£1 CVE 127.40
Today
2:58 am
-1h from you
Weather in Cape Verde
Cape Verde
26°
Overcast
Wed
18
26
Thu
18
25
Fri
18
25
Sat
18
26
Sun
18
27
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.
Getting around Cape Verde
Tipping in Cape Verde
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Cape Verde, but it's 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 5-10%
Hotel Porter
200-500 CVE per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
200-400 CVE per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price
Safety in Cape Verde
Tips for British travellers
Cape Verde is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be vigilant against pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in the capital Praia and on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista.
Leave valuables in a hotel safe and do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewellery.
Avoid unlit and isolated areas after dark and use only beaches with clear visibility or a lifeguard on duty.
Only swim at beaches with a lifeguard and always obey the red, yellow, and green warning flag system.
Always wear a crash helmet when riding a scooter or quad bike as it is a legal requirement for your safety and insurance.
Bonus tips:
When hiring a car or bike, ensure it is fully insured and check if you need additional extreme sports cover, especially for quad biking.
Only use authorised blue and yellow taxis on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, or ask your hotel to call one for you.
Driving in Cape Verde
A UK driving license is accepted for a period of up to six months. After this, it's necessary to obtain a Cape Verdean driving license.
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
Cape Verde operates on 220V, 50Hz. Plugs are typically Type C and Type F. British travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card acceptance is limited, particularly outside of tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1095
ATMs in Cape Verde
ATMs are available in larger towns and cities, particularly in Sal and Praia. Availability may be limited in smaller villages and more remote areas.
Local name
Multibanco
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
It is advisable to carry enough cash, especially if you plan to visit smaller islands or remote locations. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be high in Cape Verde. Check with your mobile provider before you travel. EU roaming agreements no longer apply post-Brexit, so standard roaming charges will apply.
Local SIM data package
5GB for 1500 CVE (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
CV Movel, Unitel T+
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, resorts, and cafes, especially in tourist areas. However, speeds can be slow and unreliable.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data package for more reliable internet access.
Health & vaccinations in Cape Verde
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities may be limited, especially outside major towns. Check that your insurance covers all planned activities.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and recommended vaccinations before travelling to Cape Verde. Dengue fever is present. Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under a mosquito net. Water should be bottled or purified before drinking.
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 84 40.
The country code for Cape Verde is 238. When calling from abroad, dial your international exit code, then 238, followed by the Cape Verde phone number.
UK Embassy in Cape Verde
British Embassy Praia
Avenida Rotary International, Achada de Santo António, Praia, Cape Verde
Airports in Cape Verde
Frequently asked questions
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.