Telephone, Internet &
SIM Cards

Mobile networks, roaming, eSIMs and local SIM cards

There are two mobile network operators in Cape Verde, both with reasonable rates for domestic calls and mobile data:
“Alou” (formerly “CVMovel”) and “Unitel / T+“

Using a European SIM card (roaming) in Cape Verde

⚠️ Cape Verde is not part of the EU, so the free roaming rules do not apply here. Using your normal UK or European contract abroad can get expensive very quickly, for both calls and mobile data.

It is far cheaper to buy a local SIM card when you arrive, so that you are using the Cape Verdean network at local prices. An eSIM plan also runs on the local network, which means you get the same low rates without swapping cards.

An eSIM for Cape Verde

An eSIM is the quickest and most convenient option. You have internet the moment you land, with no queuing for a SIM card, no topping up and no activation to sort out. You can set up an eSIM with this provider from home before you fly.

If you are staying in Cape Verde for a longer period, buying a local physical SIM card works out better and cheaper.

Local prepaid SIM cards – no contract needed

You do not need to sign up to anything. Local SIM cards are prepaid: you pay once when you buy the card, and top it up if needed. Both local SIM cards and eSIM plans work on every island.

Alou, for example, charges around €2 to €3 for the SIM card itself. You then add a “D’kel Bom” data package: roughly €2.50 for 2GB, €10 for 7GB, €14 for 9GB, €29 for 12GB or €48 for 15GB. Each bundle is valid for 30 days.

You will sometimes find offers such as 10GB for €10. Bear in mind that prices change regularly, and that you pay in escudos rather than euros – see our page on currency and exchange rates.

Which operator has the better coverage?

In towns and populated areas, “Alou” and “Unitel T+” are equally good.

Away from these areas – on remote beaches, in the mountains or in empty countryside – “Alou” generally has the better signal.

How fast is mobile internet in Cape Verde?

Mobile internet in Cape Verde is not as fast as you will be used to at home. There is currently no 5G anywhere on the islands. In towns and busier areas you will normally have 4G/LTE, while in remote or uninhabited areas it is often only 3G or 2G.

💡 Tip: where there is only 3G or 2G coverage, set your phone to 3G/2G in the network settings rather than leaving it searching for 4G. The connection becomes noticeably more stable.

Personal hotspot not working with a local SIM?

With Alou (CVMovel), the personal hotspot on an iPhone does not work without a manual setup.

If “Personal Hotspot” is missing from your settings or greyed out, you need to enter the APN details:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Mobile Data (called Mobile Service on newer iPhones)
3. Select Mobile Data Network
4. Enter internet-aac in the “APN” field under Mobile Data, LTE Setup and Personal Hotspot
5. Go back. You should now be able to set up and use the hotspot