Updated October 16, 2026

Cape Verde eSIM guide: prices, island coverage and local SIMs

This page gathers everything eSIM Check has published about staying connected in Cape Verde: our price survey of seven eSIMs, including the two local operators' own, the regulator's coverage and speed measurements island by island, and the choice between an eSIM, a local SIM card and roaming. Every figure is dated, and every article links to its sources.

Key facts

Cape Verde has two mobile networks: Unitel T+ and Alou, the brand that CV Telecom officially launched in July 2023 after absorbing CV Móvel. Airalo and Nomad name Unitel T+ as the network their eSIMs use.
In the regulator ARME's 2025 drive tests on all nine inhabited islands, Alou had the higher average download speed everywhere (46.2 Mbps against 25.3 Mbps for Unitel T+ on Sal), while Unitel T+ reached the data service more often on Sal and Boa Vista.
Santo Antão was the weakest island: in its interior, Alou had a signal on 89% of the test route and Unitel T+ on 76%. Sal and Praia had a signal on 100% of the route on both networks.
On 16 October 2026, the Unitel T+ tourist eSIM sold 10 GB for 10 days at €10 and 15 GB for 15 days at €15, with a local number and no documents required: the lowest price per gigabyte among the seven eSIMs we checked.
Cape Verde is outside the European Union, so the EU roam-like-at-home rule does not apply there.

Where to start

You want an eSIM and need to choose: the best Cape Verde eSIMs by trip length, with prices and networks.
You are going to Sal, Boa Vista, Santo Antão or Fogo: coverage and speed island by island, and the real caps of "unlimited" plans.
You are weighing a local SIM or roaming: travel eSIM, Unitel T+ or Alou, and what roaming from home costs.
You are not sure your phone takes an eSIM: the list of compatible phones.

All our guides

Best eSIM Cape Verde 2026: 7 options compared

Seven eSIMs for Cape Verde compared on 16 October 2026: Unitel T+, Alou, Airalo, Nomad, Yesim, Saily and Ubigi, with prices, networks and hotspot rules.

eSIM Cape Verde by island: coverage on all 9

Coverage and speed on all nine inhabited Cape Verde islands from the regulator's 2025 tests, which network your eSIM uses, and the real unlimited caps.

eSIM Cape Verde vs local SIM 2026: Unitel or Alou

Travel eSIM or local SIM in Cape Verde? Unitel T+ and Alou eSIM and SIM prices, ID rules, shops, and why EU roaming rules do not apply. Checked 16/10/2026.

Frequently asked questions

Does an eSIM work in Cape Verde?expand_more

Yes. Travel eSIMs connect to Unitel T+ or Alou as visitor lines, and both operators also sell their own eSIMs online. Your phone must support eSIM and must not be locked to your home operator.

Which network is best in Cape Verde?expand_more

Alou was faster on average on every island in the regulator's 2025 tests. Unitel T+, the network Airalo and Nomad name, reached the data service more often on Sal and Boa Vista.

How much does an eSIM for Cape Verde cost?expand_more

On 16 October 2026, Unitel T+ sold 10 GB for 10 days at €10. Among global brands, a week cost from $9.99 for 1 GB (Saily) to €22.50 for 3 GB (Airalo).

Do I need a passport for internet in Cape Verde?expand_more

Not for a travel eSIM or the Unitel T+ tourist eSIM. Alou's eSIM form offers a passport as ID type but marks only the name and e-mail as required.

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