São Tomé & Príncipe: What To Know Before You Go

Q: What is the emergency number in São Tomé & Príncipe?

One number for everything: 112, Police: 113, Ambulance: 221221, Fire: 112

Plugs: Types C and F, 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 113, Ambulance 221221, Fire 112. Tipping: Not expected; small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water only.

Open The São Tomé & Príncipe Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C and F, 230 V

Emergency Numbers

One number for everything	112
Police	113
Ambulance	221221
Fire	112

Tipping

Not expected; small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated.

Water And Health

Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water only
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid; rabies and hepatitis B for some travelers
Malaria: Present in all areas; antimalarial pills are recommended

Apps To Download Before You Go

TAP Air Portugal: The main link to Lisbon; flights to the islands are booked and checked in through its app.
WhatsApp: Guesthouses, drivers and guides on the islands organize bookings by WhatsApp.
Booking.com: Some hotels and eco-lodges are listed, though many small places only take direct bookings.
XE Currency: Handy for the dobra, and cash is the main way to pay; cards work only at a few hotels.
Google Translate: Helps with Portuguese; Forro is spoken at home and is not supported.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. Greet people with 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde' and a handshake before asking questions.

Photography. Ask before photographing people, markets and government buildings.

Island pace. Services are slow and electricity and water can be unreliable; build in extra time.

Safety And Scams

São Tomé and Príncipe is generally safe, with low violent crime, but petty theft and poor roads and medical care are concerns.

Overcharging taxis. Agree on the fare before you leave, and avoid taxis at night in town.

Bag theft on beaches. Do not leave bags unattended on beaches or in cars.

Informal guides. Hire licensed guides through your lodge for waterfall, forest and plantation visits.

Women travelers. Generally safe; dress modestly and avoid isolated beaches after dark.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Use Caution

Same-sex relations have been legal since 2012. Society is conservative and Catholic, and open discussion is rare.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	STN 30	$1.40
Local bus or metro ride	STN 10	$0.50
Mid-range restaurant meal	STN 250	$12
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	STN 400	$19
Mid-range hotel (night)	STN 1,500	$70
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	STN 1,200	$57

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

The dry season (gravana), from June to September, is the best time. The main rains fall from October to May, with a short dry spell in January and February.

Phrases

Basic Portuguese phrases