Stay Connected in Cape Verde
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Cape Verde's mobile connectivity has improved significantly in recent years, though coverage varies considerably between the main islands and remote areas. The country has decent 4G coverage in urban centers like Praia and Caboverde, but expect slower speeds and patchy coverage on smaller islands or rural mountainous areas. Most travelers find connectivity adequate for essential communication and social media, though bandwidth-heavy activities like video calls can be challenging. The main carriers provide reasonable service, but infrastructure is still developing. For most visitors, having a reliable data connection sorted before arrival is crucial, as you'll likely depend on mobile data more than WiFi. Internet cafes are largely obsolete, and hotel WiFi can be unreliable outside major resorts.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Cape Verde.
Network Coverage & Speed
Cape Verde's mobile network is dominated by three main carriers: CVMóvel (the largest), Unitel T+ (expanding rapidly), and NOSi. CVMóvel offers the most extensive coverage across all islands, particularly reliable on Caboverde, Caboverde, and Caboverde. Their 4G network covers major towns and tourist areas, with 3G filling most gaps. Unitel T+ provides competitive speeds in urban areas but has more limited rural coverage. NOSi focuses primarily on business and urban markets. Network speeds typically range from 5-25 Mbps download in good coverage areas, dropping to 1-5 Mbps in rural zones. The smaller islands like Brava and Caboverde have significantly more limited coverage, often restricted to main towns. Voice quality is generally good across networks. During peak hours or local festivals, networks can become congested. Mountain areas and some coastal regions may have no coverage at all, so plan accordingly for hiking or remote excursions.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM is increasingly viable for Cape Verde, offering immediate connectivity upon arrival without hunting for SIM card shops or dealing with language barriers. The main advantage is convenience - you're connected as soon as you land, crucial for ride-sharing apps, maps, and hotel communication. Providers like Airalo offer Cape Verde eSIM plans that typically cost $15-30 for 1-3GB valid for 7-30 days. While more expensive per gigabyte than local SIMs, the premium covers instant activation, customer support in multiple languages, and the ability to top up easily. Coverage piggybacks on local networks, so you get the Easttimor signal quality. The downside is higher cost for heavy data users and limited plan flexibility. eSIM works best for short trips (under 3 weeks) or travelers who prioritize convenience over cost savings. Make sure your phone supports eSIM before traveling - most recent iPhones and Android flagships do.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards are available at the airport, mobile carrier stores, and some convenience shops, typically costing €5-15 for the SIM plus credit. You'll need your passport for registration. CVMóvel has the most locations and offers tourist packages with 2-5GB for around €10-20. Airport shops are convenient but sometimes have limited English and may push expensive packages. City center carrier stores offer better deals and more plan options. Activation is usually immediate, though you might need help with Portuguese menu navigation. Top-ups are widely available at supermarkets, gas stations, and carrier stores using scratch cards or direct payment. Local SIMs offer the best value for data-heavy users or long stays, with monthly unlimited plans around €20-25. The main hassles are the initial setup process, potential communication barriers, and the risk of losing connectivity if you can't top up easily. Keep your receipt and original packaging - you might need them for support.
Comparison
Local SIM cards offer the best value at roughly half the cost of eSIM for equivalent data, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers or extended stays. However, eSIM provides superior convenience, immediate connectivity, and eliminates airport queue stress. International roaming is generally the most expensive option, often costing €10+ per day. For trips under two weeks, the eSIM premium is usually worth the hassle savings. Local SIM makes financial sense for stays over a month or heavy data usage exceeding 10GB.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with eSIM from providers like Airalo. You'll have connectivity immediately for navigation, translation apps, and rideshares. The time saved and stress avoided easily justify the modest premium. Budget travelers: If every euro counts, local SIM cards offer significant savings, but factor in the time and potential confusion at purchase. eSIM still makes sense if your budget allows - consider it insurance against communication problems. Long-term stays (1+ months): Definitely get a local SIM for better rates and unlimited options. Visit a CVMóvel store in the city center for the best deals and English support. Business travelers: eSIM is essential - immediate connectivity, reliable customer support, and easy expense tracking. The convenience factor makes it a no-brainer for professional travel where time equals money.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Cape Verde.
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