Hello, adventurer! Are you planning your trip to the paradisiacal islands of Sao Tome and PrincipeExcellent choice! This archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea is a dream come true, but before you dive into its idyllic beaches and lush jungles, there's one practical detail you need to master: the currency of Sao Tome and Principe.
We don't use euros or dollars in everyday life here. The official currency is the dobra. São Toméan (STD), and understanding how it works will save you headaches and allow you to enjoy every moment to the fullest. As your expert guide, I'll tell you everything you need to know about dobra: how to exchange money, how to pay, how much to spend, and some tips to keep your finances in paradise running smoothly. Get your wallet ready, the adventure is about to begin!
What is the Santotomense dobra (STD)?
The dobra (STD) It is the official currency of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and PrincipeIts international currency code is STD, and interestingly, it was revalued in 2018. This means that if you do a little research, you might find references to the "new dobra" or "STN." To put it simply, forget about that! Nowadays, we all talk about the dobra, and exchange rates reflect this.
It is divided into 100 centimes, although it is rare to see centimes in circulation due to their low value. You will find banknotes of various denominations (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 dobras) and coins (1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 dobras, although smaller denominations are less common). The banknotes often have vibrant designs showcasing the archipelago's rich fauna, flora, and culture, making them a small souvenir in themselves.
Currency exchange: euros and dollars, which is better?
This is one of the million-dollar questions for any traveler: what currency should I bring to exchange? The answer is clear: The euro (EUR) is the most widely accepted and easiest to exchange foreign currency in Sao Tome and Principe.Given the strong historical relationship with Portugal and the European Union, the euro is well known and preferred.
El US Dollar (USD) It's also accepted, but the exchange rate may be less favorable, and not all places accept it as easily as the euro. So, if you have euros, that's your best option!
Where to exchange money in Santo Tomé City?
La City of Santo ToméAs the capital, it's the best place to exchange currency. Here are the main options:
- Privilege ToursWe can handle this for you. Tell us how much you need, and we'll give you the money upon arrival.
- banks: You'll find several banks in the city center, such as the National Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe (BNSTP) and the International Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe (BISTP). Opening hours are generally Monday through Friday mornings.
- Exchange houses: Although less common, they can offer competitive rates. Make sure they are legitimate establishments.
- Hotels: Some large or luxury hotels may offer currency exchange services, but their rates are often less favorable than those offered by banks. This is an option for emergencies.
- ATMs: Although there are some ATMs in Santo Tomé City, their reliability can be a problem. They don't always have cash available or can malfunction. Don't rely on them as your only source of cash. Additionally, international transaction fees can be high.
Expert tip: Always carry enough euros in cash (small bills are also useful) for your first few days and for any eventuality. Avoid changing large sums at once; it's better to do so as needed.
Conversion rates: euros and dollars to dobras
To give you an idea of the values, here's a table of approximate equivalences. Note! These rates are indicative and may vary slightly daily depending on the market.
| Currency of Origin | Destination Currency | Approximate Value (June 2025) |
| 1 EUR (Euro) | STD (double) | ~ 24.50 STD |
| 1 USD (Dollar) | STD (double) | ~ 22.50 STD |
Please note that these are reference rates and the actual exchange rate may vary at banks or exchange offices.
It's important to remember that the dobra is a stable currency, so don't worry, you can exchange money upon arrival. You can request this service from Privilege Tours and we'll bring the money to you upon arrival, or you can do so directly at street money changers yourself.
Payments and tips for everyday life
Once you have your dobras in hand, how do you use them? Here are some key tips for managing the currency of Sao Tome and Principe during your stay:
Cash, your best friend!
Cash is king in Sao Tome and Principe. Most transactions, especially outside of large hotels or restaurants in the capital, are made in cash. For markets, small shops, taxis, local tours, and rural accommodations, dobras in small denominations are essential.
Credit and debit cards: limited
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are not widely accepted. Only the large international hotels in the City of Santo Tomé and some luxury resorts may accept them, and even then, terminals may frequently fail or charge fees. Don't rely on your cards for your daily expenses. Carry them as a backup for emergencies, but always prioritize cash.
Negotiation and bargaining
In markets and with street vendors, it's common and expected to haggle a bit. Always do so with a smile and respect. In established shops and restaurants, prices are usually fixed.
Tips
Tips are not mandatory, but they are always welcome, especially for services you've found excellent (guides, waiters, drivers). A gesture of thanks in dobras is always appreciated.
Estimated daily budget
How many dobras do I need per day? This depends a lot on your travel style. To give you a rough idea:
- Budget Traveler: 70 EUR / day (approx. 1715-2000 STD) – Includes basic accommodation, local food in markets/small restaurants, and public transportation/walking.
- Mid-range traveler: 140-180 EUR / day (approx. 3430-4410 STD) – Includes comfortable accommodation, restaurant meals, some excursions and taxis.
- Luxury traveler: 230+ EUR / day (approx. 5600+ STD) – Includes resorts, high-end restaurants, and private tours.
Remember that organized tours and car rentals will be separate expenses from this general daily budget. To move around the island with complete freedom and comfort, consider our service. Car rental in Sao Tome and PrincipeWith your own vehicle, you'll get more out of your dobra as you explore at your own pace!
Other financial aspects to consider
Money security
As with any trip, it's wise to take precautions with your money:
- Do not carry large sums of cash with you at all times.
- Wear a fanny pack or money belt under your clothing for large bills.
- Distribute your money in different places (wallet, backpack, accommodation).
- Avoid displaying large amounts of money in public.
Counterfeit currency
Although it's not a widespread problem, it's always good to be aware of bills. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of dobra bills, especially the larger denominations. If you have any doubts, ask for an exchange.
Don't miss out on dobras at key moments!
Plan your currency exchanges well, especially if you are going out of town. City of Santo ToméOutside the capital, money exchange options are almost nonexistent. Make sure you have enough cash before heading to the inland rocks or the more remote beaches. To ensure you don't miss anything and your adventure is a resounding success, we suggest you check out our tours in Sao Tome and Principe and so you know how much money you will need for your activities.
Plan your trip to Sao Tome and Principe with Privilege Tours!
We hope that this guide on currency of Sao Tome and Principe will be very useful for planning your adventure. Understanding how to handle the dobra is only part of the preparation, but it's a very important one!
At Privilege Tours, we are here to make sure your experience at Sao Tome and Principe Make your stay unforgettable and worry-free. We offer a full range of services so you can focus solely on enjoying yourself:
- Car rental: Do you want the freedom to explore every corner of the island at your leisure? Our fleet of vehicles awaits you.
- Transfers: From your arrival at the airport to any trip on the island, we guarantee comfortable and safe transportation.
- Tours of varied activities: Immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the lush nature, or experience the excitement of a snorkeling tour. We have the perfect tours for you!
- Complete organization of your trip: Too many options and not enough time? Let our experts organize your trip from start to finish, including your budget and monetary needs. We can plan your trip to Sao Tome and Principe comprehensively!
Your dream adventure in Sao Tome and Principe awaits you! Are you ready to immerse yourself in this tropical paradise? If you have any questions or want to start planning, don't hesitate to contact us. contact us.
