How to get Internet in Boa Vista? Discover Wi-Fi, 4G, SIM cards, eSIMs, operators, and tips to stay connected during your stay.
Internet in Boa Vista: Wi-Fi, SIM card, eSIM and mobile data
Being able to check Google Maps, contact your hotel, send photos, or book an excursion from your phone has become almost essential while on holiday.
Good news: Cape Verde has a developed mobile infrastructure. The official tourism portal indicates the availability of 3G and 4G networks across the archipelago, including beyond the main urban centers.
Here is how to get Internet in Boa Vista during your stay.
Does Internet work well in Boa Vista?
In the main inhabited and tourist areas, using your phone to browse, exchange messages, or check emails generally presents no particular difficulty.
The national tourism portal highlights Cape Verdean telecommunications infrastructure as sufficiently developed to allow video calls, emails, and social media.
However, no mobile coverage can be considered perfect everywhere.
Boa Vista has vast desert areas, isolated beaches, and tracks far from Sal Rei. Therefore, it is best never to rely exclusively on an Internet connection to find your way during an excursion in a remote area.
Which phone operators exist in Cape Verde?
The two main operators mentioned by official tourism are currently:
Alou Unitel T+.
They notably offer prepaid deals and mobile data packages.
Unitel T+ and Alou also have physical store networks across the archipelago. Unitel T+ currently allows you to select Boa Vista in its store locator tool, while Alou announces a national network of 30 sales points.
Should you buy a local SIM card?
For a few occasional messages when your hotel has Wi-Fi, it is not essential.
But if you want to be able to use the Internet freely throughout the day, a local SIM card can be more practical.
The official tourism portal specifically recommends this solution to travelers who want to have a permanent connection rather than relying solely on Wi-Fi.
With a mobile connection, you can notably:
- use a navigation app
- send WhatsApp messages
- check a reservation
- translate text
- contact a provider
- share your photos
- check your emails.
Can you use an eSIM in Cape Verde?
Yes, at least with certain operators.
Unitel T+ currently offers a fully digital tourist eSIM, with QR code activation and announced coverage across all islands of Cape Verde. Different packages with varying durations and data volumes are available.
This can be very practical if your smartphone supports eSIMs.
You can keep your usual SIM card in the phone and use the Cape Verdean line exclusively for mobile data.
As offers and rates may change, it is best to check the available options at the exact time of your trip rather than relying on a price found several months prior.