Cape Verde Local Information Guide
Cape Verde is a small island state, located in the
middle of the Atlantic at some 445 Km off the West African Coast. This archipelago of volcanic origin comprises 10 islands, nine of which
are inhabited and 8 islets, in a total land area of 4033 Km2. According to their topography, there are two types of islands: the flat islands
surrounded by extensive white-sand beaches - Sal, Boa Vista and Maio and the rugged and rocky islands full of contrasting landscapes - Santo Antao,
Santiago, Fogo, Sao Vicente, Sao Nicolau and Brava
Cape Verde - Location:
The cape verde islands are located south of the canary islands approximately 500kms from Senegal, on Africa's west coast. The islands
are divided, The islands are split into two clusters, the Islands of Barlavento: Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau,
Sal and Boavista and then the Islands of Sotovento: Maio,
Santiago, Fogo and Brava.
Cape Verde Weather / Climate
:There is an outstanding year round tropical climate that never drops below 25°C. The water temperature varies between 22°C and 25
Cape Verde Passport and visa:
British nationals require an entry visa. The Cape Verde entry visa can be bought on arrival, from the airport.
Cape Verde Medical Facilities
The majority of doctors, dentists, pharmacists and opticians tend to work in Praia in the Main in Cape Verde's largest hospital
alternatively there are several private health clinics. Private health clinics are always available for tourists and the paying
public and are very high quality. Vaccinations are
not required.
Cape Verde Currency Exchange
The local currency in the Cape Verde islands is the Escudo Cape Verdiano. The exchange rate is approximately 110,265 Escudo per Euro. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in hotels, Cash points and restaurants etc. Most places will also allow you to pay for larger purchases in euros.
Cape Verde Telecommunications
Phone / Broadband / Cable TV. Almost all UK and European mobile phone networks have established roaming agreements with Cape Verde Telecom to provide excellent coverage across the islands. If you use Vodaphone, Orange or O2 you will no problems using you mobile phone. Cape Verde Telecom can also provide you with Internet access by providing dial-up, ISDN and Broad Band connection. Cable TV has been introduced but unfortunately there are still very few British TV channels available.
Cape Verde Local time
The local time in the Cape Verde islands is GMT -1
Cape Verde Local Language
The official language of the Cape Verde islands is Portuguese and the local language Creole. But, you can expect to hear French, English and Spanish used in business and road signs etc.
Cape Verde Religion
The principle religion in the Cape Verde islands in catholic.
Cape Verde Electricity
Electricity plug points are 220 volts, Remember to bring your own universal plug adapter if you require a power supply for hairdryers, mobile phones etc.
Cape Verde Food
The local food is an exotic fusion of African, Creole and Brazilian offerings. All of which taste as good as they look.
Info Links
Cape Verde Transport and Communications
British Foreign Office Cape Verde Islands Country Profile