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São Tomé
Adventure
Beach
Romance
Located in the Gulf of Guinea, two main islands and small islets constitute this insular state. Book a flight to São Tomé and...
Rest on warm crystalline water
Tempting? On São Tomé’s island, there are beaches near the capital, such as São Gabriel. But the best are found up north, in Santana and Das Conchas. And down south, where the beautiful Jalé beach is waiting for you. On Príncipe’s island, the beaches of Bom-Bom, Évora and Banana will guarantee a great time.
Absorb the landscape
Between boat rides, scuba diving and marine observation, there’s plenty to choose from. The Obô National Park is one of the country’s treasures, protecting biodiversity on the two islands. And don’t forget São Sebastião fortress and the city market. Wherever you go, you’ll be welcomed with a smile.
Culture and Business
Before leaving
Make sure you have your passport and boarding pass with you. Depending on your country of origin, take care of your visa or other necessary documentation ahead of time. Take all the necessary vaccinations and medication, if applicable.
Climate
The climate of São Tomé and Príncipe is equatorial, with average temperatures between 22ºC and 30ºC. It is an extremely humid climate, with the most rainy part of the year being between February and May, and October and December.
Time zone
GMT
Geography & politics
São Tomé and Príncipe is an archipelago made up of two main islands (the island of São Tomé and the island of Príncipe) and several smaller islands. It is located in the Gulf of Guinea and is a representative democratic semi-presidential republic, where the president is head of state and the prime minister is head of government and of a multi-party system.
Tipping & paying
The country's currency is the São Tomé Dobra (STD). It is customary to leave a tip in restaurants, depending on the quality of the service provided.
Languages & useful phrases
The official language of São Tomé and Príncipe is Portuguese. Some useful phrases in Portuguese are: “olá” = hello, “por favor” = please; “muito obrigado/a” = thank you; “desculpe” = sorry.
What you should do
Ask openly about family and everyday life and show genuine interest. It is important to establish a close relationship with the people you’re negotiating with.
What you shouldn’t do
Don’t be intimidated by the physical proximity and enthusiastic way of communicating—they are a very open and communicative people.
What to wear
For business meetings, go for a formal appearance. Due to the hot and humid weather, you can wear more practical clothes in casual occasions, such as a short-sleeved shirts and pants for men and a light dress or skirt and blouse for women.
First impressions
In business, a handshake is the most common form of greeting. In an informal context, it is common to greet with two kisses on the cheeks when you first meet someone, but between two men the normal greeting is a handshake.