For meals, transport, tips - whats the safe amount to carry in Sao Tome & Principe ? Trying to plan a daily budget for a month long trip
From my trip, I’d say carrying about €90-€110 daily is safe. Local markets and beachside kiosks have affordable meals around €5-10, but taxis can get pricey if unplanned. Always have some dobras in hand for small street food stops. Renting a car or using hotel shuttle services saves transport hassles but budget for around €30 daily on transport alone.
On the money side, I’d suggest about $100 a day for decent meals and getting around. Public buses run but are sporadic, so taxis or car hires are more reliable but pricier. Don’t forget to tip 5-10% at restaurants. Also, bring a Visa or Mastercard for occasional ATM withdrawals from the Bank of São Tomé-fees can be 2-3%.
If you're budgeting daily, plan on about $90-$110 to cover food, local taxis, and some sightseeing. Fruit stalls around Diogo Vaz are great for cheap snacks. Since there's limited ATM access, it’s best to carry cash and use Bank of Sao Tome machines when possible. I’d also recommend renting a car or arranging hotel transfers to save on pricey taxis.
I found Sao Tome a bit pricier than expected, especially for meals. Dining at places like Restaurante Papa-Figo or Diogo Vaz Cafe easily runs €20-30 per meal. Renting a car with a local driver (around €40/day) helped since taxis can be unreliable and expensive. I stayed at Residencial Des, which was basic but affordable. For daily budget, carrying around €100 ($110) covers meals, transport, and small tips comfortably, especially if you want to explore outside Sao Tome City.