Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) – known for being one of the six Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa, its tropical islands, and lovely weather.
The country consists of ten islands, of which one is uninhabited.
While in Cape Verde, you can visit one of the many volcanoes, such as Pico do Fogo.
Or you can visit lagoons and caves, including Buracona.
Or perhaps exploring deserts, like Deserto de Viana, is something for you.
And, of course, you can just chill on the beach and enjoy the beach life.
Just be aware that posting videos of you chilling on the beach can be expensive when roaming internationally because international roaming can be expensive.
That is why you are better off getting a local SIM card, like a Cape Verdian one, so that you can enjoy local rates.
Fortunately, SIM cards are inexpensive in Cape Verde.
You can get a Cape Verdian SIM card for 100 CVE (0.95 USD) from CVMóvel and Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel in their stores. Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel also sells a 3G SIM card for 200 CVE (1.95 USD). SIM cards are not available at Sal/Amílcar Cabral International Airport nor Boa Vista-Aristides Pereira International Airport.
Unlike many Caribbean nations, which also pride themselves in their pristine beaches, the cost of travel in Cape Verde is quite low.
And that is also visible from the SIM card prices. And I can already tell you that the cost of mobile data is not too bad either.
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Cape Verde. Let's do this.
Original publication: 20th of June 2020. Last updated: 8th of November 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)?
Anyone living or visiting Cape Verde can buy a Cape Verdian SIM card without restrictions.
You need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Cape Verde).
Moreover, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)?
You can get a Cape Verdian SIM card in CVMóvel and Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel stores. It is not possible to get SIM cards at Sal/Amílcar Cabral International Airport nor Boa Vista-Aristides Pereira International Airport.
You can expect to pay the the following for Cape Verdian SIM cards:
- CVMóvel (By Cabo Verde Telecom): 100 CVE
- Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel: 100 CVE & 200 CVE
Can You Use Your Phone in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)?
Cape Verde uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Cape Verde. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).
Traditional European frequencies are used in Cape Verde, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American Frequencies, which differ from the European ones.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Cape Verde.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Cape Verde or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Cape Verde (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
Cape Verde has two mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- CVMóvel (by Cabo Verde Telecom)
- Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel)
The following frequencies are used in Cape Verde:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Cape Verde, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
5G NR in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
5G NR is not available in Cape Verde as of 2021, and the Cape Verdian government has not made any indications of when it will auction 5G licenses.
Best SIM Card in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
If you want to buy a SIM card in Cape Verde, I recommend going with CVMóvel. It has the best coverage and the best variety in plans and packages.
Best eSIM in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM (to prepaid customers) in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) yet.
However, you can get travel eSIMs from Airalo.
Airalo has the Fogotel eSIMs:
You have one option:
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
With these eSIMs, you can skip the queues and avoid physical SIM cards in Cape Verde and use them immediately upon arriving in Cape Verde!
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) and eSIMs worldwide).
SIM Card Registration in Cape Verde
SIM card registration, with the use of your personal information (such as your passport), is not required when buying a SIM card in Cape Verde.
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
In Africa, the cost of mobile data can be prohibitive, more than 20 USD per 1 GB.
In other African countries, however, the cost is just a few cents.
So, how expensive is mobile data in Cape Verde?
On the more expensive side, for regional standards, but still average.
The average price for 1 GB of data in Cape Verde is 4.78 USD, below the African average of 5.80 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
The country is in the top 15 African countries with the highest average mobile data costs.
But you will see things can be much worse.
Normally, I show you some data about mobile data speeds about the particular country I am covering.
Unfortunately, there is not much aggregate data about mobile download and upload speeds in Cape Verde.
But, I can already tell you something (shocking, perhaps).
The maximum mobile download speed in Cape Verde is 14 Mbps.
Many African nations that have much faster speeds than this (even on 3G), so what is going on in Cape Verde?
Is it because the country consists of various islands?
Maybe, but not really either.
Both CVMóvel and Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel actively throttle mobile internet speeds (for prepaid customers).
The most expensive plans, with the most generous allowances, have the highest allowed maximum speeds.
Anything cheaper, and your speeds will be (significantly) reduced.
Normally, mobile operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) meter or throttle speeds because of the lack of bandwidth.
And this is especially the case for (remote) island nations (without access to submarine cables).
However, Cape Verde is linked to four intercontinental submarine cables, and it has three submarine cables connecting its domestic islands.
So, bandwidth is not the issue here.
While I am still on the quest to find out why speeds are so slow, even for regional standards, I just want you to be aware of this before getting disappointed.
In terms of coverage, reception is good on all the main islands.
4G/LTE still does not reach 50% of the population.
But since you will not enjoy proper 4G/LTE speeds in Cape Verde, it should not matter if you are on 3G or 4G/LTE anyway.
With cheap SIM cards, average mobile data rates, good nationwide coverage, but (extremely) slow mobile data speeds, you should have a decent network experience in Cape Verde.
Currency in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
Cape Verde uses the Cape Verdean Escudo with the symbol CVE (which will be used throughout this article).
However, prices in Cape Verde are listed in just $ or Esc. For example, 25 CVE = $25/25 Esc.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between CVE and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):
- 1 CVE = 0.0095 USD
- 10 CVE = 0.095 USD
- 100 CVE = 0.95 USD
- 1000 CVE = 9.70 USD
- 10 000 CVE = 96.95 USD
For up-to-date CVE:USD exchange rates, search CVE to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Cape Verdian Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through CVMóvel and Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let's see what Cape Verde has to offer to us.
CVMóvel
CVMóvel is the largest mobile operator in Cape Verde.
It is the mobile brand by the partially stated-owned Cabo Verde Telecom, which is partly owned by Portugal Telecom.
CVMóvel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20)
This is what you will learn about CVMóvel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a CVMóvel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping-Up Options & Methods
* Internet Packages
* APN Settings
Coverage – CVMóvel
CVMóvel has the best coverage in Cape Verde.
It has reception on the main islands, while the island called Santiago has the best 4G/LTE coverage.
Nationwide 4G/LTE reception is about 40% of the population.
Below is CVMóvel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see CVMóvel's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – CVMóvel
You can buy a CVMóvel SIM card for 100 CVE with 50 CVE credit in CVMóvel stores. It is not possible to get CVMóvel SIM cards at neither Sal/Amílcar Cabral International Airport nor Boa Vista-Aristides Pereira International Airport.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
CVMóvel has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Cape Verde, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from CVMóvel (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular African destinations if you do not stay in just Cape Verde or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Cape Verde eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Fogotel (Cape Verde only) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Cape Verde eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with CVMóvel for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – CVMóvel
CVMóvel top-up vouchers are sold in CVMóvel stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
The following top-ups are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 50 CVE – 499 CVE | 30 days |
| 500 CVE – 1199 CVE | 45 days |
| 2000 CVE – 4999 CVE | 90 days |
| 5000 CVE => | 150 days |
When you top-up more than 3000 CVE, you can get up to a 15% credit bonus:
| Top-Up | On-Net Bonus |
|---|---|
| 3000 CVE – 4999 CVE | 10% bonus |
| 5000 CVE => | 15% bonus |
If you want bonus minutes with your recharge, consider Recargas Turbo (Turbo Recharge), giving you up to 60 free local minutes:
| Top-Up | Bonus Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 250 CVE | 15 minutes (6 days) | 30 days |
| 350 CVE | 30 minutes (8 days) | 30 days |
| 700 CVE | 60 minutes (14 days) | 45 days |
To top up your CVMóvel SIM card, dial *1882VoucherCode# or call 188 and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *1882123456# (without a * or # sign between 1882 and the Voucher Code, indeed).
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
Dial *#123#, call 188, or call 1881 to check your CVMóvel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Nha CVMóvel (My (?) CVMóvel) app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – CVMóvel
CVMóvel has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Serviço Recarga Megas/Data Recharge Service (credit to data conversion)
- Netmóvel (data)
- Net N@ Mon 3G (data)
I will list all the prices in CVE (Cape Verde Escudo).
To convert CVE to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Serviço Recarga Megas (Data Recharge Service) – CVMóvel
The Serviço Recarga Megas (Data Recharge Service) is not a traditional plan. Instead, it converts top-ups into data (without 5G NR access) instead of credit.
To convert a top-up into data, dial 1882VoucherCode*2 (example: Voucher Code is 123456, dial 1882123456*2):
| Top-Up | Data |
|---|---|
| 50 CVE – 499 CVE | 167 MB – 1663 MB |
| 500 CVE – 1999 CVE | 2000 MB – 7996 MB |
| 2000 CVE – 2999 CVE | 10 000 MB – 14 995 MB |
| 3000 CVE – 3999 CVE | 25 000 MB – 33 325 MB |
| 4000 CVE – 4999 CVE | 44 444 MB – 55 544 MB |
| 5000 CVE => | 62 500 MB => |
It is unknown whether speeds will be restricted with Serviço Recarga Megas or not (unlike other CVMóvel plans).
Netmóvel – CVMóvel
Netmóvel plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access) with speeds up to 7 Mbps.
The following Netmóvel plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Speed (Download/Upload) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 CVE | Netmóvel Dia | 25 MB | 2 Mbps/1 Mbps | 24 hours |
| 350 CVE | Netmóvel Mensal Mini | 500 MB | 2 Mbps/1 Mbps | 30 days |
| 490 CVE | Netmóvel Mensal Light | 1000 MB | 2 Mbps/1 Mbps | 30 days |
| 850 CVE | Netmóvel Mensal | 3000 MB | 2 Mbps/1 Mbps | 30 days |
| 1650 CVE | Netmóvel Mensal Premium | 6000 MB | 7 Mbps/3 Mbps | 30 days |
| 2500 CVE | NetMóvel Platinium | 10 000 MB | 7 Mbps/3 Mbps | 30 days |
Net N@ Mon 3G – CVMóvel
The Net N@ Mon 3G are data bundles (without 5G NR access) with speeds up to 14 Mbps.
The following Net N@ Mon 3G are available, which can be activated by sending a (blank) SMS to the specified service number:
| Price | Plan | Data | Speed (Download/Upload) | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 CVE | Net N@ Mon Hora | 10 MB | 2 Mbps/512 Kbps | 1 hour | SMS to 2000 |
| 90 CVE | Net N@ Mon Dia | 20 MB | 2 Mbps/512 Kbps | 24 hours | SMS to 2010 |
| 440 CVE | Net N@ Mon Semanal | 200 MB | 2 Mbps/512 Kbps | 7 days | SMS to 2015 |
| 500 CVE | Net N@ Mon Base | 1000 MB | 2 Mbps/512 Kbps | 30 days | SMS to 2020 |
| 690 CVE | Net N@ Mon Base Livre | 1300 MB | 14 Mbps/5 Mbps | 30 days | SMS to 3140 |
| 800 CVE | Net N@ Mon Plus | 2000 MB | 3 Mbps/512 Kbps | 30 days | SMS to 2030 |
| 1250 CVE | Net N@ Mon Premium | 5000 MB | 14 Mbps/5 Mbps | 30 days | SMS to 2090 |
APN/Internet Settings – CVMóvel
- Name: CVM
- APN: internet-aac OR internet
- Username: leave blank OR cvmovel
- Password: leave blank OR cvmovel
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel
Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel is the other mobile operator in Cape Verde.
It is the local division of Unitel from Angola.
Unitel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 1800 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (band 20)
This is what you will learn about Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping-Up Options & Methods
* Internet Packages
* APN Settings
Coverage – Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel
Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel has extensive coverage throughout Cape Verde.
It has reception on the main islands, while the island called Santiago has the best 4G/LTE coverage.
Below is the Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel
You can get a Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel SIM card for 100 CVE (SIM Voz) or 200 CVE (3G Cartão) in Unitel T-Mais stores. It is not possible to get CVMóvel SIM cards at neither Sal/Amílcar Cabral International Airport nor Boa Vista-Aristides Pereira International Airport.
Dial *111# to access the Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Cape Verde because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel.
Especially if you get an Africa-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Cape Verde in my Cape Verde eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Fogotel (Cape Verde only) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
As I said, check out my Cape Verde eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel
Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel top-up vouchers are sold in Unitel T-Mais stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
The following top-ups are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 50 CVE – 499 CVE | 15 days |
| 500 CVE – 1499 CVE | 30 days |
| 1500 CVE => | 45 days |
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
Dial *111# and select option 1 to check your Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the My Unitel – Unitel T+ app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel
Unitel T+/T-Mais Unitel has two data-featured prepaid plans: Unitel T+ Plan (combo for the youth) & Planos de Internet no Telemóvel/Mobile Internet Plans (data).
I will list all the prices in CVE (Cape Verde Escudo).
To convert CVE to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Unitel T+ Plan – Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel
The Unitel T+ Plan is combo plan for youngsters between 12 and 30 years old with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Dial #707# to activate Unitel T+ Plan:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 CVE | Play Dia | 150 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 150 CVE | Score | 1000 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 500 CVE | High Score | 5000 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
Planos de Internet no Telemóvel (Mobile Internet Plans) – Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel
The Planos de Internet no Telemóvel (Mobile Internet Plans) are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Dial #450# to activate Planos de Internet no Telemóvel:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 50 CVE | 20 MB | 1 day |
| 70 CVE | 30 MB | 1 day |
| 250 CVE | 250 MB | 7 days |
| 500 CVE | 1000 MB | 30 days |
| 800 CVE | 2000 MB | 30 days |
| 1250 CVE | 5000 MB | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Unitel T+/T-Mais by Unitel
- Name: T-Mais
- APN: tmais
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Cape Verde
Getting a SIM card from CVMóvel would do you well when considering a Cape Verdean SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other African Countries
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