São Tomé and Príncipe, a tiny island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, charms visitors with its volcanic peaks, cocoa plantations, and unspoiled beaches. Whether you’re hiking through Obo National Park, exploring colonial architecture in São Tomé, or relaxing on remote coastlines, knowing how to manage your money is essential. Card acceptance is limited, especially outside major hotels, and cash remains the primary form of payment across the islands. This guide offers essential information on cash and ATMs in São Tomé and Príncipe, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card usage, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared island escape.
Where to find ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe?
The capital São Tomé is the main area with reliable ATM access. Machines are located near Praça da Independência, banks, government buildings, and the central market. The largest operator is Banco Internacional de São Tomé e Príncipe (BISTP). ATMs dispense dobras (STN) and may support some international Visa cards, but Mastercard and other networks are often not accepted.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs can be found near major hotels, the airport, and upscale lodges along the northern coast. In Principe Island, ATM access is extremely limited – there may be one machine in Santo António, the capital, but it’s not always functional. Most guesthouses and tour operators accept cash only, so it’s wise to prepare in São Tomé before venturing out.
Rural Areas / Remote Locations:
In smaller towns and beach villages – like Porto Alegre or Ribeira Peixe – there are no ATMs at all. If you’re heading to hiking trails, cocoa plantations, or staying in ecolodges, you must carry enough cash for the entire duration of your trip. Internet connectivity and mobile banking are also unreliable in these areas.
Best ATMs to use in Sao Tome and Principe for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Sao Tome and Principe are those owned by popular banks such as:
- BISTP,
- Ecobank,
- Afriland, and
- Energy Bank
- (all part of the Dobra24 ATM network).
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Sao Tome and Principe, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in STN).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in STN’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Sao Tome and Principe?
Yes, however, ATMs usually only accept international Visa cards. Other card types such as Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, JCB, Maestro, American Express, CUP, Diners, Discover, Rupay cards are usually not accepted here.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATM access is very limited and primarily found in the capital, São Tomé City. Most machines are only accessible during bank hours (Mon–Fri, 8am–3pm) and are not reliably stocked with cash.
What are ATMs called in Sao Tome and Principe?
ATM signage either has the word “ATMs” or “Multibanco” or Dobra24. Some older machines usually have only the bank name without using the word ATM.
Language options at ATMs
ATM interfaces are typically in Portuguese, the official language with English available for international cards too.
If you don’t know the language, try using Google Translate’s camera tool, but double-check, as it may not always be a 100% accurate translation.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe?
ATMs dispense only São Tomé and Príncipe dobras (STN). They do not dispense other foreign currencies like Euros, US Dollars. Also note that many types of foreign cards may struggle as ATMs often accept only foreign Visa cards and other local-issued bank cards.
ATM withdrawal limits in Sao Tome and Principe?
ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of STN 1,500 per transaction. Banks usually do not limit the number of transactions per day but ATMs can often run out of cash so plan accordingly.
ATM Fees in Sao Tome and Principe
There are no fee-free ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe. Majority of the bank ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe charge STN 110 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Sao Tome and Principe. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Sao Tome and Principe
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Sao Tome and Principe. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
São Tomé and Príncipe is generally safe for visitors, though petty crime such as theft can occur, particularly in the capital and tourist zones. ATM availability is limited, primarily found in São Tomé city, and machines may occasionally run out of cash or be temporarily out of service. Use ATMs located inside banks or hotels and withdraw during the day for added safety. Shield your PIN, be discreet with your cash, and consider carrying backup funds, as electronic payments are not widely accepted across the islands.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Sao Tome and Principe takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe?
No, its usually not possible.There are no fee-free ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe. Majority of the bank ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe charge STN 110 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Sao Tome and Principe?
There is limited acceptance here. Visa is usually accepted, other types of cards are not.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in São Tomé and Príncipe. Crypto access is provided solely through online or peer-to-peer platforms, not via physical kiosks.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Sao Tome and Principe
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate in São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATM presence here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not maintain consumer ATMs in this country.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs here.
