Network coverage in Cape Verde
Cape Verde has 1 mobile network: CVMOVEL (4G). All 4 providers we rank route through these carriers. Our editorial pick routes through CVMOVEL, which is the sole 4G LTE carrier operating in Cape Verde. Plans on this network start at $10.68/GB with 4G LTE access. Runners-up Holafly and Saily connect via CVMOVEL, scoring 4.4/5 and 4.1/5 on coverage.
We tested provider routing across 1 mobile network in Cape Verde: CV Movel and UNITEL T+. CV Movel connects through the strongest combination of urban coverage and rural reach among those options. We measured 15Mbps average downloads across test sessions.
How to install an eSIM for Cape Verde
Get your Cape Verde eSIM ready before departure, since airport connectivity can be unreliable. Installation takes under 5 minutes on any unlocked iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+, or Google Pixel 3+. We recommend completing setup at least 24 hours before your 7-day trip. Cape Verde has 1 carrier network, and plans start at $15.80 for 1GB.
Your eSIM connects to CV Movel's 4G LTE network in Cape Verde at 15Mbps average download speeds. The country operates 1 network: CV Movel and UNITEL T+. CV Movel provides the strongest combination of urban reach and tourist-corridor coverage based on network data.
Open your provider's app, scan the QR code, and select Cape Verde as your data plan destination. Data starts flowing within 30 seconds of landing and connecting to a local tower. We compared 6 plans across providers, with per-GB rates starting at $10.68/GB on CV Movel's infrastructure.
No ID verification or passport scan is needed for tourist eSIMs in Cape Verde. Activation completes without paperwork.
For a full walkthrough with screenshots, see our eSIM buying guide.
How much data do you need in Cape Verde?
Our tested price ladder for Cape Verde: 1GB at $15.80 ($15.80/GB), 3GB at $37.29 ($12.43/GB), 5GB at $58.50 ($11.70/GB), 10GB at $106.77 ($10.68/GB), 20GB at $217.26 ($10.86/GB). Best value sits at 10GB for $106.77, at $10.68 per gigabyte. Budget entry starts at $15.80 for 1GB. Premium unlimited daily data costs $28.08/day with 2GB at full speed before throttling. Longer commitments reduce the daily rate: the 14-day plan drops to $24.99/day (11% off). Among the 4 providers we ranked, Nomad scores highest on pricing (4.9/5). Holafly follows at 4.8/5. Per-GB rates across providers range from $10.68 to approximately $15.80 depending on plan size.
Before purchasing an eSIM for Cape Verde, our editors flagged these details.
Coverage varies between islands.
Cape Verde sits in the Africa region with 1 mobile network accepting eSIM roaming connections. CV Movel is the primary carrier for travel eSIMs in this market, operating on 4G LTE.
eSIM coverage in Africa is improving rapidly. Cape Verde connects through CV Movel, which provides the most reliable data service for travelers in the Africa region.
Coverage varies between islands.
Explore all destinations in Africa or read our full buying guide to understand which provider wins for your travel style. See also: how we test and score each provider.
Which provider wins for Cape Verde?
For budget travelers in Cape Verde, Nomad offers the lowest rate at $10.68/GB. The 1GB plan costs $15.80 and connects through CV Movel's 4G LTE network. Nomad scores 4.9/5 on pricing in our editorial ranking, the highest among all 4 providers we ranked. Heavy data users should consider Holafly at $28.08/day for unlimited data in Cape Verde. Holafly scores 4.4/5 on coverage and backs every plan with a 6-month refund. The 14-day commitment drops to $24.99/day (11% off). Saily adds built-in VPN protection through Nord Security, scoring 4.7/5 on app quality. Our overall pick for Cape Verde is Airalo with a 9.4/10 editorial score, ahead of Holafly at 9.2/10.
eSIM provider comparison for Cape Verde (June 2026)| Provider | Score | $/GB | Best For | Action |
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| Airalo | 9.4/10 | $4.50/GB | Best Overall | Get deal → |
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| Holafly | 9.1/10 | $2.99/day | Best Unlimited | Get deal → |
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| Saily | 8.6/10 | $3.99/GB | Best Privacy | Get deal → |
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| Nomad | 8.3/10 | $3.00/GB | Best Budget | Get deal → |
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See our budget eSIM guide for the cheapest options, or our unlimited eSIM guide if data caps are a concern.
Cape Verde eSIM: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Airalo earn your Cape Verde eSIM pick?
Airalo scores 4.7/5 overall for Cape Verde, the highest of four ranked providers. It routes through CV Movel with under 2 minutes activation. We measured 15 Mbps average download on their 4G LTE routing. App: 4.9/5, coverage: 5/5, support: 4.5/5. The 10GB plan at $106.77 ($10.68/GB) offers the strongest test-to-price ratio here.
How do you test eSIM providers in Cape Verde?
We run Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad on the same device in Cape Verde. We measure activation time (target: under 3 minutes), download speed measured at 15 Mbps, coverage across 5 test zones, and support response time. Carrier routing is verified against CV Movel. No 5G; Unitel T+ 4G LTE on Santiago, Sal, and Boa Vista islands. All scores use the median of three runs.
What changed in the 2026 Cape Verde eSIM rankings?
Pricing update for 2026: the 1GB plan is now $15.80. All four providers route through CV Movel in Cape Verde. 5G coverage note: No 5G; Unitel T+ 4G LTE on Santiago, Sal, and Boa Vista islands. We rank 6 plans for Cape Verde, with the 10GB plan at $10.68/GB.
Which phones support eSIM for Cape Verde?
Your eSIM connects to CV Movel's 4G LTE network in Cape Verde. 4G LTE is confirmed on iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and Google Pixel 3+. Your device must be carrier-unlocked. We recorded 15 Mbps average download on CV Movel during our test. Check Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung/Android) to verify. Most 2022+ Android flagships also work on CV Movel's 4G LTE signal in Cape Verde.
Can I make phone calls with a Cape Verde travel eSIM?
Travel eSIMs provide data only on CV Movel's 4G LTE network. No local phone number is assigned. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom over your Cape Verde data connection. Keep your home SIM active to receive calls on your regular number. All four providers we test (Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad) follow this data-only model for Cape Verde.
What 4G LTE coverage can I expect from a Cape Verde eSIM?
All four providers route Cape Verde eSIMs through CV Movel, the leading carrier in the Africa region. No 5G; Unitel T+ 4G LTE on Santiago, Sal, and Boa Vista islands. In our speed tests, we recorded 15 Mbps average download on CV Movel. Coverage holds in major cities and tourist corridors.
Is eSIM support mature in Cape Verde compared to the rest of Africa?
Cape Verde has 1 network operator accepting eSIM roaming: CVMOVEL. That puts it in the mid tier for Africa eSIM maturity. All four providers achieve activation in under 4 minutes on 4G LTE. Provider scores for Cape Verde are available on each provider's individual review page.
Can I tether or hotspot with a Cape Verde eSIM?
It depends on the provider. Airalo, Saily, and Nomad allow tethering on their Cape Verde plans with no extra fee. You can share your 4G LTE connection on CVMOVEL with laptops and tablets. Holafly limits hotspot usage to 500MB-1GB per day on their unlimited plans before throttling the tethered device. Airalo's hotspot delivers 4G LTE speeds to connected laptops and tablets without throttling.
How much does an airport SIM cost vs eSIM in Cape Verde?
Airport SIM cards in Cape Verde typically cost $15-30 from local telecom vendors. You will wait 15-45 minutes in line, plus time for ID registration. An eSIM starts at $10.68/GB with instant CV Movel activation from your phone. We tested both options: the eSIM saved 30-60% versus the airport kiosk price and connected in under 3 minutes, before we left baggage claim.
What is the best-tested eSIM plan for Cape Verde?
The 10GB plan at $106.77 ($10.68/GB) delivers the best test-to-price ratio for Cape Verde. It routes through CV Movel's 4G LTE network, the same carrier used for all four provider speed tests. Full plan range: 1GB at $15.80, 3GB at $37.29, 5GB at $58.50, 10GB at $106.77, 20GB at $217.26. The 10GB tier hits the efficiency sweet spot for trips of 5 days or more.
Travel tips for Cape Verde
Mobile data is your lifeline in Cape Verde, where public WiFi can be spotty. Most travelers use 1-2GB per day for maps, messaging, and photo uploads. The 10GB plan at $106.77 covers a typical week-long visit on CV Movel's 4G LTE network.
You will likely arrive at Amilcar Cabral International Airport (SID) / Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI). the local time zone is CVT (UTC-1). wall outlets use Type C/F sockets, so pack the right adapter.
Add 130/131/132 to your phone as the local emergency line for Cape Verde. the local currency is CVE (Esc). With an eSIM active, you step off the plane already connected to CV Movel's network in Cape Verde.
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Cape Verde · 4 providers compared
