Ham radio SaoTome y Principe by kf3lix

I just spent 1 week in  the beautiful African  Island Nation of SaoTome y Principe.

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