Living in Sao Tome and Principe

The island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe off the west coast of Africa is one of Africa’s undiscovered tropical gems. With rainforests, beaches, and a Creole culture, São Tomé is an under-the-radar escape offering expats an affordable island lifestyle. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Why Move to São Tomé and Príncipe?

São Tomé and Príncipe provides some compelling reasons to consider moving there:

• Idyllic island life with gorgeous beaches, hiking trails through rainforests, vibrant marine ecosystems for diving, and laidback coastal communities.
• Lower cost of living compared to other global island destinations. Housing and imported goods are reasonably priced, while local foods and services are very cheap.
• Fascinating blend of Portuguese and African influences into a distinctly Santomean culture and creole traditions.
• Lack of mass tourism development provides an authentic island experience. An untapped paradise without major resorts or crowds.
• Stable democracy since independence in 1975. Avoided conflict and coups that other African island states have experienced.
• Visa free access to the Schengen Area as a Portuguese-speaking country. Makes visiting Europe convenient.
• Tropical beaches outside the cyclone belt and stable weather year-round.
• Welcoming locals with family-focused values much like the Hawaiian ‘ohana’ concept. Tight-knit communities.
• Surging economic growth recently from tourism and oil flowing through the Gulf of Guinea.

Living in São Tomé and Príncipe: Pros and Cons

While alluring, there are also some difficulties to consider:

Pros :

1. Idyllic tropical island life
2. Lower cost of living
3. Laidback island lifestyle
4. Fascinating Creole culture
5. Lack of mass tourism
6. Political stability
7. Tropical beaches and forests
8. Visa-free access to Europe
9. Friendly local communities

Cons :

1. Remoteness – tiny population on isolated islands
2. Unreliable infrastructure with power and water cuts
3. Limited healthcare facilities
4. High import costs for foreign goods
5. Little variety – few big stores or amenities
6. Portuguese required for residency and business
7. High humidity and lots of mosquitos
8. Bureaucratic processes and ‘island time’ pace

São Tomé and Príncipe appeals most to those seeking an unspoiled island experience without tourists. But amenities are still developing.

The Cost of Living in São Tomé and Príncipe

While rising in recent years, São Tomé and Príncipe remains highly affordable especially compared to Europe. Typical expenses include:

• Housing – Modern apartments in the capital rent for $500-$1,000 monthly. Buying apartments near $100,000+ or small houses for $150,000+.
• Food – Local produce is cheap at markets. Imported goods cost more. Groceries about $300 monthly for two. Street meals $3-6.
• Transportation – Taxis around towns run just a few dollars per ride. Gasoline is around $1 per liter. Used cars under $10,000. Flights connect the islands.
• Utilities – Electricity, water, garbage collection, internet and cable totals around $150 per month. Supply can be inconsistent.
• Healthcare – Public healthcare is free but limited. Private clinics cost ~$50 per visit without insurance.
• Education – Public school is free but basic, taught in Portuguese. Private English schools start around $2,000 annually.
• Taxes – Top individual income tax rate is 25%. Standard corporate tax rate is 25%, but lower for foreign companies investing. VAT is 15%.

Quality of Life in São Tomé and Príncipe

Life quality in São Tomé and Príncipe is moderate but steadily improving across metrics:

1. Cost of Living – Low costs allow disposable income to stretch further, especially compared to Europe. But limited amenities.
2. Infrastructure – Modernization is slowly improving ports, airports, roads and utilities. But power and water supply is unreliable. Internet improving.
3. Environment – Lack of mass tourism helps preserve nature and beaches. Though climate change threatens water supply and agriculture.
4. Healthcare – Limited healthcare requiring either affordable local clinics or insurance for emergencies. Access to specialists means medical trips abroad.
5. Safety & Security – Low violent crime makes São Tomé and Príncipe relatively safe. But petty theft occurs in tourist areas. Police enforcement is limited.
6. Economy & Employment – Agriculture drives economy. Youth unemployment high. Prospects may be limited outside São Tomé town. But tourism and oil drive growth.
7. Leisure & Culture – Relaxed island life encourages leisure time on beaches, hiking, watersports and enjoying vibrant Creole culture.

A Beginner’s Guide to Santomean Culture

São Toméan culture mixes Portuguese and African roots into a unique island identity:

• Main languages are Portuguese Creole locally and standard Portuguese – learning basics enhances immersion and opportunities.
• Laidback attitudes prevail. Greetings are relaxed with handshakes or cheek kisses between friends. Elders are respected.
• Cuisine features staples like fish, rice, beans, plantains, cassava and tropical fruit. Biquini sandwich is popular.
• Family ties are valued highly. Several generations may live together. Gender roles are traditional.
• Music features complex rhythms like música d’terra with origins in slave songs. Popular funana dance music too.
• Catholic festivals like Carnival feature costumes and celebrations. But many traditional African elements incorporated too.
• Storytelling tradition preserves history and folklore passed down generations that convey values.
• Handcrafts use natural materials like wood, shells, fibers. Iconic São Toméan ‘dêxa’ palm woven panels.

Best Places to Live in São Tomé and Príncipe

Top island destinations include:

1. São Tomé Town – Historic capital with colonial architecture, cultural sights, services and infrastructure.
2. Santo António – Second largest town with beautiful beaches popular for swimming and fishing.
3. Príncipe Island – More remote with fishing villages, jungle waterfalls and beaches coated in black volcanic sand. Nature lovers dream.
4. Trindade & Martin de Viviés – These two islets off São Tomé are uninhabited with unspoiled beaches and forests abounding with wildlife like nesting turtles and birds. Accessible only by boat.

The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe provide the perfect blend of African roots and Portuguese heritage in a pristine tropical escape for expats willing to embrace island time.