In Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), the mobile market in February 2026 is defined by the ongoing expansion of 4G LTE and the recent introduction of 5G trials on the islands of Sal and Santiago. The market is a duopoly between the incumbent Alou (CV Telecom) and the challenger Unitel T+.
Major Carrier Offers
Both providers offer a mix of prepaid "Packages" (Pacotes) that bundle data, minutes, and SMS.
* Alou (formerly CV Móvel):
* NetMóvel Plans: Their most popular 2026 data packs include a 5GB Monthly plan for approx. 1,000 ECV (~$10).
* Powa Swag: A youth-focused brand offering unlimited social media (WhatsApp, Instagram) for a weekly fee of around 500 ECV.
* Tet Promo: As it is February, Alou often runs "Carnival" promotions (February 17, 2026, was Carnival Tuesday) offering double data on all weekend recharges.
* Unitel T+:
* Combo Tariffs: Known for aggressive pricing. Their "D'kel Bom" bundles are popular; for 1,000 ECV, you can get roughly 6GB of data plus 100 minutes to all networks.
* Night Surf: Unitel offers a "Night Pack" (midnight to 6 AM) for approx. 150 ECV, giving you 2GB for a single night—ideal for heavy downloads.
* Activation: Dial #707# or use the Unitel T+ app to browse current 2026 flash deals.
Smartphone & Retail Deals
Cabo Verde primarily imports devices through retail chains like Loja Alou, Unitel T+ stores, and private electronics shops in Praia and Mindelo.
* Samsung Galaxy S26 Series:
* Launch Status: Global release is this week (February 25, 2026). Local pre-orders in Cabo Verde are expected to start in early March.
* Current Flagship: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is currently retailing for approximately 135,000–145,000 ECV.
* iPhone 17 Series:
* The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the high-status device of choice, retailing for around 160,000 ECV at premium outlets.
* The new iPhone 17e (Budget model) is trending this month, priced at approx. 65,000 ECV.
* Budget 5G: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G is a bestseller in 2026, priced at approximately 28,000 ECV, making high-speed mobile internet accessible to a broader audience.
Visitor & Tourist Offers
If you are landing at Sal (SID) or Praia (RAI) airports:
* Tourist SIM: Both carriers sell "Tourist Packs" at airport booths. A common 2026 deal is 10GB of data + 30 minutes for €15–€20 (approx. 1,650–2,200 ECV).
* eSIM Options:
* Airalo: Offers a 1GB/7-day plan for $9.50.
* Ubigi: A robust 30-day 3GB plan is available for $36.
* Local eSIM: Unitel T+ and Alou now both offer local eSIM activation at their flagship stores in Praia, though it often requires a physical visit for first-time registration.
Important Notes for 2026
* Network Quality: 4G is excellent in urban centers and resorts. If you are traveling to more rural parts of Santo Antão or Fogo, Alou generally has a slight edge in coverage consistency.
* Top-ups: You can recharge your phone at any "Vinti4" ATM or via the ubiquitous orange/blue "Casa do Cidadão" kiosks found in almost every neighborhood.
* Currency: While the Euro (€) is widely accepted in tourist areas (fixed at 1 EUR = 110.265 ECV), mobile plans are always priced and sold in Cabo Verdean Escudos (ECV).
Major Carrier Offers
Both providers offer a mix of prepaid "Packages" (Pacotes) that bundle data, minutes, and SMS.
* Alou (formerly CV Móvel):
* NetMóvel Plans: Their most popular 2026 data packs include a 5GB Monthly plan for approx. 1,000 ECV (~$10).
* Powa Swag: A youth-focused brand offering unlimited social media (WhatsApp, Instagram) for a weekly fee of around 500 ECV.
* Tet Promo: As it is February, Alou often runs "Carnival" promotions (February 17, 2026, was Carnival Tuesday) offering double data on all weekend recharges.
* Unitel T+:
* Combo Tariffs: Known for aggressive pricing. Their "D'kel Bom" bundles are popular; for 1,000 ECV, you can get roughly 6GB of data plus 100 minutes to all networks.
* Night Surf: Unitel offers a "Night Pack" (midnight to 6 AM) for approx. 150 ECV, giving you 2GB for a single night—ideal for heavy downloads.
* Activation: Dial #707# or use the Unitel T+ app to browse current 2026 flash deals.
Smartphone & Retail Deals
Cabo Verde primarily imports devices through retail chains like Loja Alou, Unitel T+ stores, and private electronics shops in Praia and Mindelo.
* Samsung Galaxy S26 Series:
* Launch Status: Global release is this week (February 25, 2026). Local pre-orders in Cabo Verde are expected to start in early March.
* Current Flagship: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is currently retailing for approximately 135,000–145,000 ECV.
* iPhone 17 Series:
* The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the high-status device of choice, retailing for around 160,000 ECV at premium outlets.
* The new iPhone 17e (Budget model) is trending this month, priced at approx. 65,000 ECV.
* Budget 5G: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G is a bestseller in 2026, priced at approximately 28,000 ECV, making high-speed mobile internet accessible to a broader audience.
Visitor & Tourist Offers
If you are landing at Sal (SID) or Praia (RAI) airports:
* Tourist SIM: Both carriers sell "Tourist Packs" at airport booths. A common 2026 deal is 10GB of data + 30 minutes for €15–€20 (approx. 1,650–2,200 ECV).
* eSIM Options:
* Airalo: Offers a 1GB/7-day plan for $9.50.
* Ubigi: A robust 30-day 3GB plan is available for $36.
* Local eSIM: Unitel T+ and Alou now both offer local eSIM activation at their flagship stores in Praia, though it often requires a physical visit for first-time registration.
Important Notes for 2026
* Network Quality: 4G is excellent in urban centers and resorts. If you are traveling to more rural parts of Santo Antão or Fogo, Alou generally has a slight edge in coverage consistency.
* Top-ups: You can recharge your phone at any "Vinti4" ATM or via the ubiquitous orange/blue "Casa do Cidadão" kiosks found in almost every neighborhood.
* Currency: While the Euro (€) is widely accepted in tourist areas (fixed at 1 EUR = 110.265 ECV), mobile plans are always priced and sold in Cabo Verdean Escudos (ECV).
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