Question 1

Google Maps (offline download)

Accepted Answer

Download offline maps of your islands before arrival; GPS works but data may be patchy in remote areas.

Question 2

Accepted Answer

Essential for communication; most locals and tour operators use it; get a local SIM and activate WhatsApp immediately.

Question 3

Local SIM card (Moov, Unitel, or CV Telecom)

Accepted Answer

Buy a SIM at the airport or in Praia for reliable 4G/LTE; data is affordable and widely available on all inhabited islands.

Question 4

eSIM option

Accepted Answer

Some international eSIM providers (e.g. Airalo, Nomad) offer Cape Verde coverage; check compatibility with your phone before departure.

Question 5

Passport validity

Accepted Answer

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Cape Verde.

Question 6

Visa or eTA exemption

Accepted Answer

Most nationalities (including US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia) do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days; confirm your nationality's status before travel.

Question 7

Yellow fever vaccination

Accepted Answer

Yellow fever vaccine is recommended (not legally required on entry, but advised by WHO for all travellers); get it 10 days before departure.

Question 8

Malaria prophylaxis

Accepted Answer

Malaria risk exists year-round in Cape Verde; consult your doctor about antimalarial tablets (typically atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) 1–2 weeks before travel.

Question 9

Travel insurance with evacuation

Accepted Answer

Medical facilities are limited outside Praia; insurance covering emergency evacuation to Portugal or mainland Africa is essential.

Question 10

Bottled or filtered water only

Accepted Answer

Tap water is not reliably safe; drink only bottled, boiled, or filtered water and avoid ice from unknown sources.

Question 11

Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) cash

Accepted Answer

Withdraw CVE from ATMs in Praia or at the airport; many rural areas and smaller islands have no card facilities.

Question 12

Credit/debit card backup

Accepted Answer

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in Praia and larger towns; always carry a backup card.

Question 13

Mobile money (Moov or Unitel)

Accepted Answer

Moov and Unitel offer mobile money services for local payments; useful if you have a local SIM, but not essential for short visits.

Question 14

Best season: November to June

Accepted Answer

Dry season offers calm seas and stable weather; July–October brings rain, rough seas, and occasional hurricane risk; book inter-island ferries well in advance during dry season.

Question 15

Dress code and sun protection

Accepted Answer

Pack light, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen; the sun is intense and reflected off volcanic rock; modest dress is appreciated in villages.

Question 16

Greetings and etiquette

Accepted Answer

Learn basic Portuguese greetings (Olá, Obrigado); Creole is spoken locally; always greet shopkeepers and taxi drivers; tipping is not expected but appreciated.

Question 17

Emergency number: 130 (police) or 131 (ambulance)

Accepted Answer

Dial 130 for police, 131 for medical emergency; response times can be slow outside Praia, so inform your hotel immediately.

Question 18

Petty theft in Praia

Accepted Answer

Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, cameras, or phones in crowded markets and at night; use hotel safes and travel with copies of documents.

Question 19

LGBTQ+ legal status

Accepted Answer

Same-sex relationships are legal and decriminalized; Cape Verde is one of Africa's most tolerant nations, but use discretion in rural areas.

Question 20

Inter-island ferries (Praia Port or Sal)

Accepted Answer

Book ferry tickets in advance via local agents or at the port; schedules are irregular and weather-dependent, especially in winter.

Cape Verde, as a local

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Shows & festivals by month

Before you go, when you land, once there

Safety: no advisory on record

2 shows & festivals

4 cities