaf. Photo: Príncipe Collection
Trips with half board and excursions included
On an organised trip, most expenses are paid before you leave. On our Group trip to São Tomé and Príncipe, 9 days, from €2,350, flights from Lisbon, accommodation, half board, a guide and all excursions are included; at the destination you only need money for drinks, free lunches, tips and souvenirs. See all dates on the São Tomé and Príncipe trip page and our São Tomé and Príncipe travel tips.
FAQ about money in São Tomé
Are euros accepted in São Tomé?
In many places, yes, especially hotels, agencies and tourist-oriented restaurants. But change comes in dobras and not always at the best rate. For day-to-day spending, having dobras is more practical and fairer to the seller.
Can I pay for everything by card?
No. Count on cards only at some hotels in the capital. Outside the city, cash is the only reliable form of payment.
Are there ATMs at the airport?
Don't count on it. Arrive with enough euros in cash, including for the tourist tax.
How much is the tourist tax?
€2.10 per person per night, paid in cash at the airport on arrival. Keep the receipt for your departure.
Is it worth taking US dollars or pounds?
No. The euro is the reference currency, because the dobra is pegged to it. Dollars and pounds only complicate things.
How many days do you need for São Tomé and Príncipe?
Eight days is the sensible minimum for São Tomé island, and nine to eleven if you want to add Príncipe. We suggest day-by-day itineraries in our São Tomé and Príncipe itinerary.
When is the best time to visit São Tomé and Príncipe?
The gravana, from June to September, is the dry season and the most popular. January and February are a great alternative to escape the European winter, with heat and fewer visitors. We explain month by month in best time to visit São Tomé and Príncipe.
Is it safe to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe?
Yes. It is one of the most peaceful countries in Africa; the main precautions concern malaria, the roads and the sea. We explain everything in is São Tomé and Príncipe safe?.
How long is the flight from Lisbon to São Tomé?
About 6h30 to 6h45 non-stop. On some days there is a technical stop in Accra, which adds around an hour. More details in flight time from Lisbon to São Tomé.
We help you prepare your trip
These are things you learn on the ground, not from guidebooks. If you want to prepare your trip with people who are there every day, talk to our team. And see also what you need in terms of visas and documents.
