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.
Time:
Local time is GMT -1.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round two-pin
attachment plugs and Schuko plugs are used.
Language:
The official language is Portuguese and a patois known as
Crioulo.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.