ATM Fees in São Tomé & Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN) • Updated April 2026
São Tomé & Príncipe is heavily cash-based. Card acceptance very limited. ATMs available in São Tomé city but may be unreliable. Bring EUR to exchange.
Tips for São Tomé & Príncipe
- • Cash essential
- • Cards rarely accepted
- • EUR preferred for exchange
- • ATMs may be unreliable
- • Bring enough cash for trip
Airport tips
- • São Tomé airport has limited services
- • Bring EUR cash
- • Exchange in town
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in São Tomé & Príncipe, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
STN/day
≈ $63.58-160 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
STN/day
≈ $188-419 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
STN/day
≈ $485-1,083 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in São Tomé & Príncipe.
Credit card acceptance
Very LowCash economy. Bring EUR to exchange.
You'll need cash for
- • Everything
- • Hotels
- • Restaurants
- • Transport
Cards usually accepted
- • Very few hotels
- • Rare exceptions
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BISTP | Varies | Unknown | Unknown | Unreliable | 8 | May not work |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BISTP | Varies | Unknown | Unknown | Unreliable | 8 | Bring cash |