Question 1

Which mobile networks does the São Tomé & Príncipe eSIM use?

Accepted Answer

Your São Tomé & Príncipe eSIM roams onto tier-1 local partner networks, connecting automatically to the strongest available signal — with no roaming setup beyond turning the eSIM on.

Question 2

Do I get 5G in São Tomé & Príncipe?

Accepted Answer

Yes — your São Tomé & Príncipe eSIM uses 5G wherever the local networks offer it and falls back to 4G/LTE elsewhere, so you get the same speeds as a local SIM on the same towers.

Question 3

How much data will I need in São Tomé & Príncipe?

Accepted Answer

Our São Tomé & Príncipe data guide breaks down real-world usage — maps, streaming and hotspotting — so you can size your plan with confidence.

Question 4

What is an eSIM and how is it different?

Accepted Answer

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of swapping a plastic card, you scan a QR code and a new data plan installs in seconds. Your physical SIM stays in for calls and texts on your normal number.

Question 5

Will my phone work with an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Almost every phone from the last few years supports eSIM: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and up, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The quickest check is to look for an “Add eSIM” option in your settings, or an EID number under About.

Question 6

Does my phone need to be carrier-unlocked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A travel eSIM only installs on a carrier-unlocked phone. If you bought yours outright it’s almost certainly unlocked; if it came on a carrier contract, ask your provider to unlock it before you travel.

Question 7

When should I install my eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Install it before you fly while you still have Wi-Fi. It won’t start counting data until you arrive and switch it on, so there’s no rush to activate. Just install early and toggle it on when you land.

Question 8

Do I need to remove my physical SIM?

Accepted Answer

No. Your phone runs both at once: keep your home SIM in for calls and texts, and use the Zwitchy eSIM for data. There’s nothing to swap out or throw away.

Question 9

What happens if I run out of data?

Accepted Answer

You’ll get a notification at 80% and 100%. Topping up takes two taps in the app and applies instantly, with no need to install anything new.

São Tomé & Príncipe eSIM

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How your eSIM works

What the first five minutes look like

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