Why an eSIM is Recommended for Sao Tome and Principe
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Sao Tome and Principe does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Limited Free WiFi
Free WiFi is limited in São Toméan hotels and cafes, especially on Principe island:
- Availability: limited in some areas
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport between islands, natural areas)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, recommended for traveling in Sao Tome and Principe.
Network Coverage in Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe has good 4G coverage in main areas:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
4G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| CST |
Sao Tome, main areas |
Yes |
Leader |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Unitel STP |
Sao Tome, main areas |
Yes |
Significant |
Holafly, Saily |
Coverage by destination
- Sao Tome (city): excellent 4G coverage in the capital
- Sao Tome (island): good coverage on the main island
- Principe: variable coverage depending on areas
- Natural areas: variable coverage, limited in some remote areas
Note: Coverage is good in main areas of Sao Tome. On Principe island and in remote natural areas, coverage may be variable.
How to Install Your Sao Tome and Principe eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Sao Tome and Principe (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Sao Tome and Principe eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Sao Tome and Principe eSIM 2026"
countryCode="ST"
countrySlug="sao-tome-principe"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + CST network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$9.90",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.99",
highlight: "Reliable network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), CST network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: CST network, code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
- Ubigi: reliable network, good alternative
Conclusion
For all travelers to Sao Tome and Principe, an eSIM is highly recommended as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB) and free WiFi is limited in some areas.
Best choice: Airalo 5 GB at $8.50 with code ESIMP15 offers the best value for money on the CST network.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Small budget: Saily 3 GB at $6.20 with code ESIMP offers an economical solution.
Sao Tome and Principe eSIM FAQ
