There are exactly three ways to get online in Cape Verde: buy a physical SIM from CVMóvel or Unitel T+, install an eSIM before you fly, or rely on hotel and resort WiFi and nothing else.
Quick answer: An eSIM installed before departure is the fastest route — it’s active from the moment you land, and neither of Cape Verde’s two carriers sells physical SIM cards at Sal or Boa Vista airport, so travelers hoping to buy one on arrival at the busiest tourist islands are often out of luck.
Top Cape Verde eSIMs
Option one: a physical SIM card
CVMóvel and Unitel T+ both sell prepaid SIMs from stores in town, typically for 100-200 CVE with a small starting credit. The catch for tourists is availability at the point of arrival — the Sal Airport guide covers what’s actually on offer the moment you land there.
Option two: an eSIM installed before you fly
An eSIM sidesteps the store-hunting problem entirely, since it’s installed and often already active by the time you clear immigration — the install guide walks through the setup, and the compatibility guide confirms whether your device supports it.
Option three: relying on WiFi only
Some travelers plan to use only resort or hotel WiFi and skip mobile data altogether — workable for a stay that never leaves the property, but it falls apart the moment you’re at the beach, on an excursion, or your accommodation’s connection has a bad night, as the resort WiFi vs eSIM guide lays out.
Why timing matters more here than in most destinations
Because physical SIMs aren’t sold at the airport on Cape Verde’s two busiest tourist islands, sorting out connectivity in the arrivals hall isn’t really an option the way it is in many countries — the best way to get internet guide compares the three options directly for different trip types.
Mixing methods across a longer trip
Travelers island-hopping sometimes combine an eSIM as their primary connection with occasional resort WiFi for heavier tasks like video calls — the island hopping guide covers planning connectivity across a multi-island itinerary.
FAQ
What are the three ways to get internet in Cape Verde?
A physical SIM, an eSIM, or relying on hotel/resort WiFi alone.
Can I buy a SIM card at Sal or Boa Vista airport?
No — neither CVMóvel nor Unitel T+ sells physical SIMs at either airport.
Is an eSIM faster to set up than a physical SIM?
Yes, since it’s installed before departure and doesn’t depend on finding a store on arrival.
Is WiFi-only realistic for a Cape Verde trip?
Only if you never plan to leave your resort or hotel property.
Do both carriers work across the whole archipelago?
Yes, CVMóvel and Unitel T+ both operate island-wide, with Santiago having the strongest 4G.
Which option is best for a short beach holiday?
An eSIM, since it removes the need to track down a store during a short stay.
Final Recommendation
Skip the airport SIM hunt and install an eSIM before you leave home. See the best way to get internet guide to match the right option to your specific trip.