Cape Verde ( Cabo Verde )

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

The average day time high temperature range from 20°C (68°F) to around 29°C (84°F) in the months of August to October, when there can also be rainstorms.

The best time to visit Cape Verde is from August to October, when the weather is warm, but winds can be quite strong all year round. The rest of the year is much cooler.

Climate Chart for Praia

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

All visitors to Cape Verde require a visa.
Listing of Embassies and/or Consulates for Cape Verde located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    Cape Verde escudo (CVE)=100 centavos
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Banks in the major towns can change money and travellers' cheques. Travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars and you'll find it easier to exchange cash in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. Currency cannot be reconverted. Credit cards are only rarely accepted and then only some hotels

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banks:    0800-1400 Monday to Friday
Shops:    0800-1200 and 1500-1900 Monday to Saturday.

LOCAL TIME

Cape Verde is one hour behind of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	Flying is the best option for getting to and from Cape Verde. There are regular flights from Lisbon and less frequent flights from other European centres. Domestic Flights TACV - Cabo Verde Airlines is the main domestic carrier. There's a network of expensive internal flights between the islands; between Praia, Mindelo and Sal there are flights at least once daily. Private charters are available from Cape Verde Express air-taxi service. Praia city (HQ)--(+238) 608200 Praia airport--(+238) 633982/84 Sal--(+238)411268, 411305
Bus:	Taxis are generally very expensive and few and far between, travelling around the islands is best by bus or truck.
Road:	Maps & Atlases for Sale
	You can rent cars on São Tiago, Fogo, São Vicente and Sal. Traffic drives on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required.
Self Drive / Car Hire:		Car Rental offers in Cape Verde - Click for quote and to book now

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Cape Verde, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.