Why an eSIM is Recommended for Cape Verde
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Cape Verde does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Limited Free WiFi
Free WiFi is limited in Cape Verdean hotels and cafes, especially on less touristy islands:
- Availability: limited on some islands
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport between islands, beaches)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, recommended for traveling in Cape Verde.
Network Coverage in Cape Verde
Cape Verde has good 4G coverage on main islands:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
4G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| CVMóvel |
Main islands |
Yes |
Leader |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Unitel T+ |
Main islands |
Yes |
Significant |
Holafly, Saily |
Coverage by destination
- Santiago (Praia): excellent 4G coverage on the main island
- Sal, Boa Vista: good coverage on tourist islands
- São Vicente (Mindelo): good coverage in the second city
- Fogo, Santo Antão: variable coverage depending on areas
- Less touristy islands: variable coverage, limited in some areas
Note: Coverage is good on main and tourist islands. Less frequented islands have variable coverage.
How to Install Your Cape Verde eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Cape Verde (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Cape Verde eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Cape Verde eSIM 2026"
countryCode="CV"
countrySlug="cape-verde"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + CVMóvel network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$9.90",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.99",
highlight: "Reliable network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), CVMóvel network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: CVMóvel network, code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
- Ubigi: reliable network, good alternative
Conclusion
For all travelers to Cape Verde, an eSIM is highly recommended as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB) and free WiFi is limited on some islands.
Best choice: Airalo 5 GB at $8.50 with code ESIMP15 offers the best value for money on the CVMóvel network.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Small budget: Saily 3 GB at $6.20 with code ESIMP offers an economical solution.
Cape Verde eSIM FAQ
