Best Bitcoin Exchange for Sao Tome

Just off the coast of West Africa in the Atlantic Ocean is the small island state of São Tomé and Príncipe, which has much more to offer than dreamlike white sandy beaches lined with palm trees. São Tomé and Príncipe is one of the most important cocoa producers in the world. Already during the colonial time, huge cocoa plantations were established and the corresponding, pretty mansions are definitely worth a visit. Further traces from the Portuguese colonial period can be found in the capital São Tomé. Besides numerous buildings from this epoch, the Portuguese fortress Fort Sao Sebastiano, in which today the national museum is located, is especially worth mentioning.

The far-reaching history of the country is a reason to visit the small island, but also the natural wonders of the island, as for example the huge fountain Boca de Inferno, are not to be despised. Whether hiking through the rainforest to the Pico de São Tomé or a short trip to the time of the colonial rule, a holiday on São Tomé and Príncipe will remain in lasting memory. So that there are no problems during the stay with the travel cash, one should inform well before travel beginning. Helpful information about money in São Tomé and Príncipe and the answer to the question whether money can be withdrawn here can be found in the following article.

São-toméan Dobra (STD) – the national currency

In São Tomé and Príncipe, the national currency and official currency is the São Tomé Dobra, divided into 100 Cêntimos. Dobra is available in coins and banknotes, the denominations of which are shown in the table below:

• Coins: 500, 1000, 2000 São Toméan Dobra
• Notes: 5000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000, 100.000 São Toméan Dobra

Local and foreign currency may be introduced without restriction, but must be declared upon entry. The export is limited to the amount declared upon import.

Changing money in São Tomé and Príncipe

It is not necessary to change the currency into the local currency beforehand, as cash can be easily exchanged on São Tomé and Príncipe. You can even pay in euros or US dollars in some places. The first exchange possibility is directly at the airport. There is an exchange office here. Through the banks on the island there is another possibility to exchange cash into the local currency. One should only know that the banks are only open from 07:30 to 11:30 on weekdays. You should take care to bring enough cash for the whole trip. There are no cash dispensers on São Tomé and Príncipe to refill the travel cash in case of bottlenecks.

Cashing traveller’s cheques in São Tomé and Príncipe

Traveller’s cheques are an additional alternative to cash. They are exchanged in most banks and sometimes also in larger hotels. They should be denominated in euros or US dollars. Of course, traveller’s cheques offer the advantage of being replaced immediately in the event of a loss, but one should also bear in mind that this type of means of payment experiences a worldwide return.

Cashless payment on São Tomé and Príncipe

Cashless payment by credit card is not widespread in São Tomé and Príncipe and is often only possible in hotels of the higher price range. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. It is advisable to ask at the time of booking whether you can pay by card. This may save you some inconvenience. If you pay by credit card, you should know in advance that the credit card institute charges a foreign assignment fee of between 1 and 4%. Detailed information on this can be found in the credit card contract or obtained directly from the credit card company.

Withdrawing money on São Tomé and Príncipe by EC card

Attention should be paid to carrying sufficient cash as well as traveller’s cheques, as there are no ATMs in São Tomé and Príncipe. The EC card is therefore only useful for travel arrangements or in the country from which you are entering São Tomé and Príncipe. Here you can use your EC card again to withdraw money.

One should know, however, that when using a foreign ATM, a foreign assignment fee is due and when visiting a non-bank ATM, an external bank usage fee. If you don’t pay attention, you may have to dig deep into your pocket, as these fees are often between 5 and 10 euros. Owners of a V-Pay card should also pay attention, as this type of card can only be used in the Euro zone. In general, it is always advisable to take a credit card with you, as it is accepted far more frequently than EC or V-Pay cards.

Withdraw money from São Tomé and Príncipe by credit card

Even with a credit card no money can be withdrawn on São Tomé and Príncipe, because there are no ATMs available. However, it is not pointless to take your card with you, as it can be used to pay in some hotels. It can also be used for travel preparations in order to fill the travel cash box with sufficient cash. If you travel to São Tomé and Príncipe from a country in which the euro is not the national currency, the credit card institute usually charges a foreign exchange fee for the money. A percentage surcharge of between 1% and 4% is levied on each withdrawal.

If you would like to save this fee in the long run, you should have a look at the following link. The banks listed there provide a free credit card with which money can be withdrawn worldwide free of charge. Even if a credit card cannot be used to withdraw money on São Tomé and Príncipe, it makes sense to apply for this credit card because cash can be withdrawn free of charge in all countries with ATMs. An application takes just a few minutes and can be completed online.

Once the form has been sent, a processing time of approximately two weeks should be expected before the requested credit card is sent by post. For this reason, the application should not be made too soon before the start of the journey to ensure that the new card arrives on time.

Safety when withdrawing money on São Tomé and Príncipe

Although no money can be withdrawn on São Tomé and Príncipe, some payments can be made cashless with a credit card. As soon as a card, be it an EC or credit card, can be used, a certain degree of caution should always be exercised. One of the most important security precautions is the concealed entry of the PIN. If the keypad does not have an appropriate privacy screen, you can hold your hand over it while entering the PIN. Simple but effective is the protection against possible spying.

Regular checks of statements and account movements quickly reveal card misuse. In this case, or if the card is lost or stolen, you should act without hesitation. For this purpose, you should contact the blocking emergency call, which has been specially set up for this purpose. The number can be reached via the following link. By calling, the affected card is blocked directly and you are protected against greater financial damage.