São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra (1977–2017)

The currency of São Tomé and Príncipe is the dobra (pronounced [ˈdobɾɐ], plural: dobras; code: STD). It is subdivided into 100 cêntimos. The dobra was introduced in 1977, replacing the escudo at par. The dobra derives its name from the Portuguese word for "strong", referring to the strength of the escudo. The dobra has been relatively stable since its introduction. It was pegged to the Portuguese escudo at par until 1986, when it was devalued to 50 escudos. In 1991, it was again devalued to 100 escudos, and has remained at that level since. The dobra is issued by the Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cêntimos, and notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 dobras. In recent years, the dobra has come under pressure due to inflation and the appreciation of the US dollar. In response, the Central Bank has taken steps to devalue the currency, and as of July 2017, the dobra is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 24 dobras to 1 dollar. The dobra is used mainly for local transactions, and US dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants. There are a few ATMs in São Tomé that dispense dobras, but they are not always reliable. The currency of São Tomé and Príncipe is the dobra (pronounced [ˈdobɾɐ], plural: dobras; code: STD). It is subdivided into 100 cêntimos. The dobra was introduced in 1977, replacing the escudo at par. The dobra derives its name from the Portuguese word for "strong", referring to the strength of the escudo. The dobra has been relatively stable since its introduction. It was pegged to the Portuguese escudo at par until 1986, when it was devalued to 50 escudos. In 1991, it was again devalued to 100 escudos, and has remained at that level since. The dobra is issued by the Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cêntimos, and notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 dobras. In recent years, the dobra has come under pressure due to inflation and the appreciation of the US dollar. In response, the Central Bank has taken steps to devalue the currency, and as of July 2017, the dobra is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 24 dobras to 1 dollar. The dobra is used mainly for local transactions, and US dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants. There are a few ATMs in São Tomé that dispense dobras, but they are not always reliable.