São Tomé Airport is small and fairly simple to use, but it is better to arrive with a plan. You are not dealing with a major hub, but queues at passport control can still be slow, so do not assume a quick exit every time.
For most travellers, the main issue on arrival at São Tomé Airport is cash. There is an ATM at the airport, but it is not reliable, and neither Visa nor Mastercard should be treated as dependable. Bring some euros in cash. If you want the best value, do not change money at the airport. Wait until you get to town. The best place is outside Zima Bar on Rua Angola, where street money changers will give you 26 on the euro.
SIM cards are sold at São Tomé Airport, but only if the kiosk is open. Sometimes it is, sometimes it is not, so this is not something to rely on.
Taxis at São Tomé Airport are not usually lined up in a formal rank, though there is generally one around somewhere. Travellers arriving at São Tomé International Airport can arrange a taxi into the city if they do not have cash on them, via the airport .and the standard fare is €20. But they are not allowed to leave the country without paying that fare. The run to town is normally no more than 20 minutes, even if you are going to one of the furthest hotels. Drivers have been known to put two couples in one car and charge both. Say no.
If you want to avoid that on arrival, we arrange airport transfers to and from São Tomé International Airport for city hotels at €30 for up to 2 people. Each extra person is €5. If you are hiring a car through us, we will meet you outside with a sign and a car ready for you. The handover takes about five minutes.
Baggage at São Tomé Airport is usually straightforward. There is one belt, and because flights are limited, luggage is normally fairly quick.
For departures, the same general rule applies: keep things simple, arrive prepared, and do not assume every service will work exactly as you want on the spot. There is a small coffee bar hidden behind the wall in the departures lounge, and a gift shop selling small souvenirs. Do not expect a duty free shopping experience.
Yellow fever rules matter more on African flight routings. If you are flying TAP from Europe, this is normally not the issue. It is still something worth checking before you travel.