Quick Facts About Guinea-Bissau
General Information
- • Capital: Bissau
- • Currency: CFA Franc (XOF)
- • Language: Portuguese, Crioulo
- • Population: 2 million
- • Time Zone: GMT (UTC+0)
Travel Information
- • Best Time: Nov-May (dry season)
- • Power Plug: Type C (220V)
- • Emergency: Limited services
- • Calling Code: +245
- • Visa: Required for most
Benefits of eSIM for Guinea-Bissau Travel
🏝️ Island Connectivity
Stay connected exploring the Bijagós archipelago.
🦛 Wildlife Watching
Share hippo sightings and birding discoveries.
🏖️ Beach Paradise
Coverage at pristine, untouched beaches.
🛶 Eco-Tourism
Navigate between eco-lodges and reserves.
🏛️ Colonial Heritage
Explore Portuguese colonial architecture.
🎣 Fishing Villages
Connect in traditional coastal communities.
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How to Install Your Guinea-Bissau eSIM
Simple Installation Steps
- Purchase: Buy your Guinea-Bissau eSIM plan online
- Receive QR Code: Get installation instructions via email
- Install: Scan QR code in phone settings before travel
- Activate: Turn on eSIM when you arrive at Osvaldo Vieira Airport
Pro Tip: Install your eSIM before departure while on WiFi. Guinea-Bissau has very limited infrastructure - coverage is mainly in Bissau. Download all necessary offline content. Power supply is unreliable, so keep devices charged.
Network Coverage Across Guinea-Bissau
Coverage Available
- • Bissau - Capital city
- • Bafatá - Regional center
- • Gabú - Eastern hub
- • Main Bijagós islands
- • Major towns
Limited/No Coverage
- • Remote islands
- • Rural villages
- • National parks interior
- • Border areas
- • Most of countryside
Data Plan Recommendations by Travel Type
Eco-Tourist
Perfect for Bijagós archipelago exploration
Best for:
- •Island hopping maps
- •Wildlife guides
- •Tide charts
- •Emergency contacts
Wildlife Enthusiast
Ideal for hippo watching and birding
Best for:
- •Species identification
- •Photo backup
- •National park info
- •Conservation updates
Beach Explorer
Discover pristine untouched beaches
Best for:
- •Beach locations
- •Boat schedules
- •Weather updates
- •Coastal navigation
Cultural Visitor
Experience Bijagós culture and Portuguese heritage
Best for:
- •Translation tools
- •Cultural guides
- •Colonial sites
- •Local customs
Data Usage Tips for Guinea-Bissau
Save Data:
- • Download maps in Bissau
- • Coverage is very limited
- • Use offline apps
- • Save content locally
Coverage Reality:
- • Only in Bissau city
- • Sporadic on islands
- • No rural coverage
- • Power cuts common
Ready for your Bijagós adventure? Stay connected where possible with our Guinea-Bissau eSIM plans!
Compare All Guinea-Bissau PlansEssential Travel Tips for Guinea-Bissau
Connectivity
- • Very limited infrastructure
- • Coverage mainly in Bissau
- • Download everything offline
- • Power cuts frequent
- • Bring power banks
Travel Essentials
- • Cash-only economy
- • Portuguese helpful
- • Malaria precautions
- • Limited tourist facilities
- • Respect local customs
Must-Visit Attractions
Natural Wonders
- 🏝️ Bijagós Islands: UNESCO Biosphere
- 🦛 Orango National Park: Saltwater hippos
- 🏖️ Varela Beach: Pristine coastline
- 🐢 João Vieira: Sea turtle nesting
Cultural Sites
- 🏛️ Fortaleza d'Amura: Portuguese fort
- 🏘️ Bolama: Colonial architecture
- ⛪ Bissau Cathedral: Historic landmark
- 🎪 Bandim Market: Local life
Network Providers in Guinea-Bissau
MTN Guinea-Bissau
Main provider
- • Largest coverage
- • 3G/4G in Bissau
- • Island presence
- • Most reliable
Orange Bissau
Alternative network
- • Urban coverage
- • Growing network
- • Competitive rates
- • Limited rural reach
Troubleshooting Guide
eSIM Not Connecting?
- 1. Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn off
- 2. Ensure data roaming is ON for your eSIM line
- 3. Select network manually: Settings → Cellular → Network Selection
- 4. Try MTN network first
No Signal Outside Bissau?
- • Infrastructure is very limited
- • Most rural areas have no coverage
- • Islands have sporadic signal
- • Prepare for offline periods
Extremely Slow Speeds?
- • Network capacity is limited
- • Try early morning hours
- • Move to open areas
- • Basic browsing only realistic
Emergency Contacts in Guinea-Bissau
Emergency Services
- 📞 Police: 117
- 🚑 Medical: Limited (seek hotels)
- 🔥 Fire: 118
- ⚠️ Note: Services very limited
Useful Contacts
- ✈️ Osvaldo Vieira Airport: +245 95 590 0103
- 🏥 Hospital Nacional: +245 95 566 1027
- 🏨 Hotel contacts: Keep handy
- 🚕 Taxi: Arrange through hotels
Cultural Guide & Etiquette
Do's
- ✅ Learn basic Portuguese/Crioulo
- ✅ Respect animist traditions
- ✅ Ask permission for photos
- ✅ Support local communities
- ✅ Dress conservatively
Don'ts
- ❌ Don't photograph sacred sites
- ❌ Avoid political discussions
- ❌ Don't expect punctuality
- ❌ Never refuse offered food
- ❌ Don't swim where locals don't
Cultural Note: Guinea-Bissau blends Portuguese colonial influence with strong African traditions. The Bijagós people have unique matriarchal societies. Animist beliefs coexist with Christianity and Islam. Music and dance are central to culture. The pace of life is very relaxed - patience is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my eSIM work on the Bijagós Islands?
Limited coverage exists on main islands like Bubaque and Bolama, mainly near settlements. Remote islands have no signal. Download offline maps and content before island hopping.
How bad is the infrastructure really?
Guinea-Bissau has one of the least developed telecom infrastructures in West Africa. Expect coverage only in Bissau and a few major towns. Power outages are frequent. Plan accordingly.
Can I use my eSIM for banking or important tasks?
The network is often too slow or unstable for secure transactions. Save important tasks for when you have reliable WiFi, which is rare. Bring cash as ATMs are scarce.
What about emergency situations?
Emergency services are extremely limited. Hotels and tour operators are your best contact points. Consider satellite communication for remote areas. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.
Ready for Your Bijagós Adventure?
Choose your perfect eSIM plan and explore Guinea-Bissau's pristine islands and unique wildlife with basic connectivity where available
View All Guinea-Bissau eSIM Plans