1st this is an excellent African island country.Very clean, service orientated and full of professionalism, which is rare in West.Central Africa. This cost when compared to other african nations is rather cheaper and quality is that of what you will find in EU.
You can use either the EURO or the local currency Dorbras.
BTW: I DID NOT operate ham radio on this trip due to logistic issues and the fact I travel from Ecuatorial Guinea to STP. ( please review my earlier post about radios and in the nervous country of Ecuatorial Guinea )
I spent most of my time in the city of Sao Tome @ Omali lodge and outside of Nieves @Mcumbli ). These areas are suitable for a simple dipole or ENF antenae . You can search on tripadvisor for review of these 2 lodging areas.
To apply for a license you can travel to the top of the hill by the medical section and the telephone/communication authority for licensing will required the following items from you.
1: a letter stating your request
2: details of the equipment and band
3: copy of your existing ham license
4: passport/visado #
I believe it's best to write the letter in Portuguese. Most of the hotel staff speaks English and a little Spanish or French. I found myself using all 4 linguas during my stay. If you speak a little Spanish most of the locals will understand.
To get to the Telephone/Communication authority take the road from the Aeroport up the hill ( going eastbound ) and before the right turn to Market CKydo, you will find a road. Take that road and veer to the right and you will see the Authority Office. It's probably 1 km off the main road.
Here's a map and a picture of the building in the City of Sao Tome
note: The office is upstairs and the lady is very nice, but you will probably need a translator.
I flew Ceiba airlines from Equatorial Guinea, but flights exists from Lisbon and Madrid to the STP. You will need a entry-visa mostly likely for entry into this country.
Here's some more scenes from STP;
If you need tour services, you can contact Fernando Braganca "fernando79.br @ hotmail.com"or " fernandobr939 @ gmail.com"; Skype: FERNANDO.BR9
For any rental cars , you needs can be meet via tortuga car rentals. They offer affordable cars from 45-65 euros a day and any international or foreign license is okay for operations in this country.
http://www.tortuga-car-rental.com/
Be advise;
- roads outside of the city can be in bad to very bad shape
- yery little road signs
- I don't recall one stop-light in this country
- police present is lite and practically none
- crime ( violent ) is practically none
- this is a tourista built nation
So I've gave up on any Ham Radio Opportunities in E,guinea
Stay tune, more will come from kf3lix
