Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is an Atlantic archipelago off West Africa, popular for beach holidays on Sal and Boa Vista, hiking on Santo Antão, and music in the capital Praia. Most visitors arrive at Sal’s Amílcar Cabral International Airport. Coverage is solid in resort zones and main towns, so a prepaid SIM or travel eSIM keeps you online between islands.
Networks & coverage
Two operators serve the islands: CVMóvel (the historic incumbent, now part of the Unitel group) and Unitel T+ (also branded T-Mais). CVMóvel has the widest reach across the inhabited islands, while Unitel T+ is strong in the tourist hubs of Sal and Boa Vista and in Praia and Mindelo. Service is 4G/LTE in towns and resort areas; expect gaps on remote hiking trails and between islands.
eSIM or physical SIM?
A travel eSIM is the most convenient option for a short island break, letting you land connected without visiting a carrier kiosk. A local CVMóvel or Unitel T+ SIM is cheaper per gigabyte and gives a Cape Verdean number; SIMs cost around 100-200 CVE and are sold at the airport arrivals hall and in shops in Santa Maria and other towns. Ask explicitly about tourist bundles, which carriers don’t always advertise up front.
Data, calls & messaging
Travel eSIMs are data-only, so calls and texts go through WhatsApp and similar apps. A local SIM adds national minutes and texts, useful for calling hotels and excursion operators on other islands. Messaging apps work well on both 4G and the data packages sold locally.
How much data do you need?
For a typical week of beach time with maps, messaging, and social posts, 3-5 GB is plenty. Travelers sharing lots of photos and video should budget 10 GB. If you only need navigation and occasional check-ins, a 1 GB plan covers a short stay.