🇨🇻 Cabo Verde Internet & SIM Cards — Connectivity Guide

The internet in Cabo Verde is generally reliable, with good mobile network coverage and widespread WiFi availability, making it relatively easy for tourists and remote workers to stay connected during their stay.

Internet Overview

The internet quality in Cabo Verde is good, with an average internet speed of 10 Mbps download, which is sufficient for general browsing, email, and social media. However, the urban-rural divide is still evident, with faster and more reliable internet connections available in cities like Praia and Mindelo, while rural areas may experience slower speeds and more frequent outages. The reliability of the internet connection is generally good, with most providers offering a stable and consistent service, although occasional outages can occur, especially during peak hours or in areas with high demand.

The government has been investing in improving the country's telecommunications infrastructure, including the deployment of fiber-optic cables and the expansion of mobile network coverage. As a result, the internet has become more accessible and affordable, with many cafes, restaurants, and hotels offering free WiFi to their customers. However, the quality of the internet connection can vary depending on the location and the provider, and some areas may still experience slow speeds or frequent outages.

Getting a SIM Card

To get a SIM card in Cabo Verde, you can visit one of the main carriers' stores, such as CV Telecom, Unitel, or T+, and provide your passport and proof of address. The cost of a tourist SIM card is approximately 20 USD, and it usually comes with a pre-loaded data plan. The recommended carriers for tourists are CV Telecom and Unitel, which offer a range of data plans and have good coverage throughout the country. You can also purchase a SIM card at the airport or at some hotels and resorts.

WiFi Availability

• Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with many hotels offering free WiFi to their guests.
• Cafe WiFi culture is widespread, with many cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi to their customers.
• Coworking spaces are available in major cities like Praia and Mindelo, offering a reliable and fast internet connection.
• Public WiFi is available in some areas, such as airports and shopping centers, but it may not be as widespread as in other countries.
• Many restaurants and bars also offer free WiFi to their customers, making it easy to stay connected while enjoying the local cuisine.

For Remote Workers

• Coworking spaces like Hub CV and Cowork Cabo Verde offer a reliable and fast internet connection, as well as other amenities like meeting rooms and printing services.
• Reliable cafe chains like Cafe Sant'Antonio and Cafe Central offer good WiFi and a comfortable working environment.
• Backup internet options like mobile hotspots and portable WiFi routers are available for purchase or rent, in case of an emergency or outage.
• VPNs are recommended to ensure secure and private browsing, especially when using public WiFi networks.
• Many hotels and resorts also offer coworking spaces and meeting rooms, making it easy to stay productive while enjoying the local scenery.

Tips & Warnings

• Internet censorship is not a major issue in Cabo Verde, but some websites may be blocked due to copyright or licensing issues.
• VPN use is recommended to ensure secure and private browsing, especially when using public WiFi networks.
• Roaming alternatives like eSIMs and portable WiFi routers are available, but they may not be as cost-effective as purchasing a local SIM card.
• eSIM options are available from some carriers, but they may not be compatible with all devices.
• Public WiFi networks may not be secure, so it's recommended to use a VPN and keep your device and browser up to date.
• Be aware of your data usage and data limits, as excessive use can result in additional charges or throttling of your internet speed.