Cape Verde Basics
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The Basics


Time: Local time is GMT -1.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs and Schuko plugs are used.

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, and local banks will change travellers cheques and foreign currency, although there is a high commission on travellers cheques. ATMs can be found at the airport and in Sal, Praia and Sâo 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.

Currency Exchange Rates
CVE1.00 = US$ 0.01£ 0.01C$ 0.01A$ 0.01R 0.10€ 0.01NZ$ 0.01
Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: The official language is Portuguese and a patois known as Crioulo.

Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens require a valid passport. A visa can be obtained on arrival for a fee of €25.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders require a valid passport. A visa can be obtained on arrival for a fee of €25.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport. A visa can be obtained on arrival for a fee of €25.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a valid passport. A visa can be obtained on arrival for a fee of €25.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport. A visa can be obtained on arrival for a fee of €25.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport. A visa can be obtained on arrival for a fee of €25.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport. A visa can be obtained on arrival for a fee of €25.

Passport/Visa Note: Visitors of any nationality require a passport, valid for the period of intended stay, to enter the Cape Verde Islands.

Travel Health: No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, however it is recommended that precautions be taken against typhoid fever, polio and cholera. Outbreaks of Brucellosis are occasionally reported. A yellow fever certificate of inoculation is compulsory for travellers entering from a yellow fever infected area. There is a limited risk of malaria on Sao Tiago Island. 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.

Tipping: A 10% tip should be given if no service charge has been added to the bill.

Safety Information: Visits to Cape Verde are usually trouble free. The political situation is stable and crime rate low. The only danger is presented by occasional hazardous sea conditions around the islands.

Local Customs: Cape Verdeans are friendly and hospitable, however there are a few local customs in Cape Verde that visitors should be aware of. Eating in front of others without sharing your food is considered rude, therefore eating in public is not generally done. A handshake is generally a proper greeting, however 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.

Business: Business in Cape Verde is conducted in Portuguese or English. Most of Cape Verde's business links are with Portugal. Business hours are 8am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Communications: 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. The archipelago's main cities can be reached by International Direct Dialling. A GSM 900/1800 mobile network is in operation throughout the islands; coverage is good in most towns. Internet is available in the main towns and major hotels offer laptop connections.

Duty Free: Travellers to Cape Verde are permitted the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of alcohol, a reasonable amount of perfume or eau de cologne and some gift items. The import or export of narcotics is strictly prohibited.