8:34 pm
-1h from you
Weather in Cape Verde
Cape Verde
28°
Clear sky
Sun
18
28
Mon
19
31
Tue
21
32
Wed
23
32
Thu
24
33
SPF level in Cape Verde
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Cape Verde
Tipping in Cape Verde
Tipping is appreciated in Cape Verde for good service, but it is not obligatory. A small tip can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for good service
Taxi
Round up the fare or a small tip for good service
Hotel Porter
50-100 CVE per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 CVE per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour
Safety & security in Cape Verde
Tips for British travellers
Cape Verde is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
The crime rate is generally low but beware of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and muggings, especially in Praia and on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista.
Keep your belongings in sight at bars and restaurants and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery.
Avoid unlit and isolated areas after dark and beaches with limited or restricted visibility.
Always use beaches where there is a lifeguard on duty and respect the warning flags: red means do not go into the water, yellow means caution when walking, and green means it is safe to swim.
Only hire authorised taxis from taxi ranks or ask your hotel to call one, with authorised taxis on Sal and Boa Vista being blue and yellow.
Bonus tips:
Always wear a crash helmet when riding a scooter or quad bike to comply with the law and keep your insurance valid.
Avoid quad biking without checking your travel insurance, as it is unlikely to be covered and medical facilities are very basic.
Driving in Cape Verde
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Cape Verde drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
132
Ambulance
131
Fire
131
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Cape Verde
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Card acceptance is limited, especially outside of tourist areas. Visa is the most widely accepted card. Smaller establishments and local markets typically only accept cash.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Cape Verde
ATMs are available in major towns and tourist areas, but less common in rural areas. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand.
Local name
Banco Interatlântico
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs usually accept international cards with a chip and PIN.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be high. Check with your UK mobile provider before travelling to Cape Verde to understand your roaming options and any associated costs. EU roaming agreements no longer apply to the UK post-Brexit.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 3000 CVE (~£23)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
CV Movel, Unitel T+
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in tourist areas. Coverage can be limited in more remote locations.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Free WiFi is often offered, but the quality can vary. Mobile data may be a more reliable option.
Health & vaccinations
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities may be limited, especially on smaller islands. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to do, such as water sports.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Visit your doctor well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. While there's no GHIC/EHIC reciprocal healthcare agreement, comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Dengue fever and Zika virus are risks, so take mosquito bite prevention measures, particularly during the rainy season. Drink bottled water and be cautious about food hygiene.
Calling Cape Verde
Country code
+238
To call Cape Verde from the UK, dial 00 238 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Praia from the UK, you would dial 00 238 262 7610.
To call Cape Verde, you'll need the country code 238. Ensure you have the correct exit code for the country you are calling from (00 from the UK). Mobile phone coverage is generally good in populated areas.
UK Embassy in Cape Verde
British Embassy Praia
Avenida Rotary Internacional, C.P. 101, Praia, Cape Verde
Airports in Cape Verde
Frequently asked questions about Cape Verde
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.