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São Tomé and Principe

Climate

At sea level, the climate is tropical, hot and humid with average yearly temperatures of about 27°C (80°F) and little daily variation. At the interior's higher altitudes, the average yearly temperature is 20°C (68°F), and nights are generally cool. Annual rainfall varies from 500 centimeters (200 in.) on the southwestern slopes to 100 centimeters (40 in.) in the northern lowlands. The rainy season runs from October to May.

For today's weather forecast see Click for Weather Forecast

Latest Travel advice

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

Visas & Immigration

a visa is required by most nationals, including British and other European citizens. These can be obtained through a São Tomé embassy (few and far between) or in certain cases on arrival.

Please contact Embassy of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe in Brussels for latest details, Square Montgomery 175 Avenue de Tervuren 1150 Brussels. Telephone: +32 2 734 89 66 Facsimile: +32 2 734 88 15

Money

Official Currency: Dobra
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

Local Time

GMT +/-0

Transport & Getting Around

Air:	International Flights The national airline is Air São Tomé e Príncipe (KY), a subsidiary of TAP Air Portugal. It operates flights regularly between São Tomé and Libreville (Gabon), where they connect with ingoing or outgoing long-haul flights to or from Europe. TAP Air Portugal operates flights from Lisbon and there is also a scheduled flight from Angola. If you are travelling from Europe you will fly via Lisbon in Portugal. At the time of writing two airlines serve the route, TAP Air Portugal and Air Luxor, both with a weekly service. An alternative option is to travel via Gabon, from where there are up to four flights a week between Libreville and São Tomé and v.v. The final option is TAAG Angolan Airlines weekly flight from Luanda, which continues, to Accra, Ghana and Cape Verde.
Sea/ Ferry:	The main port is 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. A limited ferry service operates between São Tomé and Príncipe.
Bus:	There is a bus network, and share taxis are also in operation. The only public transport on Principe is a minibus.
Road:	Driving is carried out on the right hand side. An International Driving Licence is not currently required , but it is adviseable to have one. Few of the roads around São Tomé town are asphalted, 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. : An International Driving Permit is not legally required but is recommended. and if you are travelling in your own vehicle A carnet de passage is usually required. Most the roads are in relatively good condition. If travelling through the Sahara, be sure to have sufficient fuel and water to see you through. There is high incidence of motor vehicle accidents so always wear seatbelts and best to avoid night driving

Public Holidays

1st January	New Years Day
3 February	Martyrs Day
1 May	Labor Day
12 July	Independence Day
1 November	All Saints' Day
25 December	Christmas Day

Electrical Power

Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz.

The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug - Type C and Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pinType E

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in São Tomé, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.

	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....

	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .

	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.