AfricaPraiaCape Verde eSIM and Travel Guide: Stay Connected Across the Islands
Cape Verde is a volcanic Atlantic archipelago of 10 inhabited islands, each with its own character, from the sand dunes of Boa Vista and kite-surfing beaches of Sal to the dramatic peaks of Santo Antao and the colonial music scene of Sao Vicente. Alou (formerly CVMóvel and CV Telecom) dominates mobile coverage, with 4G available on the main islands and 3G across smaller ones. No 5G has been deployed yet. A Roamix Cape Verde eSIM connects you to the strongest local signal the moment you land at Amílcar Cabral International or any island airport. Budget 3 to 5 GB for two weeks across multiple islands.
Key Takeaways
- Alou is the largest operator with the most consistent 4G coverage across the main tourist islands including Sal and Boa Vista.
- A Roamix eSIM activates on arrival at any of Cape Verde's four international airports and avoids expensive carrier roaming.
- Inter-island travel by ferry or domestic flight is essential, and connectivity helps with scheduling and booking.
- The Cape Verdean Escudo is the currency, but euros are widely accepted on the main tourist islands.
- Wind is a constant force shaping island activities, and Sal and Boa Vista are world-class kite-surfing and windsurfing destinations.
Quick Facts
Cape Verde Connectivity
Get a Roamix Cape Verde eSIM and land connected at SID.
How to Stay Connected in Cape Verde
Wifi is standard in hotels and guesthouses on the main tourist islands. Cafes in Mindelo and Praia offer reasonable wifi. On smaller islands and remote beaches, mobile data is your only option.
Option
Best For
Notes
RecommendedRoamix eSIM
Most travellers
Activates on arrival at SID or any island airport, connects to Alou for the best 4G available, and avoids roaming bills with no physical SIM needed.
Local physical SIM
Long stays needing a local Cape Verdean number
Alou SIMs are available on Sal, Santiago and Sao Vicente with a passport. Affordable data bundles for longer trips.
Hotel wifi
Light data users staying in resorts
Good resort wifi on Sal and Boa Vista is fine for evening browsing, but it stops at the beach gate.
Carrier roaming
Emergency short stays only
Expensive relative to local data prices. A Roamix plan is almost always significantly better value.
For most visitors to Cape Verde, a Roamix eSIM is the most convenient and affordable way to stay connected across multiple islands, landing on the best available local 4G network from the moment you arrive.
Get connected the moment you land in Cape Verde.
Get your Cape Verde eSIMMobile Networks in Cape Verde
Cape Verde's mobile market is led by Alou, formed from the merger of CVMóvel and CV Telecom, which operates the most extensive 4G LTE network across the archipelago. Unitel T+ is the second operator with competitive pricing, especially for data bundles. Coverage is strongest on the main tourist islands of Sal, Santiago and Boa Vista. Smaller islands like Fogo, Brava and Maio have 3G or limited coverage. No 5G has been deployed. A Roamix Cape Verde eSIM connects to the best local signal on arrival.
The dominant operator, formed from CVMóvel and CV Telecom, with 4G LTE on all main tourist islands including Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago and Sao Vicente. The widest overall island coverage.
Second operator with 4G on main islands and growing coverage. Offers competitive data bundle pricing and a reasonable alternative on Sal, Santiago and Sao Vicente.
Typical Speeds
4G on Sal and Santiago averages 8 to 20 Mbps download. Smaller island 3G averages 2 to 5 Mbps.
5G Status
5G is not deployed in Cape Verde. 4G LTE is the peak technology available.
Alou gives the most consistent 4G experience on Sal and Boa Vista. On Sao Vicente and Santo Antao, Alou and Unitel T+ both offer workable 4G in the main towns, though rural mountain routes drop to 3G quickly.
The smaller islands of Brava, Maio, Sao Nicolau and Santa Luzia have limited 3G coverage and few or no 4G signals. Inter-island ferries are out of signal range for much of their crossings. Always download maps and bookings before island hopping.
Cape Verdean networks use standard LTE bands compatible with most modern unlocked smartphones including iPhone XS and newer and recent Android devices.
Data Usage Guide
Data needs in Cape Verde are moderate. The main tourist islands have serviceable 4G, but multi-island itineraries mean regular offline content preparation, as ferries and remote beaches drop signal.
Before each ferry crossing or island-hop, download offline maps, your accommodation address and the ferry terminal location for your destination island.
Data by Activity
Light Use
2 to 3 GB
One island beach holiday on Sal or Boa Vista
Resort navigation, social uploads and daily messaging on a well-covered tourist island.
Standard
4 to 6 GB
Two-week multi-island trip
Offline map downloads per island, ferry booking, inter-island navigation and regular photo sharing.
Heavy Use
10 GB or more
Remote work stay on Sao Vicente
Video calls, tethering a laptop and cloud uploads alongside exploring Mindelo's music and food scene.
Apps & Internet Freedom
Cape Verde has an open internet. All mainstream apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM with no restrictions or censorship.
There are no internet censorship policies in Cape Verde. All messaging, social media and streaming services are freely accessible.
Widely used for messaging and calls across all islands.
FaceTime
Works over 4G on the main islands where signal is strong.
Google Maps and Search
Available with no restrictions. Download island offline maps before inter-island travel.
Social media
Instagram, Facebook and X all work normally.
How to Set Up a Cape Verde eSIM
Install your Roamix Cape Verde eSIM over wifi before departure. It activates automatically on Alou or Unitel T+ on arrival at Amílcar Cabral International on Sal or any of the other island airports.
Works on eSIM-capable devices including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The device must be carrier unlocked.
- 1
Purchase your Roamix Cape Verde plan before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi at home.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and SMS.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land at SID or any Cape Verde island airport and the eSIM connects automatically.
APN Note
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your activation email and toggle airplane mode once.
Troubleshooting
No data on arrival usually means data roaming is off for the Roamix line. Check settings, manually select the network and restart the phone.
Get connected the moment you land in Cape Verde.
Get your Cape Verde eSIMArrival Checklist
Confirm your Roamix eSIM has connected to Alou or Unitel T+ before leaving the arrivals hall at your entry airport.
Download offline maps for your first island and any others on your itinerary before landing, as inter-island ferry crossings are out of signal.
Carry Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) cash for local markets and restaurants, though euros are widely accepted on Sal and Boa Vista.
Check inter-island ferry and flight schedules via Binter or Cabo Verde Airlines using Roamix data at the airport.
Note the emergency number 112 for all services across the archipelago.
How locals communicate
WhatsApp is the primary messaging platform in Cape Verde, used extensively for personal and business communication. SMS and Facebook Messenger are also commonly used. The diaspora community means WhatsApp international calls are heavily used.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two-factor authentication while using the Roamix line for data. WhatsApp video calls to family back home work well on Alou 4G in the main resort areas.
Airports in Cape Verde
Amílcar Cabral International Airport
Sal
Free wifi is available in the main terminal on Sal. Speeds are adequate for messaging and light browsing.
SID is the main international gateway for European flights. Activate your Roamix eSIM before landing to check transfer options to Boa Vista or Santiago, compare taxi prices to Santa Maria resort area and download your first island offline map.
Nelson Mandela International Airport
Praia
Basic wifi available at Santiago's main international airport. Speeds are variable.
RAI serves the capital Santiago. Use Roamix data to arrange a taxi or aluguer to Praia city centre, check your Cidade Velha plans and confirm ferry or flight schedules to other islands.
Aristides Pereira International Airport
Boa Vista
Small terminal with limited wifi. Your Roamix eSIM is the most reliable connectivity option here.
BVC serves the resort island of Boa Vista. Have your eSIM active to arrange onward transport to Sal Rei or your resort and check turtle nesting season updates.
Cesaria Evora Airport
Sao Vicente
Limited wifi at this smaller island airport. Activate your Roamix eSIM for reliable connectivity from arrival.
VXE serves Mindelo on Sao Vicente, the jumping-off point for Santo Antao. Use Roamix data to check ferry schedules to Porto Novo and download the Santo Antao trekking trail offline maps before the short crossing.
Visa & Entry for Cape Verde
Citizens of most countries need a visa to enter Cape Verde. Pre-arrival visa (EASE) can be obtained online, and the cost is typically EUR 25 or equivalent. Citizens of ECOWAS member states do not require a visa.
eVisa / ETA
Cape Verde requires most nationalities to apply for a pre-arrival visa through the EASE system at ease.gov.cv. The fee is EUR 25 and applications should be submitted at least 48 hours before travel. The EASE also collects a tourism fee of EUR 5 per visit.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Cape Verde.
Onward ticket
Proof of onward travel and accommodation bookings may be requested by border control on arrival.
Keep your EASE visa approval, accommodation confirmations and digital travel documents accessible on your phone via your Roamix eSIM.
Entry requirements may change. Confirm current visa fees and requirements at ease.gov.cv before booking your trip.
Get connected the moment you land in Cape Verde.
Get your Cape Verde eSIMMoney & Payments in Cape Verde
The Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) is the official currency, pegged to the euro. On Sal and Boa Vista, euros are widely accepted in tourist-facing businesses. For local restaurants, markets and transport on other islands, CVE is needed.
Cash vs Card
Cards are accepted at hotels, most restaurants and tourist businesses on the main islands. Local eateries, markets and transport require CVE cash. Carry a reasonable amount when travelling to less-touristy islands.
ATMs
ATMs are available on Sal, Santiago, Sao Vicente and Boa Vista. They dispense CVE and are generally reliable. Smaller islands like Fogo and Brava have very few ATMs, so carry enough cash before travelling there.
Payment Apps
International contactless payments work in major tourist businesses. Local mobile money services are used by residents but not practical for short-stay visitors.
Daily Budget
Budget travellers can manage on EUR 40 to 60 per day on Sal or Boa Vista in a guesthouse. Mid-range trips including a hotel, meals and activities run EUR 80 to 130 per day.
Data cost: International roaming in Cape Verde is expensive through home carriers. A Roamix plan covers a typical island-hopping trip for a fraction of carrier roaming costs.
Getting Around Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an island nation where inter-island movement requires domestic flights or ferries. Within islands, shared minibuses (aluguer) and taxis are the main transport. Sal and Boa Vista are flat enough to explore by hire car or bicycle.
Aluguer (shared minibus)
The standard intercity transport on each island, departing when full. Fares are low and fixed by route. Use Roamix data to find departure points and approximate timings.
Inter-island ferry
Armas and other operators run ferry services between main islands. Crossings range from 30 minutes (Sao Vicente to Santo Antao) to several hours (Santiago to Fogo). Book tickets online with Roamix data and download schedules before boarding as crossings are out of signal.
Domestic flights
Cabo Verde Airlines and Binter connect the main islands in 30 to 60 minutes. Book with Roamix data in advance as flights between popular islands can fill during peak season.
Hire car or bicycle
Practical on flat Sal and Boa Vista. Use Roamix data for GPS navigation on island road networks and to find fuel stops on longer routes.
Regions & Travel
Cape Verde's 10 inhabited islands span two groups: the flat, sandy Barlavento (Windward) islands including Sal, Boa Vista and Sao Vicente, and the more rugged Sotavento (Leeward) islands including Santiago, Fogo and Santo Antao. Each island has a distinct personality, and multi-island itineraries reward those willing to navigate the inter-island ferry and flight network. A Roamix eSIM keeps ferry bookings, navigation and communication running throughout.
Best time to visit: November to June is the most popular time, with dry, warm and consistently windy conditions ideal for water sports. July to October is hotter and more humid, with occasional rain on the higher islands. Trade winds blow year-round on Sal and Boa Vista.
Sal and Santa Maria
The main tourist gateway island, with Amílcar Cabral International Airport and the resort town of Santa Maria on a bay of turquoise water and white sand. World-class kite-surfing, diving, salt lakes and whale watching define the Sal experience.
Signal: Best 4G coverage in the country at Santa Maria and the airport area. Alou delivers reliable LTE across most of the flat island. Remote beaches and the salt flats area can be patchy.
Boa Vista
The flattest and most Saharan of the islands, with vast sand dunes at Viana Desert, long empty beaches and nesting loggerhead sea turtles. Sal Rei is the main town and the island is increasingly popular with European package tourists.
Signal: Alou 4G covers Sal Rei and the main resort zones. Remote beaches and dune areas have limited signal. Download offline maps before exploring the interior.
Santiago and Praia
The largest island and home to the capital Praia, where Cape Verdean culture is most intense. Cidade Velha, the first European settlement in the tropics, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The interior rises to mountains and valleys with local agriculture.
Signal: Strong Alou and Unitel T+ 4G in Praia and along main roads. Interior valleys and remote hilltop villages drop to 3G. Cidade Velha has reasonable signal.
Sao Vicente and Santo Antao
Sao Vicente and its capital Mindelo are the cultural capital of Cape Verde, home to morna music and the famous carnival. A short ferry ride away, Santo Antao offers dramatic ribeira canyons, lush valleys and the best trekking in the archipelago.
Signal: Alou and Unitel T+ both provide 4G in Mindelo. Santo Antao has 4G in Porto Novo and Ribeira Grande but mountain ribeira tracks lose signal quickly. Download offline trekking maps before the ferry.
Fogo and Brava
Fogo is dominated by its active volcano, Pico do Fogo (2,829 metres), rising from coffee and vine plantations in the caldera village of Cha das Caldeiras. Brava, the smallest inhabited island, is green, cloud-shrouded and rarely visited.
Signal: Alou 3G to 4G in Sao Filipe on Fogo. Inside the caldera at Cha das Caldeiras, signal is minimal. Brava has limited 3G only. Download all maps and hiking information before travelling to these islands.
Hidden Gems
Viana Desert
natural landscapeBoa Vista
A stunning expanse of golden Saharan sand dunes in the centre of Boa Vista, one of the few places in the Atlantic where you can walk among true desert dunes overlooking the ocean.
Signal: No signal in the interior dune fields. Alou 4G is available in Sal Rei, 20 km away. Download your desert navigation offline map before the excursion.
Guided quad and 4x4 excursions into the Viana Desert need advance booking. Use Roamix data in Sal Rei to confirm your tour and download the offline map before losing signal in the dunes.
Ribeira Grande Valley, Santo Antao
trekking regionSanto Antao
The most spectacular hiking in the archipelago, following ancient cobbled levada paths through canyon valleys of banana groves, sugar cane, coffee and the most dramatic green scenery in Cape Verde.
Signal: Limited to no signal in the deep ribeira valleys. Alou covers Porto Novo and Ribeira Grande town. Download all trekking maps before the ferry from Mindelo.
Trekking guides can be booked in Porto Novo or Ribeira Grande. Use Roamix data on Sao Vicente before the ferry to book your guide and download the trail maps for the Ribeira Grande and Paul Valley routes.
Cidade Velha
world heritage siteSantiago
The first European city established in the tropics and a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a 16th-century Portuguese fortress, cathedral ruins, the Pillory Square and a living community of enormous historic significance.
Signal: Alou 4G is available in Cidade Velha, 15 km from Praia on the southern coast of Santiago.
Opening hours for the fortress and museum vary. Use Roamix data to check current hours and arrange a guided walk through this historic site from Praia.
Pico do Fogo Caldera
active volcanoFogo
Cape Verde's highest peak at 2,829 metres and an active volcano whose 2014 eruption destroyed most of the caldera village. Guided summit hikes, caldera coffee and wine tasting and extraordinary lunar landscapes make this the most dramatic island experience in the archipelago.
Signal: No signal inside the Cha das Caldeiras caldera. Alou 3G available in Sao Filipe. Download all hiking maps and the route to the caldera in Sao Filipe before the drive.
Licensed guides are required for the summit. Book through a Sao Filipe agency using Roamix data before the ascent and download the caldera route for offline use.
Buracona Blue Eye
natural attractionSal
A natural volcanic rock pool on the Sal coastline where, at the right time of morning, sunlight refracts through an underwater cave entrance to create a vivid blue glow, an iconic and popular natural spectacle.
Signal: Alou 4G available at Buracona, on the northwest coast of Sal. Good signal for social media sharing at the site.
The Blue Eye effect requires the sun at the right angle, typically best from 10 a.m. to noon. Check tide tables and the day's sun angle over Roamix data before the drive from Santa Maria.
Pedra de Lume Salt Lake
natural attractionSal
A volcanic crater salt lake on Sal where you can float effortlessly in hyper-saline water, much like the Dead Sea, and follow a salt spa experience in the historic salt production infrastructure.
Signal: Alou 4G is strong across Sal island, including the salt lake crater area in the island's interior.
Entry fees and spa session booking can be managed online. Use Roamix data to confirm opening hours and access arrangements before the 20-minute drive from Santa Maria.
Mindelo Carnival
cultural event siteSao Vicente
Considered the best carnival in Africa outside Rio-influenced celebrations, Mindelo's Mardi Gras draws Cape Verdeans from the diaspora worldwide for elaborate costumed parades, morna and batuku music and a genuinely electric atmosphere.
Signal: Alou and Unitel T+ 4G are strong throughout Mindelo. Carnival parade routes are well-covered for sharing content live.
Accommodation in Mindelo books out months ahead for Carnival. Use Roamix data to reserve your stay, track parade times on the official programme and navigate between the multiple parade routes.
Kite Beach, Sal
watersports siteSal
One of the world's premier kite-surfing destinations, where consistent trade winds and a flat-water lagoon at Santa Maria Bay combine with a mature school and rental infrastructure to attract riders of all levels from November to June.
Signal: Alou 4G is reliable along the Santa Maria beachfront and the dedicated kite beach at the northern end of the bay.
Book kite school sessions and equipment rental in advance over Roamix data, especially in peak December to March season when instructors book out fast.
Tarrafal Beach, Santiago
beachSantiago
The best beach on Santiago, a sheltered bay of calm turquoise water backed by a small village, with a fraction of the crowds found on Sal or Boa Vista and an authentic Cape Verdean seaside atmosphere.
Signal: Alou 3G to 4G in Tarrafal town, about 60 km north of Praia along the western coast of Santiago.
Tarrafal is a 90-minute drive from Praia through the Santiago interior. Use Roamix data for navigation and to find local guesthouse contacts before the drive.
Mosteiros Lava Coast, Fogo
volcanic coastlineFogo
The jagged black lava coastline of northern Fogo, where streams of hardened volcanic rock meet the Atlantic in dramatic formations, with few tourists and exceptional snorkelling in the clear water between the lava flows.
Signal: Alou 3G available in Mosteiros village on the north coast of Fogo. Download route maps in Sao Filipe before the drive around the island.
The coastal road around Fogo requires navigation. Use Roamix data in Sao Filipe to plan the loop and download the route before losing signal on the northern coast.
Events & Best Seasons
Mindelo Carnival
cultural festivalMindelo, Sao Vicente · February to March (Mardi Gras)
The premier carnival in the Atlantic islands of Africa, with lavish costumed samba-influenced parades, traditional morna music floats and days of street parties drawing the Cape Verdean diaspora home from Europe and North America.
Network note
Strong 4G in Mindelo throughout carnival week. The island fills with returning diaspora and accommodation must be booked months ahead.
Roamix tip
Book flights and accommodation in Mindelo at least 3 months ahead. Use Roamix data to follow the official parade schedule, check the Queen of Carnival competition and navigate between satellite events.
Baía das Gatas Music Festival
music festivalBaia das Gatas, Sao Vicente · August (full moon weekend)
Cape Verde's largest outdoor music festival, held over three days at a beautiful beach bay on Sao Vicente during the August full moon, featuring Cape Verdean artists alongside international performers and drawing crowds of 20,000 or more.
Network note
Strong Alou 4G at Baia das Gatas during the festival. The ferry from Praia fills during festival weekend.
Roamix tip
Book ferry tickets from Praia to Sao Vicente well ahead of the August festival. Use Roamix data to track the lineup and find accommodation in Mindelo.
Cape Verde Independence Day
national holidayNationwide · July 5
National Day marking Cape Verde's independence from Portugal in 1975, with military parades in Praia, cultural events on all islands and a public holiday when transport and services are reduced.
Network note
Networks are busy on July 5. Transport on the islands is reduced, so plan inter-island moves around the holiday.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to check transport availability on Independence Day and find local celebrations on whichever island you are visiting.
Atlantic Music Expo
music industryPraia, Santiago · April
A music conference and showcase event in Praia promoting Cape Verdean and Atlantic music globally, with panel discussions, networking and evening concerts featuring morna, funaná and batuku artists.
Network note
Alou 4G is strong throughout Praia for following the event schedule.
Roamix tip
Check the showcase programme and concert lineup over Roamix data. Evening concerts at the festival are open to the public and offer an excellent introduction to Cape Verdean music traditions.
Turtle Nesting Season, Boa Vista
ecotourismBoa Vista beaches · June to October
Boa Vista hosts one of the most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites in the Atlantic, with hundreds of turtles coming ashore at night to lay eggs. Tamar-managed and supervised nesting walks are available from June to September.
Network note
No signal on the remote nesting beaches. Arrange your guided nesting walk via Roamix data in Sal Rei before setting out.
Roamix tip
Licensed guided nesting walks must be booked through the Biosfera I conservation project. Reserve your walk in advance over Roamix data and download the beach route for offline use.
Festival Morna, Sao Vicente
cultural festivalMindelo, Sao Vicente · November
A festival celebrating morna, the UNESCO-recognised Cape Verdean musical genre of longing and melancholy, with performances by leading morna artists in the birthplace of Cesária Évora in Mindelo.
Network note
Strong Alou and Unitel T+ 4G throughout Mindelo for streaming and sharing festival content.
Roamix tip
Check the programme and venue locations over Roamix data. Evening performances at Centro Cultural do Mindelo are the centrepiece and often need advance ticket booking.
Pro Windsurf Cabo Verde
sportsSanta Maria, Sal · July
A professional windsurfing and kite-surfing competition held at Santa Maria Bay on Sal, one of the world's most consistent wind venues, attracting top-ranked international competitors and a beach crowd of spectators.
Network note
Alou 4G is excellent along the Santa Maria beachfront, allowing real-time scoring and footage sharing during the event.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to follow the competition schedule, find the best spectator spots along the bay and arrange excursions around the event.
Sao Joao Festival, Fogo
religious culturalSao Filipe, Fogo · June 23 to 24
The feast of Saint John celebrated with bonfires, traditional music, local food stalls and street processions throughout the town of Sao Filipe, the most important annual celebration on Fogo Island.
Network note
Alou 3G to 4G available in Sao Filipe during the festival.
Roamix tip
Book flights or ferries to Fogo ahead of the Sao Joao weekend as transport from Santiago fills quickly. Use Roamix data to arrange accommodation in Sao Filipe.
Queima das Fitas, Praia
CulturalPraia, Santiago · May
Cape Verde's university graduation celebrations, centred on the burning of the ribbons tradition, with parades, concerts and student festivities filling the streets of Praia for several days.
Network note
Strong Alou and Unitel T+ coverage throughout Praia during the university festival season.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to find the graduation parade schedule and concert locations across the capital during this vibrant local celebration.
Boa Vista Beach Football Tournament
sportsSal Rei, Boa Vista · August
A popular beach football tournament on Boa Vista drawing local and inter-island teams to Sal Rei's beachfront, with spectator crowds and evening celebrations that give visitors a glimpse of authentic local island culture.
Network note
Alou 4G covers Sal Rei beachfront well during the tournament.
Roamix tip
Check tournament dates and the beach game schedule over Roamix data in Sal Rei. This is one of the best opportunities to watch local sport and mix with Boa Vista residents.
Spring
March to May is excellent for travel, with low tourist numbers after the peak winter season, warm temperatures, clear skies and strong kite and surf conditions continuing into April. Cape Verdean Carnival falls in late February to early March.
Summer
June to August is warm and increasingly humid on the lower islands. Turtle nesting season peaks on Boa Vista and this is a popular domestic holiday period. Kite and wind conditions are moderate, with sea swells on the Atlantic-facing coasts.
Fall
September to October brings the highest chance of rain, particularly on the mountainous islands of Santo Antao, Fogo and Santiago. The Baía das Gatas festival in August draws into this shoulder period. Tourist numbers are lower and prices improve.
Winter
November to February is Cape Verde's peak tourism season, with dry, breezy conditions, pleasant temperatures of 22 to 26 degrees Celsius and the most consistent kite and windsurf conditions on Sal and Boa Vista.
Remote Work from Cape Verde
Mindelo on Sao Vicente is the most attractive remote work base in Cape Verde, with cafe culture, a music scene and reasonable 4G. Praia and Santa Maria on Sal also have growing coworking options. The relaxed pace, warm climate and European time zone make the archipelago appealing for long-stay workers.
Alou 4G handles video calls in Mindelo and the main resort towns. A Roamix plan with 10 GB or more suits a working week of calls and cloud uploads. Wind and the outdoors may compete for your attention.
Mindelo has the most reliable cafe wifi in the archipelago. Use your Roamix eSIM as a backup for sensitive work and when cafe networks are congested.
Get connected the moment you land in Cape Verde.
Get your Cape Verde eSIMLocal Tips for Cape Verde
Language
Portuguese is the official language and used in government, business and formal contexts. Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is the national everyday language and varies between islands. On Sal and Boa Vista, English and Italian are widely spoken in tourist areas. Spanish is also useful.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. A EUR 1 to 2 tip for restaurant service, or rounding up a taxi fare, is welcomed. For dive instructors and surf guides, EUR 5 to 10 is customary for a good session.
Food & Dining
Cape Verdean cuisine centres on catchupa, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans and meat or fish that varies by island, alongside fresh grilled seafood, especially tuna and barracuda. Grogue (local rum) and ponche are the local spirits. Mindelo on Sao Vicente has the best restaurant scene.
Transport
Alugueres (shared minibuses) leave when full rather than on a timetable. Flag them down on the main road and shout your destination. For Sal, hiring a car or quad bike for a day gives access to remote beaches without waiting for shared transport.
Emergency Numbers
general
112
police
112
ambulance
112
fire
112
Essential Apps
The essential communication tool in Cape Verde for everything from hotel contact to arranging ferry pick-ups on arrival.
Maps.me
Offline island maps covering Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago and Santo Antao trekking trails, essential for remote beaches and mountain routes without signal.
Cabo Verde Airlines app
Check and manage domestic flight bookings between islands and receive schedule updates when inter-island connections change.
Safety & Health in Cape Verde
Cape Verde is one of the safest countries in Africa and highly rated for solo travel and families. Petty theft around busy tourist beaches (especially at Santa Maria on Sal) is the main concern. Ocean conditions can be hazardous, with strong currents at many beaches, and riptides are a genuine risk. Always swim at lifeguarded beaches.
Keep your Roamix eSIM active to check sea conditions and beach safety warnings before swimming, monitor weather forecasts during the windiest months and contact emergency services or your hotel if needed on a remote beach.
Health Note
Cape Verde has no major tropical disease risk beyond occasional dengue fever. Tap water quality varies; bottled water is recommended on all islands. Medical facilities are adequate on Sal and Santiago but limited on smaller islands.
Water Safety
Tap water is drinkable on Sal and Boa Vista in tourist areas, but bottled water is recommended throughout for sensitive travellers. On smaller islands, always use bottled water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cape Verde eSIM, connectivity, and travel
What is the best eSIM for Cape Verde?
Roamix is a strong choice for Cape Verde because it connects to Alou, the country's largest 4G operator, on arrival at Amílcar Cabral International on Sal or any of the other island airports. You install before departure and land already online.
Do I need a SIM card for Cape Verde?
You do not need a physical SIM. A Roamix Cape Verde eSIM gives you local 4G data from arrival at SID or any island airport. It avoids expensive carrier roaming and you skip the airport SIM counter entirely.
Which mobile operator is best in Cape Verde?
Alou is the dominant operator with the strongest 4G coverage across Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago and Sao Vicente. Unitel T+ is a competitive alternative on main islands. For multi-island trips, Alou gives the most consistent experience.
Does Cape Verde have 5G?
No. 5G has not been deployed in Cape Verde. 4G LTE is available on the main tourist islands. Smaller islands like Brava and Maio have 3G coverage only.
How do I set up an eSIM for Cape Verde?
Purchase a Roamix Cape Verde plan, install the eSIM over wifi before departure, and enable data roaming on the Roamix line. It connects to Alou or Unitel T+ automatically on arrival at any Cape Verde airport.
Will my eSIM work on the ferry between islands?
Signal is limited or absent during ferry crossings between islands. Before each ferry, download offline maps for your destination island and save accommodation addresses, as you will not have data during the crossing.
Can I use WhatsApp and social media in Cape Verde?
Yes. Cape Verde has a fully open internet with no restrictions. WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and all major platforms work normally on a Roamix eSIM. No VPN is required.
How much data do I need for a trip to Cape Verde?
For a one-island beach holiday, 2 to 3 GB is sufficient. A multi-island itinerary over two weeks needs 4 to 6 GB, accounting for offline map downloads per island and regular social media sharing.
Do I need a visa to visit Cape Verde?
Most nationalities need a pre-arrival visa (EASE) obtained at ease.gov.cv, typically costing EUR 25. ECOWAS member state citizens are exempt. Applications should be made at least 48 hours before travel.
Is the euro accepted in Cape Verde?
Euros are widely accepted on Sal and Boa Vista in tourist-facing businesses. The Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) is the official currency. On smaller islands and for local transport, CVE is needed. ATMs dispense CVE.
Is airport wifi enough at SID, or should I get a Cape Verde eSIM?
Airport wifi at Amílcar Cabral is available but inconsistent. A Roamix Cape Verde eSIM gives you continuous coverage from the terminal to Santa Maria resort, the ferry terminals and across multiple islands, far more useful than terminal wifi alone.
What is the best island to visit in Cape Verde?
Sal is best for kite-surfing, beaches and easy resort access. Boa Vista for sand dunes and turtle nesting. Santiago for culture and Cidade Velha history. Sao Vicente for morna music and the best carnival. Santo Antao for trekking and dramatic scenery.
How do I get between islands in Cape Verde?
Domestic flights via Cabo Verde Airlines and Binter connect main islands in 30 to 60 minutes. Ferries run between most islands and are cheaper but slower. The Sao Vicente to Santo Antao ferry takes 30 minutes. Use Roamix data to book all inter-island transport in advance.
What plug type does Cape Verde use?
Cape Verde uses Type B and Type F plugs at 220V. US plugs (Type A/B) fit Type B sockets on some islands. European round-pin plugs fit Type F. UK three-pin travellers need an adapter. Voltage converters are needed for 110V devices.
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Stay connected across Cape Verde's islands with Roamix
Skip the airport SIM counter. Install a Roamix Cape Verde eSIM before you fly and land connected at SID, ready to explore Sal, Boa Vista and beyond.
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