Cape Verde travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs and Schuko plugs are used.
Language
The official language is Portuguese, though a patois known as Crioulo tends to be used in conversation.
Money
The unit of currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), broken down into 100 centavos. As this is a local currency it cannot be obtained before arrival and cannot be reconverted outside of Cape Verde. There is a bureau de change at the airport. ATMs can be found at the airport and in Sal, Praia and Sao Vincent. Major credit cards, particularly MasterCard and Visa, are currently accepted in a few main resort hotels and restaurants. Banks will give cash on credit cards but commissions are high.
Tipping
At least 10 percent tip should be given if no service charge has been added to the bill, and tips should be in local currency.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination is required for those arriving from an infected area. No other vaccinations are required for travel to Cape Verde, but vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid, and it is generally advised that all travellers be up to date on vaccinations for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria. Malaria medication is recommended for travel to Santiago Island. Outbreaks of Brucellosis are occasionally reported.
Water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment, and milk is unpasteurised. Medical facilities are limited and some medicines are in short supply. Visitors should receive free hospital treatment in general hospitals on presenting their passports, but health insurance is strongly advised, with coverage for emergency repatriation. Those who require prescription medication for their holiday should bring it with them. They should also make sure they have the necessary documents from their doctor to get the medication through customs.
Safety
Visits to Cape Verde are usually trouble free. The political situation is stable and the crime rate is low. The only danger is presented by occasional hazardous sea conditions around the islands.
Local customs
Though Cape Verdeans are friendly and hospitable, there are a few local customs that visitors should be aware of. A handshake is generally a proper greeting, but on occasion women may kiss on the cheek. People tend to stand close together when speaking, and may touch each other platonically. Casual dress is acceptable in most situations. Visitors should note there is zero tolerance towards possessing, using or trafficking any type of illegal drugs. Those who are convicted can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Doing business
Business in Cape Verde is conducted in Portuguese or English. Most of Cape Verde's business links are with Portugal. Business hours are generally 8am to 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Duty free
Travellers to Cape Verde are permitted the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of alcohol, 250 milliliters of eau de toilette and 50 grams of perfume, and some gift items. The import or export of narcotics is strictly prohibited.
Communications
The country code is +238. The outgoing code is 0 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 044 for the United Kingdom). WiFi is available in the main town squares on all the islands, and also in major hotels; visitors can purchase local SIM Cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa
Visitors of any nationality require a passport valid for the period of six months after intended stay to enter the Cape Verde Islands.
Entry requirements
US citizens require a valid passport and visa. A visa can be obtained on arrival. All documents must be valid for six months after the arrival date.
UK citizens require a valid passport and visa. A visa is not required for stays of up to 30 days. A visa can be obtained on arrival. All documents must be valid for six months after the arrival date.
Canadians require a valid passport and visa. A visa can be obtained on arrival. All documents must be valid for six months after the arrival date.
Australians require a valid passport and visa. A visa can be obtained on arrival. All documents must be valid for six months after the arrival date.
South Africans require a valid passport and visa. A visa can be obtained on arrival. All documents must be valid for six months after the arrival date.
Irish nationals require a valid passport. A visa is not required for up to 30 days. A visa can be obtained on arrival. All documents must be valid for six months after the arrival date.
New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and visa. A visa can be obtained on arrival. All documents must be valid for six months after the arrival date.
Useful contacts
Emergencies: 112Embassies / consulates in other countries
Cape Verde Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 965 6820.
Cape Verde Consulate, London, United Kingdom: +44 7876 232305.
Cape Verde Embassy, The Hague, Holland (responsible for Ireland): +31 00 355 36 51.
Embassies / consulates in Cape Verde
United States Embassy, Praia: +238 260 8900.
British Consulate, Sao Vincente: +238 232 3512.
Canadian Embassy, Dakar, Senegal (also responsible for Cape Verde): +221 33 889 4700.
South African Embassy, Dakar, Senegal (also responsible for Cape Verde): +221 33 865 1959.