The most important tips to keep in mind if you are planning to travel to Cape Verde. Without further ado, let's get started!
01 Optimize your luggage. Don't overpack!
As with any trip, it’s important to know exactly where you are going. Check which islands you will visit, the weather forecast, and planned activities.
Have you ever packed a suitcase and ended up not even using half of it?
That’s why we recommend a carry-on trolley suitcase + a backpack for everyday use. Check the appropriate dimensions according to the international flight regulations. https://www.flytap.com/es-es/equipaje/equipaje-de-mano
Remember that with Oi Cabo Verde, all transfers are included, so carrying your suitcase will not be a problem.
And of course, remember to save some space for a local souvenir.
02 Passport: Check its validity to avoid rushing.
Cape Verde regulations require you to have your passport valid for at least 6 months before entering the archipelago. There are many people who book their trips with us and have to renew their passport at the last minute and in a hurry. We remind you that without the passport we cannot book services such as domestic flights.
Therefore, we always recommend having your passport valid for at least one year to travel to Cape Verde or indeed anywhere in the world.
03 Visas: register as a traveler before arriving in the archipelago
For travellers coming from any European Union country, no visa is required to enter Cape Verde. However, a traveler’s registration is required, which costs approximately 32€.
This procedure can be done online 5 days before your arrival in the country through the link https://www.ease.gov.cv/; which will save queuing at the airport upon arrival. Sometimes the website does not work properly, or passengers have simply forgotten to do the procedure: no problem, it can always be done at the airport upon arrival, and you can pay the entry fee by credit or debit card.
For travellers from other places and stays of more than 30 days it will be required. In this case you will need to contact the Cape Verdean embassy in Spain.
04 Currency exchange: you do not need to bring cash from Spain.
The most practical way to withdraw cash in Cape Verde is through ATMs. To do this, use your debit or credit card and you will be charged a fixed commission of between 1 and 3% depending on your bank.
We recommend having a Visa card, as it is more widely accepted than MasterCard, although it works perfectly well for withdrawing money at ATMs.
Another option is the currency exchange services at the airports. If you arrive very late and there are no queues at that time it can be a good option. Keep in mind, however, that the exchange fee is around 5%.
05 Buy a SIM card only if you really need it
Honestly, we always recommend putting aside your phone as much as possible during your trip, in order to discover the archipelago in more depth.
Before buying a SIM, we also remind you that the wifi connection in most hotels, bars and even public places is more than acceptable.
If you still need to have data or phone calls when you travel to Cape Verde, you can buy a local SIM. You will find them at airports and in any city or town center; just look for the CV Telecom, T+ or Alou signs. You will find your SIM from 5€ with about 200 minutes of calls and 1Gb of data.
In terms of coverage, it should be noted that it is very good in urban areas, but if you go to very remote areas it is very likely to disappear easily.
"The best way to contribute to the country is to buy from local businesses."
06 You do not need to carry a power adapter.
As far as electricity is concerned, Cape Verde uses the same plugs as in Spain: 220V and the familiar two-pin plug. This means you will not need any kind of adapter and you will be able to use any of the devices you bring with you.
Power plugs in Cape Verde are European 220v.
07 Travel responsibly by supporting circular economy
The places you will visit with oicaboverde are genuine and very authentic, far from being artificial showcases for tourists. That is why we always recommend travelling “sensibly”.
There is no problem experiencing the daily life of the local people as long as it is done with respect and by asking permission. This approach allows an incredible immersion in local culture, as the people are very open and welcoming.
From oicaboverde we ask you to avoid giving money or bringing “gifts” for local children, as they do not need it. The best way to contribute to the country is by spending at local businesses, visiting responsible projects and supporting the local economy.
Family-owned accommodations that promote fair treatment for their workers.
08 Taste the local gastronomy, another form of immersion
If there is one food to highlight, it is the great variety of super-fresh fish that is found on any corner. It is best to ask for grilled fish or “peixe grelhado”. It is usually accompanied by grilled vegetables, potatoes or seasoned rice.
Apart from fish, you can find many dishes with chicken or pork, fresh vegetables and fruit salads, and of course the national dish: the cachupa. The latter is a stew based on corn, vegetables and meat or fish made the previous night.
Street stalls offer these dishes from 3€, while you can find them in restaurants from around 10€.
You can also find a lot of international food, such as hamburgers, pizzas or pasta. However, we encourage trying the local fish as it literally goes from the sea to your plate in a few hours.
In terms of drinks, natural fruit juices are very typical, such as mango juice, the local beer Estrela, or the national liquor Grogue, a potent distillate of brandy and sugar.
09 Book your trip as far in advance as possible.
Cape Verde is a growing tourist destination but limited in terms of supply. More than 80% of tourism is concentrated on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, where you will find most resorts owned by foreign companies. The rest of the islands offer a much more local experience with family businesses and a much more genuine tourism.
These businesses, whether they are accommodations, guides or experiences, have limited availability, a situation that makes them somewhat exclusive. For this reason we recommend that you plan your trip to travel to Cape Verde as far in advance as possible, preferably at least 4 months in advance.
At Oi Cabo Verde we contribute to sustaining the most responsible tourism possible by limiting the number of travelers. We care about quality over quantity, and that is why we often have to hang the “sold out” sign months in advance when the services are full.
10 Always drink bottled water, don't risk it!
An essential requirement to enjoy your trip without inconvenience of any kind. You will find bottled mineral water in all accommodations, bars and establishments.
In addition to using sunscreen, it is also very important that you moisturize constantly throughout the day as the sun is very intense.
If you also carry a reusable bottle with us, you will avoid the use of more plastic. Use containers as large as possible to refill.
And these are the 10 essential tips to travel to Cape Verde, the Creole archipelago. Remember that you will find much more information on our website, instagram and youtube channel.
And an extra bonus!
To travel with total peace of mind, whatever your destination, we recommend that you take out travel insurance, with or without cancellation, with a 5% discount and travel to Cape Verde with total peace of mind!
