The best time to visit is October-June. The temperature is typically tropical with no cool season, although there is a small range of temperature around the year; the coolest months are December to March. There is a combination of moderately high temperature and high humidity.
Language
The official language is Portuguese; the national language is Crioulo.
Flight Time
The average flight time from London is 7 hours via Lisbon.
Airports
The main airport in Cape Verde is in Isla De Sal.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), broken down into 100 centavos. The CVE is tied to the Euro at CVE 110.27 = 1 Euro. There is a bureau de change at the airport, and local banks will change traveller's cheques and foreign currency. There is an ATM at the international airport, but no others in the islands as yet. Major credit cards are accepted only in a few main resort hotels and restaurants. Banks will give cash on credit cards but commissions are high. To avoid additional charges, carry traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Telephone Services
The country code is +238.
The outgoing code is 0 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required.
Emergency Services
Ambulance - 131
Fire & Police - 87
Communications
A GSM 900 mobile network is in operation throughout the islands; coverage is good in most towns.
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies, but travellers should check with their service provider. Coverage is variable, but generally good.
Internet is available in the main towns and major hotels offer laptop connections.
Passport Information
Visitors require a passport, valid for the period of intended stay, to enter the Cape Verde Islands.
Visa Information
A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.
Health & Safety/Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde; however it is recommended that precautions be taken against typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and yellow fever (compulsory for travellers entering from a yellow fever infected area). There is a limited risk of malaria on Santiago Island between September and November. Water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment, and milk is unpasteurised. Medical facilities are limited and some medicines in short supply. Visitors receive free hospital treatment in general hospitals on presenting their passports, but health insurance is strongly advised, with coverage for emergency repatriation.
EHIC (old E111)
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)is not valid in Cape Verde. Travel insurance is required to cover all situations and emergencies.
Embassy
The U.S. Embassy in Cape Verde is at:
Rua Abílio Macedo, 81, Praia; C.P.201
Telephone +238 61 56 16
Duty Free
Travellers to Cape Verde are permitted the following items without incurring customs duty: a reasonable amount of perfume or eau de cologne and some gift items. In principle there is no free import of alcohol and tobacco products. The import or export of narcotics is strictly prohibited and pharmaceutical products may only be imported by public institutions
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz.
Tipping
Better restaurants expect a 10% tip if no service charge has been added to the bill.
Food & Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. All drinking water should be bottled, boiled or carbonated. Water used for brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid all dairy products and food from street vendors. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit should be peeled.
Postal Services
Postal facilities can be slow with deliveries to Europe normally taking over a week.
Driving in Cape Verde
There is an extensive road system on Cape Verde, 2,250km in all, but only a small part of this is paved. Many of the roads are narrow, winding and cobbled making them wonderful to explore. Roads and streets are often unlit, so driving at night is hazardous. Hiring a car in Cape Verde is relatively easy in the main islands although due to the state of the roads it is advisable to hire a 4 x 4. An international driver's licence is needed and third-party insurance is required.
Public Holidays
January 1st - New Years Day
January 13th - Democracy Day
January 20th - Heroes' Day
May 1st - Labour Day
May 19th - Municipal Day
June 1st - Children's Day
July 5th - Independence Day
August 15th - Assumption (Day of our Lady of Grace)
September 12th - National Day
November 1st - All Saints Day
December 25th - Christmas Day
