Sao Tome and Principe Healthcare and Money

By | May 9, 2022

Health care

Vaccinations

Vaccination needed receipt required
yellow fever 1
cholera 2
Typhoid & Polio Yes
malaria 3
Eat Drink 4

Overview

Medical care cannot be compared to Europe and is often highly problematic in terms of technology, equipment or hygiene. Frequently there is also a lack of European-trained doctors who speak English or French. There are 16 hospitals and around 40 doctors available. It is recommended to take out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.

Notes vaccinations

[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who intend to enter within six days of stay or transit in the infected areas designated by the WHO. Exceptions are transit travelers in Somalia who do not leave the airport. [2] A vaccination certificate against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection. The main infection areas are the capital Sao Tomé and the Lemba district. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Vaccination is only recommended in rare cases. [3] Malaria protection is required year-round in all parts of the country. There is an increased risk in the rainy season from October to April. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is said to be resistant to chloroquine. [4] Due to the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Only use dry and canned milk with sterile water. Avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.

Other risks

Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/Aids is a big problem in the country and a big danger for everyone who takes risks of infection: sexual contacts,

Money

Currency

1 dobra = 100 centimos. Currency code: Db, STD (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 20,000, 50, 20, 10 and 5 STD; Coins are in denominations of 2 and 1 STD, 50, 20 and 10 centimos. The Dobra has been pegged to the euro since 2010.

Credit cards

Common credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are only occasionally accepted in upscale hotels. Contact the credit card issuer for details.

ATMs

There are no ATMs available.

Travelers cheques

Traveller’s checks are not accepted in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Bank opening hours

Mon-Fri 7.30am-11.30am.

Foreign exchange regulations

Unlimited import of national and foreign currency, declaration obligation from a value of 10,000 €. Export of national and foreign currency up to the amount declared.

Currency Exchange

We recommend taking US dollars and euros with you. Currency exchange is possible in banks, at the airport and some hotels.

Currencies

Code Symbol Exchange rates (no guarantee)
HOURS db 1 EUR = 24500.00 Db
1 CHF = 29212.40 Db
1 USD = 23594.40 Db

Sao Tome and Principe Money