Cabo Verde Travel Information

Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, is a small island nation located off the coast of West Africa. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Cabo Verde has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the top things to do and see in this beautiful country.

1. Explore the Island of Santiago

The island of Santiago is the largest and most populous island of Cabo Verde, it's also the cultural heart of the country. Visitors can explore the capital city of Praia, visit the historic town of Cidade Velha, or take a hike in the beautiful mountain landscape.

2. Visit the Island of Fogo

The island of Fogo is home to the active volcano Pico do Fogo, which last erupted in 2014-15. Visitors can hike to the volcano's crater, visit the traditional village of Chã das Caldeiras or relax on the beautiful beaches on the island.

3. Relax on the beach

Cabo Verde is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or water sports on the many beaches, such as Santa Maria, Tarrafal and Ponta Preta.

4. Experience the Nightlife

Cabo Verde is known for its vibrant nightlife, especially in the island of Sal and Boavista. Visitors can enjoy live music, dance and have a good time in the many bars and clubs.

5. Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Cabo Verde is by taking a boat tour. Visitors can take a trip to see the dolphins and whales, or take a sunset cruise to see the beautiful landscapes.

6. Visit the Island of Boa Vista

The island of Boa Vista is known for its beautiful beaches, dunes and desert-like landscapes. Visitors can take a quad bike tour to see the island, go kite-surfing or just relax on the beaches.

7. Learn about the Culture

Cabo Verde has a rich culture, influenced by the Portuguese, African and Brazilian. Visitors can learn about the culture by visiting the museums, cultural centers and participate in the local festivals.

8. Go diving

Cabo Verde is a great destination for diving, the clear waters around the islands make it perfect for seeing the marine life. Visitors can explore the many dive sites, such as Buracona or Shark's Bay.

9. Visit the Island of Santo Antão

The island of Santo Antão is known for its beautiful landscapes, with green valleys and high peaks. Visitors can take a hike in the island, visit the traditional villages or take a boat tour to see the island.

10. Visit the Island of São Vicente

The island of São Vicente is known for its nightlife, festivals and traditional culture. Visitors can take a walk through the historic center of Mindelo, visit the Amilcar Cabral Museum or attend one of the many festivals on the island.

Climate

The climate in Cabo Verde (also known as Cape Verde) is generally warm and dry, with temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F) throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cabo Verde is during the cooler months, which run from November to May. During this time, temperatures are more comfortable and there is less chance of rainfall.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Cape Verde offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the main options include:

Hotels

There are a variety of hotels available in Cape Verde, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Some of the larger islands, such as Sal and Boa Vista, have the most hotel options, while the smaller islands may have fewer choices.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular option in Cape Verde, and they can be a great way to experience local culture and hospitality. They are typically run by local families and offer basic but comfortable accommodations.

Vacation rentals

Vacation rentals such as apartments, villas, and houses can be rented on a short-term basis, this option is becoming increasingly popular and can be a great option for those looking for more privacy and space.

Campsites

Campsites are available on some of the islands, and they can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers or those who enjoy camping.

It's worth noting that the accommodation options can vary from island to island, and it's best to plan ahead and book in advance during peak season, as the most popular places tend to fill up quickly.

Transportation in Cape Verde can vary depending on the island you are visiting. The main international airport is located on the island of Sal, and there are also airports on the islands of Boa Vista, Santiago, and São Vicente. From these airports, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach your destination.

Inter-island transportation is primarily by ferry or plane. Scheduled ferries connect the islands of Santiago, Fogo, Brava and Santo Antão. Scheduled flights connect the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, São Vicente, São Nicolau, Fogo and Brava.

On the islands, there are also local buses and taxis available for transportation. However, it's worth noting that the public transportation is limited and not always reliable. A car rental or hiring a private driver may be more convenient for island hopping.

It's important to note that the road conditions in Cape Verde are not always good, and it can be challenging to navigate on some of the islands. So, it's best to plan your transportation in advance and be prepared for the possibility of delays.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.