# Cape Verde travel eSIM guide

> Plan mobile data across Cabo Verde's islands with Unitel T+ and Alou eSIM options, airport Wi-Fi and ferry-ready offline details.

Page: https://esimnest.com/cape-verde/guide/

Cabo Verde is an island itinerary, so a plan that works in Praia still needs checking for Sal, São Vicente or a ferry connection. Unitel T+ offers an online visitor eSIM, while Alou describes eSIM conversion for its existing number. Before choosing, match the plan's validity to the islands and transfer days, confirm how the line is activated, and keep ferry tickets and arrival details available without mobile data.

By eSimNest Team. Facts last checked 2026-10-03 against the sources listed at the end.

## Unitel T+ sells a visitor eSIM before departure

Unitel T+'s own eSIM portal lets a traveller choose a Morabeza package, pay online and receive a QR code by email and in an account. It lists fixed-data packages of 10 GB for 10 days, 15 GB for 15 days and 25 GB for 15 days, alongside shorter unlimited-data offers, with prices shown in euros (for example 10 GB for 10 EUR and 25 GB for 25 EUR; the unlimited offers run from 10 EUR for one day to 45 EUR for 15 days). Its package list and descriptive text disagree about the lengths of some unlimited offers, so confirm the chosen allowance and expiry on the payment screen. The operator says its eSIM works on its network across Cabo Verde's islands; that is an operator claim, not a guarantee of reception at every beach or mountain trail.

The portal says a purchase made abroad activates on the Unitel T+ network after arrival. It allows 45 days from purchase to activate and says each QR code can be installed only once. Save the QR before flying and do not delete an installed profile to troubleshoot a weak signal. If it fails after landing, Unitel suggests enabling data, making a call or dialling #500#. Its portal says this online eSIM purchase requires an account but no documents to present; that does not establish the rules for every local SIM.

## Alou's eSIM route starts with an Alou number

Alou, the Cabo Verde Telecom mobile brand, advertises eSIM and provides a conversion form asking for the existing number, full name, email and nationality. The form explicitly says conversion is not automatic and that further details arrive by email and SMS. A new visitor should not assume this form sells a fresh eSIM instantly. Ask Alou whether a new prepaid line can be issued directly as eSIM at the particular shop before relying on it for airport transport or a same-day ferry.

Alou's prepaid contract says customer registration precedes activation and advises customers to consult its coverage map. Carry a passport if buying an Alou line in person, and ask the shop about that tariff's current identity requirements. Record the new number and top-up method before leaving.

## Read the renewal rules before choosing an island itinerary

A week on Sal followed by a week on São Vicente needs longer validity than a weekend in Praia. Unitel lists short unlimited allowances and 10-, 15- and 25-GB fixed-data options. It says unlimited packages can be renewed twice, after which another package must be selected. Renewals are available through its portal, stores, ATMs or authorised agents using the number supplied with the eSIM QR code. Record that number for a top-up.

Unitel says its included calling minutes are for national calls and that international calls use standard rates. Its page presents conflicting wording about the unlimited packages' exact durations, and its minutes apply to national calls only. Compare the checkout total and tariff conditions before paying. If using Alou instead, obtain the price and expiry from its current shop or account interface. A data allowance that expires before the return boat or flight can be harder to fix while away from a town.

## Use airport Wi-Fi to finish setup, then test mobile data

Cabo Verde Airports lists international airports on Sal, Santiago, Boa Vista and São Vicente, with aerodromes on São Nicolau, Maio and Fogo. Its Wi-Fi page says the airports it manages provide free access after entering a valid email address. That connection can retrieve an eSIM QR, contact accommodation or check an onward flight. It is a fallback for the terminal, not evidence of coverage on the road to Santa Maria, into Praia or on the way to Mindelo.

Unitel says a pre-purchased visitor eSIM completes activation after arrival on its network. Before leaving the arrivals area, switch the phone's mobile-data line to the new profile, disable unintended data roaming on the home line, and test a page with airport Wi-Fi switched off. Check that the handset is unlocked for another operator before travelling. The UK government's Cape Verde entry guidance for British citizens also calls for an online traveller entry form in advance; keep its confirmation separate from the mobile QR code so a failed phone setup does not hide border paperwork.

## Save ferry tickets before leaving mobile coverage

CV Interilhas publishes routes and schedules connecting islands such as São Vicente with Santo Antão and Boa Vista with Santiago and Sal. Its booking link and changing departure display make mobile data useful for checking a sailing, while a saved ticket and the destination address remain useful if reception falls away. Keep a screenshot or offline copy of the booking reference before boarding. A plan advertised for all Cabo Verde islands covers the operator's domestic network; it does not promise a usable signal over open water.

Inter-island travel stays within Cabo Verde, so the same domestic Unitel visitor package is described as valid nationwide. An onward trip to another country is different: Unitel's FAQ says its portal packages are valid only in Cabo Verde and that roaming rates apply outside it. If an itinerary combines the islands with Portugal or Senegal, check the next country's allowance and the home line's charges separately. On the boat, download the arrival map before departure and avoid relying on a live connection for a meeting point or accommodation check-in.

## Roaming and emergency calling need separate checks

Cabo Verde lies outside the EU and EEA roaming area described by the European Commission. A European home tariff therefore does not gain regulated Roam Like at Home pricing simply because Portuguese is spoken or a flight came from Lisbon. Check the home operator's specific Cabo Verde roaming zone before enabling its data line. A local Unitel eSIM can be used alongside a physical home SIM if the device supports dual SIM, according to Unitel, but the selected line for data and calls still matters.

The UK government's Cape Verde advice lists 130 for ambulance, 131 for fire and 132 for police. Save the appropriate number and an accommodation contact while connected. Unitel's visitor product includes some national calling minutes, but the package details must be checked at purchase. Keep a working voice-capable line or another calling method for urgent help.

Emergency calls: Many travel eSIMs carry data only, and a data-only profile may not place a normal phone call. Keep a voice-capable SIM for emergencies, such as your home SIM or a local plan, and save the local emergency number from this guide.

Plans and current prices for Cape Verde: [eSIM for Cape Verde](https://esimnest.com/cape-verde/).

## Questions

### Can a Unitel T+ visitor eSIM be bought before flying to Cabo Verde?

Yes. Unitel's online portal sends the QR code after payment and says a purchase made abroad activates on its network after arrival. It allows 45 days from purchase to activate the profile.

### Does Unitel T+ ask for a passport for its online visitor eSIM?

The operator's portal says this particular online eSIM purchase needs an account but no documents to present. Bring identification for any in-person local SIM purchase, because the portal's answer does not cover every tariff.

### Is Alou's eSIM conversion form an instant new line?

No. Alou's form asks for an existing number and says conversion is not automatic. Ask its shop whether a new prepaid visitor number can be issued directly as eSIM.

### Will a Cabo Verde eSIM work on a ferry between islands?

Domestic island coverage is an operator claim about its land network, not a promise of signal at sea. CV Interilhas publishes live schedules; save the ticket and arrival directions offline before boarding.

### Do Cabo Verde airports offer Wi-Fi?

The airport authority says its managed airports provide free Wi-Fi with a valid email address. Use it to retrieve a QR code, then switch Wi-Fi off to test the mobile line before leaving.

### Does EU roaming include Cabo Verde?

No. Cabo Verde is outside the European Commission's Roam Like at Home area. A home operator may sell its own Cabo Verde roaming option, so check that specific tariff.

### Which emergency numbers should visitors save?

UK government travel guidance gives 130 for ambulance, 131 for fire and 132 for police in Cape Verde. Save them with the accommodation address while connected.

## Sources

- [Unitel T+ visitor eSIM portal](https://esim.uniteltmais.cv/?origin=3F4E9D9EAC9C0)
- [Alou eSIM conversion form](https://www.alou.cv/esim/conversao)
- [Alou prepaid mobile contract](https://media.alou.cv/media/assets%2FCondic%CC%A7oes%20Gerais%20Contrato%20Movel%20PRE-PAGO.pdf?updated_at=2023-07-10T17%3A10%3A58.606Z)
- [Cabo Verde Airports airport list](https://www.caboverde-airports.cv/en/aeroportos/)
- [Cabo Verde Airports free Wi-Fi](https://www.caboverde-airports.cv/en/servico/free-wifi/)
- [UK government Cape Verde entry requirements](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cape-verde/entry-requirements)
- [CV Interilhas routes and schedules](https://cvinterilhas.cv/routesschedules)
- [Your Europe roaming outside the EU](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/internet-telecoms/mobile-roaming-costs/indexamp_en.htm)
- [UK government emergency contacts for Cape Verde](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cape-verde/getting-help)