- Destinations
- Africa
- Cape Verde
Cape Verde
Only six hours flying time from the major airports of Europe,
the volcanic Cape Verde archipelago, lying in the Atlantic Ocean
off the bulge of Africa, is rapidly emerging as an inspiring
holiday destination for those seeking something different.
The nine inhabited islands are bristling with their own
individual character and melodious, unique musical culture, besides
offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation or active pursuits.
The rapidly developing island of Sal, in particular, with its long
white sandy beaches, has been discovered by European beach buffs
and water sports enthusiasts. The main tourist town, Santa Maria,
near the international airport, is earning its place on the map as
being the world's newest surfing destination, and also as a major
draw for windsurfers and kite surfers, with its trade winds and
winter swells.
A former Portuguese colony, Cape Verde is now a struggling
Republic, scourged by drought in the last century, which prompted
heavy emigration. Exploiting the natural assets of the islands by
encouraging tourism has now become a valuable injection for the
economy.
Apart from beaches, the islands also offer impressive mountains,
volcanoes, delicious seafood and an interesting African/Portuguese
cultural mix. The distinctive music of the islands, carried abroad
by renowned singer, Cesara Evora, 'the barefoot diva', also adds to
Cape Verde's character.
Most visitors utilise the inter-island ferries or domestic
airline to explore more than just one of these somewhat barren and
rugged islands, each of which has unique sights or experiences to
offer. In a frenetic world Cape Verde remains slow, unsophisticated
and secure with a stable democratic government, ready to welcome
those seeking a simple holiday far from the madding crowd.
Information & Facts
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.
Climate
The tropical climate of Cape Verde is tempered by trade winds,
temperatures remaining constant most of the year. The rainy season
is during August, September and October, the amount being rather
unpredictable.
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.
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.
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.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round two-pin
attachment plugs and Schuko plugs are used.
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.
Language
The official language is Portuguese and a patois known as
Crioulo.
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.
Passport Visa
Visitors of any nationality require a passport, valid for the
period of intended stay, to enter the Cape Verde Islands.
Safety
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.
Time
Tipping
A 10% tip should be given if no service charge has been added to
the bill.