São Tomé and Príncipe
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 240 thousand people live in São Tomé and Príncipe, on 1,001 km². The capital is São Tomé.
- Capital
- São Tomé
- Population
- 240,254
- Area
- 1,001 km²
- Official language
- Portuguese
No land borders
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Sockets take plug type C/F, at 220 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Call 222 for the police, 112 for an ambulance and 112 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Prices are in São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra (STN).
What language do they speak in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Official language: Portuguese.
How do I call a number in São Tomé and Príncipe from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +239.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
