Sao Tome and Principe
Business meetings tend to be informal. Business cards are not widely used, but should be carried. The Portuguese influence is very strong and knowledge of Portuguese is useful. Every greeting is accompanied by a handshake. Office hours are generally 0800-1500 Monday-Friday
Visitors are targeted for petty burglary, essentially as a result of their relative affluence and their possession of items which are desirable and easily converted into use, e.g., money, watches, food, swim masks, fins, etc. Items such as cameras, automobiles, etc. Are not easily convertible, are easily detected and are therefore not as desirable to a potential thief.
There are currently 11 hotels in the country offering a total of 200 beds, including the Miramar Hotel in the capital São Tomé, the Marlin Beach hotel and the Bom Bom Island Resort on the northern coast of Príncipe. Apart from the hotels there is also a chain of state-run inns, operated at more modest levels of comfort.
Limited IDD telephone service is available. The country code is 239. Fax and telegraph facilities are available in the capital and main hotels.
Electricity is 220 volts AC.
Same as GMT
There are several restaurants in the capital, augmented by a considerable number of more informal eating establishments patronized by the inhabitants. Reservations are nearly always required, even at the higher profile restaurants, not because of lack of space but to allow the proprietor to obtain sufficient food in advance. Grilled fish and chicken, fried fish and tropical fruit are popular. Most dishes are highly spiced.Tipping:
Not always welcomed.
