Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Sao Tome and Principe or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
Taxi payments in São Tomé and Príncipe are frustrating if you don’t carry enough cash. Cards and apps aren’t accepted, and ATM access is unreliable, especially for foreign cards. Cash in Dobras or Euros is needed to avoid problems getting around.
I relied on cash for taxis in São Tomé. Even hotels didn’t accept card payments for taxi fares. I used Euros exchanged for Dobras from a Banco Central ATM, but it was easier to carry cash for local transport. Cards or mobile payments weren’t an option.
If you’ll be using taxis in São Tomé and Príncipe, stock up on cash beforehand. There isn’t a reliable card or app payment system for taxis yet. I withdrew cash from the Banco Internacional de São Tomé branch, but foreign card acceptance at ATMs is hit or miss. Plan accordingly.
In São Tomé and Príncipe, taxis require cash payments mostly in Dobras, the local currency. Cards and apps aren’t widely accepted for taxi fares. ATMs in São Tomé town are limited and sometimes don’t accept foreign cards, so it’s wise to bring sufficient cash in Euros or US dollars exchanged locally before taking taxis.