Currency in São Tomé

Information about currency and prices in São Tomé

Here, one euro equals 24,500 dobras. With 42 euros, you are a millionaire ... at least until 2018.

The monetary unit in São Tomé is the Dobra (plural “dobras”). Currently the rate of exchange is approximately 1EUR = 24.500 DBS. Bank notes are printed in values of 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000 and 100.000 dobras, coins 100, 250, 500, 1.000 and 2.000.

There is no limit on the amount of Saotomean and foreign currency taken into São Tomé.

Monetary reform

The new notes celebrate wildlife endemic São Tomé e Príncipe, and include innovative features to make them secure against counterfeiting.

On January 1 2018, the old dobra will lose three zeros to became new dobras (ndobra), as consequence of the ongoing monetary reform. Conversion rate: 1.000,00 dbs = 1,00 ndb The new bank notes will be printed in values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 dbs, coins 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 and 2. The new rate of exchange is approximately 1EUR = 24.50 dbs. For six months, the old banknotes will still be in circulation, in order to ensure a smooth transition.

Credit cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout São Tome at banks and hotels.

You can get cash with your Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus card at any Bank agency.