How to Buy a prepaid SIM card for Guinea-Bissau? (Tourist Guide)

Using a Guinea-Bissau prepaid SIM card is a reliable way to stay connected when visiting Guinea-Bissau or any other country.

This post will explain why getting a Guinea-Bissau SIM card is the best choice compared to using pocket WiFi, roaming with your local carrier, or relying on free WiFi. You’ll learn about travel SIM cards for Guinea-Bissau, including the top network providers, recommended plans for travelers, costs, and better options.

I. What are the Best Guinea-Bissau SIM cards for Tourists?

Best SIM card packages in Guinea-Bissau for tourists are offered by 02 major mobile network operators that offer prepaid services: MTN and Orange.

1. Orange

Orange Guinea-Bissau has the best coverage in Guinea-Bissau. They are also, on average, the cheapest.

Price	Data	Validity
350 XOF	80 MB	24 hours
650 XOF	250 MB	3 days
2000 XOF	750 MB	7 days
7500 XOF	3 GB	30 days
15 000 XOF	10 GB	30 days
22 000 XOF	20 GB	30 days
50 000 XOF	75 GB	30 days

2. MTN

MTN is also a good idea for tourists. They have many types of SIM Card plans which suit different needs.

MTN Bombástico 

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	On-Net SMS	Validity
200 XOF	50 MB	20 minutes	20 SMS	24 hours
300 XOF	80 MB	20 minutes	20 SMS	3 days
500 XOF	250 MB	60 minutes	60 SMS	7 days

MTN Livre

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	On-Net SMS	Validity
800 XOF	500 MB	60 minutes	None	60 SMS	14 days
1000 XOF	500 MB	90 minutes	5 minutes	100 SMS	14 days
1500 XOF	1000 MB	150 minutes	5 minutes	100 SMS	14 days
3000 XOF	500 MB	200 minutes	5 minutes	200 SMS	30 days
5000 XOF	2000 MB	200 minutes	20 minutes	200 SMS	30 days

MTN Nonstop

The Nonstop bundles are bundles that come with unlimited data, on-net minutes, or a combination of data and on-net minutes for 1 hour. There are 3 options:

• 200 XOF: Unlimited on-net minutes.

• 500 XOF: Unlimited data.

• 800 XOF: Unlimited data and on-net minutes.

MTN Pacotes Internet Móvel

Price	Data	Validity
100 XOF	50 MB	1 hour
200 XOF	200 MB	1 hour
200 XOF	200 MB	1 night between 11 PM and 6 AM
300 XOF	50 MB	24 hours
500 XOF	Unlimited	1 hour
500 XOF	2 GB	1 night between 11 PM and 6 AM
700 XOF	500 MB	24 hours
2500 XOF	1 GB	7 days
15 000 XOF	10 GB	30 days
25 000 XOF	20 GB	30 days

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Guinea-Bissau for Tourists?

Visitors can purchase a SIM card for Guinea-Bissau either online or from local shops.

1. Buy Prepaid Guinea-Bissau eSIM Online Before Departure

You can buy eSIMs compatible with Guinea-Bissau’s mobile networks from several online retailers. This way, you can activate your eSIM online using a QR code or mobile app before you arrive.

• Pros: Get your eSIM before you leave, avoid airport queues, and have easy access before your trip.

• Cons: Requires a phone that supports eSIMs. You may need internet access for activation upon arrival, and not all vendors may offer Guinea-Bissau eSIMs.

2. Buy Physical Guinea-Bissau SIM Card at Airports

You can buy a SIM card upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. Look for booths operated by major providers like MTN and Orange in the arrivals terminal.

• Pros: Purchase and activation are usually straightforward, allowing you to connect immediately.

• Cons: Airport kiosks may have a limited selection of plans, and prices might be slightly higher than other options.

3. Buy Physical Guinea-Bissau SIM Card in Mobile Network Operator Stores

In major cities like Bissau Bafata, Gabu, or Canchungo, you can find separate stores for MTN and Orange, the two main mobile network operators.

• Pros: A wider range of plans and options. You can ask questions and compare plans directly with staff.

• Cons: It may take some effort to locate a store, especially in smaller towns. 

► Our Recommendation:

If you have a phone that supports eSIMs and want convenience, consider buying a Guinea-Bissau eSIM online before your trip for immediate activation upon arrival. 

III. How Much is a Tourist Guinea-Bissau SIM Card?

A Guinea-Bissau SIM card typically costs between $0.17 USD and $84 USD, with data plans starting at around $0.5 USD for small bundles. Larger data plans may be more expensive, based on data amount and plan duration. 

The price of a prepaid SIM card in Guinea-Bissau varies according to the operator and data package you select.

IV. What types of Guinea-Bissau SIM cards are available for tourists?

In Guinea-Bissau, there are two types of SIM cards based on their form:

• Physical SIM Card

• eSIM Card

For tourists, there are two popular plan options available for each type:

• Data-Only Plans

• Voice, Text, and Data Plans

The best option for you will depend on your needs. Here’s a quick comparison of the types of Guinea-Bissau SIM cards to help you decide:

Category	Type of SIM Card	Description	Pros	Cons
Form	Physical SIM	A standard plastic SIM card inserted into the device.	Universal compatibility; familiar technology.	Requires a hardware slot in the device.
	eSIM	A digital SIM card built into compatible devices.	No need for a physical SIM; more convenient.	Limited support for devices and networks.
Function	Data-Only SIM	Supports only 4G/LTE data, no calls or texts.	More affordable; ideal for data use only.	Cannot make calls or send texts.
	Voice & Data SIM	Regular SIM for calls, texts, and data.	Fully functional; flexible for long-term use.	Requires registration; not ideal for short trips.
	Tourist SIM	Prepaid SIMs offered by networks.	Perfect for tourists; simple setup without documentation.	Validity and data limits may apply.

► Our Recommendation:

While physical SIMs are more universally compatible, eSIMs offer digital convenience. Data-only SIMs are inexpensive but come with limitations. Tourist SIMs are great for short-term use, as they eliminate registration hassles but may have data limits. Voice SIMs require registration, making them less suitable for short travels.

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Guinea-Bissau travel?

Yes, getting a SIM card is a popular way to easily access mobile data in Guinea-Bissau. Here’s a table comparing SIM cards to other options:

Feature	SIM Card	Free WiFi	Roaming Charges	Pocket WiFi
Cost	Affordable, especially with prepaid plans.	Free to access, but locations can be limited.	Expensive.	Renting a device can add up, plus daily data charges.
Convenience	Works everywhere in Guinea-Bissau with mobile coverage.	Need to find a WiFi hotspot, which can be unreliable or crowded.	Requires setup and extra charges from your carrier.	Need to carry and charge an extra device.
Data Speed	Faster and more reliable than free WiFi.	Speeds can vary based on location and usage.	Depends on your carrier’s roaming agreement.	Speeds can vary based on the device and network.
Making Calls & Texts	Included in most prepaid SIM plans.	Not possible with WiFi.	Expensive with roaming charges.	May require international calling add-ons.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Guinea-Bissau? 

To buy a prepaid SIM card in Guinea-Bissau, you need to prepare the following:

• Passport: This is required for identification and to register the SIM card.

• Local Address: Some sellers may ask for a local address, like the address of your hotel.

• Visit Authorized Retailers: Prepaid SIM cards are available at Authorized retailers, Mobile network operator stores or Some convenience stores. 

• Choose the Right Plan: Consider plans based on Data allowances, Call minutes, Validity periods and Carriers (e.g MTN or Orange) and their latest offers.

VII. Guinea-Bissau eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

With eSIM technology, getting internet access while traveling to Guinea-Bissau has become much easier. Many network providers now offer eSIMs that automatically install when you arrive, so you don’t have to search for a local SIM card shop or rely on WiFi hotspots.

Main benefits of eSIM:

• Easy to switch between network carriers.

• Saves time since you don’t need to find a physical SIM card or wait for delivery.

So, How to Buy eSIM for Guinea-Bissau:

• From Guinea-Bissau Mobile Network Carriers: You can buy an eSIM directly from local carriers, but this usually requires passport verification at the time of purchase.

• From Online eSIM Providers: This method is hassle-free—no need for passport checks or SIM delivery.

Buying an eSIM from an online provider is generally recommended. A good option is Gigago, a trusted website that offers eSIMs for over 200 countries and territories worldwide.

For Guinea-Bissau, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $9.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Guinea-Bissau eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $9.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Guinea-Bissau, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Guinea-Bissau?

Most tourist SIM cards in Guinea-Bissau are valid for 1 to 30 days, depending on the carrier and the plan you choose. The duration of a tourist SIM card in Guinea-Bissau varies based on the carrier and the plan you choose:

• MTN: Offers prepaid SIM cards with plans that last from 1 to 30 days. These plans include different amounts of data, calls, and texts.

• Orange: Provides prepaid SIM cards with plans usually lasting between 1 and 30 days, offering various data, local call minutes, and texts.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Guinea-Bissau? 

This guide covers how to install and activate both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs for tourists in Guinea-Bissau:

1. Using Prepaid Guinea-Bissau SIM Cards for Tourists

Follow these steps to get your Guinea-Bissau SIM card ready:

• Step 1 – Insert the SIM Card:

Find the SIM card slot, which is usually a small tray that you can open with a SIM ejector tool. Make sure you have the right size (standard, micro, or nano) and place the Guinea-Bissau SIM card into the tray.

• Step 2 – Restart Your Device:

Turn your phone off completely, wait for 30 seconds, then turn it back on to detect the SIM card.

• Step 3 – Connect to the Mobile Network:

Once you see your carrier’s name on the screen (matching the company you bought the SIM from), enable “Mobile Data” or “Cellular Data” to start browsing the internet.

After completing these steps, you’re ready to explore Guinea-Bissau with a working internet connection!

2. Setting Up and Activating Guinea-Bissau eSIM

Here’s how to set up and activate your Guinea-Bissau eSIM online before your trip:

• Step 1 – Check Compatibility:

Ensure your device supports eSIM technology.

• Step 2 – Get Your eSIM:

Visit an online seller of Guinea-Bissau eSIMs, choose a data plan, and make your purchase.

• Step 3 – Install the eSIM:

Scan the QR code you receive to install the eSIM, then set it as your primary data connection.

• Step 4 – Connect to the Internet:

When you arrive, turn on Data Roaming and mobile data to access the internet in Guinea-Bissau.

X. FAQs

In summary, an international or travel SIM card is essential for visitors to Guinea-Bissau to stay connected during their trip. By choosing a SIM from Guinea-Bissau’s providers, you can enjoy low-cost data plans, reliable service across the country, and no roaming charges. Guinea-Bissau SIM cards offer much better value at a lower cost than roaming with foreign plans.