Communication Essentials: Sao Tome

Staying Connected

Local SIM cards from Unitel STP and CST are at the airport or city kiosks. Passport registration is needed. Coverage is good in the city, limited elsewhere.

Connectivity Details

Local SIMs are inexpensive with affordable data.
Wi-Fi in hotels and guesthouses varies in speed and reliability.
Mobile data on a local SIM is a consistent internet access method.

Language Bridge

Portuguese is the official language. Creole languages like Forro are common. English comprehension by tourist-facing staff is present, but not widespread.

Helpful Phrases

Olá (oh-LAH): Hello.
Obrigado/a (oh-bree-GAH-doo/oh-bree-GAH-dah): Thank you.
Por favor (por fah-VOR): Please.

More Phrases

Daily Greetings

Sim / Não (seen / nown): Yes / No.
Bom dia (bohm DEE-ah): Good morning.
Boa tarde (BOH-ah TAR-dee): Good afternoon.
Boa noite (BOH-ah NOY-tee): Good evening/night.

Practical Queries

Quanto custa? (KWahn-too KOOS-tah?): How much does it cost?
Água (AH-gwah): Water.
Não falo Português: I do not speak Portuguese.
Desculpe (desh-KOOL-peh): Excuse me/Sorry.

Language Mastery

A Portuguese phrasebook or translation app, especially with the offline pack, is of assistance for basic communication and direction-seeking.

Daily Rhythms

Sao Tome’s daily operations follow a relaxed pace, with considerations for holidays and local customs.

Shop Hours

Shops typically open 8/9 AM, close for siesta 12/1 PM, and reopen 3/4 PM until 6/7 PM. Many are closed Sundays.

Dining Times

Lunch service is usually 12-2:30 PM. Dinner service commonly starts after 7:00 PM.

Office & Banking

Government offices operate weekdays, 8 AM to 4 PM. Banks are open weekday mornings, 8 AM to 3 PM. ATMs are mainly in Sao Tome city.

Public Holidays

National holidays may close businesses, banks, and government services or have limited hours.

Dates

January 1 (New Year's Day), February 3 (Martyrs' Day).
July 12 (Independence Day), December 25 (Christmas Day).
Easter and other Catholic holidays are observed.

Seasonal Adjustments

Some smaller businesses or attractions in less visited areas may have shorter hours or close during the wet season (November-April).

Planning Notes

Wet season roads might bring challenges.
Confirm specific attraction hours.
ATMs sometimes run out of cash or service.

Cultural Understanding

Greeting & Attire

Always greet people when entering shops or starting conversations.
Modest attire, with shoulders and knees covered, for churches/rural visits.
Swimwear restricted to beaches and pools.

Photography & Taboos

Seek permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Avoid photos of military or government buildings.
Do not discuss local politics or criticize the government.

Patience is a Virtue

Embrace the "leve-leve" philosophy: things move at a slower pace in Sao Tome. A positive attitude and patience are your companions for unexpected situations.

Cultural Norms & Accessibility

Thoughtful interactions and an awareness of local considerations enrich your journey.

Respectful Interactions

Sao Tomeans are generally welcoming. Your actions influence the perception of visitors.

Principles

Basic Portuguese phrases are warmly received.
Modest dress shows courtesy, especially in villages.
Seek consent before taking photos of individuals.

Accessibility Overview

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility needs is limited. Sidewalks are uneven, and public transport is not adapted.

Considerations

Few attractions meet international accessibility standards.
No specific services for visual or hearing impairments are widespread.
Specialized tour operators can arrange adapted private transport.

Dining & Tipping

Eating with cutlery is common, though some traditional dishes such as Funge may be eaten with hands.

Dining Practices

Table etiquette is generally relaxed.
Tipping is not widely customary but appreciated.
A small gratuity for good service is a kind gesture.

Important Social Notes

Sao Tome features a relatively conservative society.

Gender & Identity

Public displays of affection, specifically for LGBTQ+ persons, call for discretion.
Homosexuality is not illegal; however, societal acceptance varies.
Mindfulness of local norms is a prudent approach.

Sensitive Topics

Discussion Cautions

Avoid local political discourse.
Refrain from criticizing the government.
Approach the colonial past and slavery legacy with sensitivity.

Photography Ethics

Be discreet with your camera in private settings.
Avoid intrusive photos during religious ceremonies.
For child photos, parental consent or an accompanying adult’s permission is ideal.

Religious Site Conduct

Visiting Sacred Spaces

Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees.
Maintain quiet and a respectful demeanor.
Remove hats before entering.

Observing Services

Be especially quiet if a service is in progress.
Observe local behavior and adapt your own.
Respect the solemnity of the environment.

Traveler's Best Approach

Embrace the "leve-leve" philosophy: a flexible mindset is a traveler's companion. Unexpected situations may happen; adjusting to the local rhythm often brings rewarding experiences.

Communication Essentials