The below Cape Verde Travel Essentials is not meant to replace a guidebook or web search, but to encourage you to do more research to address your particular level of interest or concern.
Accommodation
Cape Verde offers diverse tourist accommodations: all-inclusive resorts (Sal, Boa Vista), varied hotels, affordable guesthouses, self-catering apartments/villas, and eco-lodges/rural stays (Santo Antão). Accommodation varies by island; consider location, amenities, and always remember peak seasons impact accommodation availability.
Currency
Cape Verde’s currency is the Escudo (CVE, $ or Esc), pegged to the Euro. Centavos (refers to a fractional monetary unit, specifically one hundredth of a base currency unit, and) are rarely used.
Euros are widely accepted, and small denominations are recommended.
More remote islands like São Nicolau and Santo Antão trade in Escudo.
Business Hours
Cape Verde business hours vary: shops typically open 8 am-12 pm & 3 pm-7 pm (Mon-Sat, shorter Sat), banks close around 3 pm, and markets vary (e.g., Sucupira 9 am-6 pm). Expect midday breaks and potential variations on smaller islands and holidays. Confirm individual business hours.
Electricity
Cape Verde uses 230V, 50Hz electricity with plug types C and F. Please ensure you bring an adapter.
Drivers/Guides
English-speaking knowledgeable driver-guides, drivers and or guides will be provided.
Food
Cape Verdean cuisine blends African and Portuguese flavors, featuring abundant seafood, corn, beans, and rice. Key dishes include Cachupa (national stew), fish stews, and Feijoada. Grogue is a local drink, and desserts highlight tropical fruits and Portuguese pastries.
The markets are hubs for delicious street food, offering a variety of snacks, fruits, and local treats. Keep an eye out for “Bafas,” fried pastries filled with fish or meat, and “Pastels,” savoury empanada-like snacks, also commonly stuffed with meat or fish, providing a flavorful taste of local cuisine.
Whilst progress has been made in water treatment, especially through desalination, it’s safest to rely on bottled water to avoid potential health issues
Weather
Please take a look at the When to Go webpage.
Transport
Please refer to Getting Around Cape Verde.
Medical
We advise you to make a travel appointment with your local medical team for the most up-to-date and accurate information. We recommend consulting the https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk website for details about immunization requirements.
Yellow fever certificates are not required upon arrival unless you have visited yellow fever countries before arrival.
For further information please refer to the UK Foreign Office or US State Department for up-to-date travel advice.
Cape Verde’s medical facilities are limited, especially outside major cities like Praia and Mindelo. Medicine shortages are possible, and some islands have limited access or evacuation challenges. Please ensure you obtain comprehensive travel insurance, carry essential medications, and be aware of potential language barriers. Private clinics offer more services at a cost.
Toilets
Like many destinations, Cape Verde presents a varied experience when it comes to restroom facilities. In bustling urban centers and popular tourist spots, including many hotels and resorts, you’ll generally find modern, Western-style toilets. This can be a welcome comfort, however, venturing into rural areas may introduce you to more basic sanitation, such as latrines.
Sunscreen
And as Baz Luhrmann wisely stated in his hit song “Everybody’s Free to Wear Sunscreen” – don’t forget to wear sunscreen! But please remember that if you’re planning any ocean activities, ensure the use of waterproof and “reef-safe” sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone, butylparaben, or octinoxate (as these can negatively impact the corals)!
Connectivity
Cape Verde’s connectivity is improving, with high mobile penetration (3G/4G/5G expanding, especially in cities) and growing internet access via submarine cables and ongoing fiber optic projects. However, rural areas may experience varied connectivity, and service costs can be high. And if you have an “unlocked” phone, SIM cards from CV Movel (Cabo Verde Telecom) are easily available at airports, mobile stores, and some supermarkets. Purchase, however, does require passport/ID.
Alternatively, I like to use Airalo, an eSIM, which allows you to seamlessly navigate between your primary number and your “Cape Verde” number.
Visa and Passports
UK citizens travelling to Cape Verde must complete the Electronic Authorization System for Entry (EASE) online before arrival, which replaces tourist visas for stays up to 30 days. This pre-registration, recommended at least 5 days before travel, includes paying the Airport Security Tax (TSA). Passports must be valid for six months beyond the intended stay.
Language
Portuguese is the official language, Cape Verdean Creole is the most widely used. English is helpful in tourist zones.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required and must be obtained before arrival, and should include trip cancellation, medical repatriation, theft, loss, and force majeure. Please visit our page on travel insurance for further information. It is a good idea to photocopy and scan all relevant documents – passport, travel insurance policy, etc – and leave one copy at home. Carry another copy with you, separate from the originals and digital versions in your smartphone.
Tipping
Always a controversial topic. Tipping of your driver/guide/staff or any other incidental guides or helpers is not compulsory, nor customary, and thus left to your discretion.
Staying at expensive accommodation or parting company with an experienced guide/driver could be seen as an opportunity to tip as a gesture of gratitude.
Laws, Customs and Culture
Cape Verde is a stable democratic republic with a Portuguese-based legal system, thereby guaranteeing human rights and is generally safe for tourists. Its culture blends African and Portuguese influences, notably in music (Morna, Coladeira), language (Kriolu, Portuguese), and cuisine (seafood, corn, beans). Hospitality is valued, and Roman Catholicism is predominant. “Sodade,” a feeling of nostalgic longing, is a key cultural concept. Carnival in Mindelo is a major festival. Respect local customs, dress modestly at religious sites, and appreciate the islands’ traditions.
LGBTQ+
Cape Verde is relatively LGBTQ+ friendly in Africa, with legal same-sex activity since 2004 and anti-discrimination laws in employment and housing. Social acceptance varies, with urban areas like Mindelo being more tolerant. Pride events occur, but a gap exists between legal rights and full social equality. Consequently, Fleewinter suggests visiting the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) website and becoming au fait with Cape Verde’s cultural traditions and government policies.
Festivals and Holidays
Cape Verde’s holidays and festivals, blending religious and national celebrations, showcase its cultural heritage. Carnival (Feb/Mar, especially in Mindelo) is a major highlight, and music and dance are central to many festivities. Regional variations exist, so check local calendars for specific events.
Time difference
Cape Verde (UTC-1) is either 1 hour behind the UK (UTC+0, GMT) in winter or 2 hours behind (UTC+1, BST) in summer.
Travelling with Disabilities
Traveling to Cape Verde with disabilities requires careful planning due to limited accessibility infrastructure, especially outside tourist hubs. Inconsistent sidewalks, a lack of ramps and elevators in many buildings, and uneven terrain can pose challenges. However, with thorough preparation and flexible planning, and a little bit of Fleewinter magic, you can still experience the islands’ beauty and culture. We can aid in prioritizing accessible accommodations, arranging private transportation etc. While Cape Verde may not match the accessibility of developed countries, its warm hospitality and the potential for a rewarding travel experience remain.
Travelling with Children
Travelling to Cape Verde with children can be a wonderful experience, offering beautiful beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and a taste of unique culture. Consequently, partnering with Fleewinter will make travelling with children in Cape Verde a breeze! Our vehicles, guides and accommodation will be tailored to suit your family requirements.
Take a look at my blog “A Family Adventure That Shapes Young Minds | Child-Friendly Travel” for inspiration.
Photography
Cape Verde offers diverse photographic opportunities, with landscapes ranging from volcanic mountains (Santo Antão, Fogo) and deserts (Sal, Boa Vista) to stunning coastlines and unique salt pans. Cultural highlights include vibrant local markets, colorful festivals like Mindelo’s Carnival, and opportunities for capturing portraits in fishing villages. However, as in most countries, it is unacceptable to photograph people without their permission. Yet, many Cape Verdean people may be all too happy to pose – so use your discretion and always ask permission. Photography of private functions, sacred sites etc should be avoided.
Safety
The question of safety often arises when considering a trip to Cape Verde. While no destination is entirely risk-free, it’s important to evaluate the risks and rewards within a global context.
A Global Comparison
Cape Verde’s crime rates are generally lower than many Latin American and some European/North American countries, with infrequent violent crime against tourists. Petty theft, common in tourist areas, is the main concern.
Safety Tips for Cape Verde
To minimize risks and enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Cape Verde, consider the following:
- Travel with a Reputable Tour Operator: Choose a company like Fleewinter that prioritizes safety and has experience in the region.
- Follow Local Guidelines: Pay attention to travel advisories and heed the advice of local authorities and your tour guide.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: While most tourist destinations are relatively safe, it’s advisable to avoid remote or isolated areas, especially at night.
- Basic safety: Whilst petty crimes like pickpocketing in urban areas, violent crimes against foreigners are rare. Just like the rest of Africa, it is still important to remember safety basics: stay in public spaces, avoid scams and demonstrations, don’t walk around at night, and keep your eyes open.
Conclusion
Cape Verde offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. While safety is a crucial factor, it’s important to weigh the risks against the potential rewards. By choosing a reputable tour operator, following local guidelines, and being mindful of your surroundings, you can significantly enhance your chances of having a safe and enjoyable trip to this beautiful island nation.
