Saõ Tóme and Príncipe — Travel Tips
Social Conventions
The Portuguese influence is very strong. People are friendly and courteous. Every greeting is accompanied by a handshake. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Alcohol is available and smoking is acceptable.
Photography: Visitors wishing to photograph local people should ask permission first.
International Travel
Getting There By Air
TAP Air Portugal (website: www.flytap.com) operates flights from Lisbon and there is also a scheduled flight from Luanda (Angola) by Air Angola (website: www.taag.com.br).
Departure Tax
US$20 per adult, payable in cash on departure for all international flights. US$10 must be paid for children up to 12 years, those under two years are exempt.
Main Airports
São Tomé (TMS) is 5.5km (3.5 miles) from the town. To/from the airport: Transport to the city center is by airport bus, minibus or taxi. Facilities: Facilities are fairly limited; left luggage, first aid and tourist information are available.
Getting There By Water
Main port: São Tomé, but this is not deep-water and few international cruise lines or other passenger ships call there; however, boats do sail there from Libreville and Doula.
Duty Free
Overview
The following may be imported into São Tomé e Príncipe without incurring customs duty:
• Reasonable quantities of tobacco products and perfume (opened).
Prohibited Imports
Alcoholic beverages and lottery tickets.
Internal Travel
Getting Around By Air
There is no national airline but the islands can be reached with TAP Portugal (website: www.flytap.com). Panoramic and charter flights are also available.
Getting Around By Water
A limited ferry service operates between São Tomé and Príncipe.
Getting Around By Road
Traffic drives on the right. There are over 380km (236 miles) of roads, although in general these are deteriorating. Some of them are asphalted around São Tomé town, but 4-wheel drive vehicles are necessary to get further afield: animals on the road and potholes may cause problems. There is street lighting only in the capital.
Bus/taxi: There is a bus network and yellow share taxis are also in operation. The only public transport on Príncipe is a minibus.
Car hire: Can be arranged through the Miramar Hotel in the capital.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is not legally required but is recommended.
