Explore Guinea-Bissau — eSIM Data Plans & Travel Guide
Travel guide for Guinea-Bissau with instant eSIM data plans from DataOnly. No SIM swapping, no roaming fees.
Must-see in Guinea-Bissau
Bissau Velho
Wander through fading Portuguese colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and quiet seaside promenades in the historic heart of the capital.
Bijagós Archipelago
Explore this pristine archipelago of 88 islands, known for untouched white-sand beaches, matrilineal tribal culture, and wild marine life.
Cacheu Historic Town & Fort
Visit the 16th-century Portuguese fortress and slavery memorial museum in this historic riverside town surrounded by lush mangrove forests.
Local food to try in Guinea-Bissau
Caldo de Chabe
A rich, savory stew prepared with palm nut pulp, smoked fish or meat, and served generously over white rice.
Maffe (Caldo de Mancarra)
A staple comfort dish of chicken, beef, or fish simmered in a luscious, fragrant peanut butter and tomato sauce.
Peixe Grelhado na Brasa
Whole ocean fish marinated in garlic, chili, and fresh lime, then grilled over open charcoal and served with fried plantains or cassava.
Practical tips for Guinea-Bissau
- The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF); Guinea-Bissau is almost entirely cash-based, so carry sufficient euros to exchange at banks in Bissau.
- Get around Bissau using ubiquitous bright blue-and-white taxis (toca-toca) or collective minibuses; always agree on your fare before getting inside.
- Malaria is prevalent year-round, so pack high-strength DEET repellent, sleep beneath mosquito nets, and bring prescribed prophylactic medication.
Fun fact about Guinea-Bissau
The Bijagó archipelago maintains one of the world's rare surviving matriarchal societies, where women traditionally own the homes, manage religious life, and choose their husbands.