Social ConventionsThe usual European social courtesies should be observed.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
TACV (website:
www.tacv.cv) which offers flights from several European cities. Information on international and internal flights, and flight tickets may be obtained from Cape Verde Travel, TACV’s agent in the UK (tel: 01964 536 191; website:
www.capeverdetravel.com).
Astraeus (website:
www.flyastraeus.com) operates direct
charter flights from the UK.
Departure TaxNone.
Main AirportsAmílcar Cabral (SID) on Sal, is 2km (1 mile) south of Espargos.
To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city center and to resort areas.
Facilities: Several banks, duty-free shops, refreshments, tourist information, car hire and left luggage facilities.
Praia International Airport,
Santiago, takes flights from Paris, Amsterdam and Lisbon.
International airports are under construction on the islands of St Vincent and Boa Vista, due to open 2007-2008.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: Mindelo and
Praia are the principal ports.
São Vicente is served by passenger and cargo ships, but sea services are not frequent and may be costly.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Cape Verde without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes;
one liter of liquor;
a reasonable amount of perfume,
lotion and eau de cologne in opened bottles.
Currency must be declared on arrival.
There is, in principle, no free import of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirTACV – Cabo Verde Airlines (website:
www.tacv.cv) is the main domestic carrier. There are internal flights available to all inhabited islands except Brava and San Antao.
Passes: The
Cape Verde Airpass, available from TACV to passengers booking their long-distance tickets through the airline or their agents, offers discounted flights within Cape Verde. A minimum of two internal flights must be booked and the pass is valid for 21 days. These must be purchased with transatlantic tickets. Private charters are available from the
Cape Verde Express (website:
www.capeverdeexpress.com) air-taxi service.
Getting Around by WaterThere is a daily ferry service operating between the port of Mindelo, São Vincente and Santo Antao. Cargo ships may also accept passengers and regular services connect Santiago, Fogo and Brava; however, these are primaily for cargo supply and demand and so are inconsistent. Sea conditions around Cape Verde are sometimes treacherous, due to many submerged rocks. Travel by sea to the southern islands of Brava and Fogo can be particularly disrupted.
Getting Around by RoadThere are over 2250km (1400 miles) of roads on the islands, of which one-third are cobbled. There is a road improvement program underway to convert cobblestone roads into asphalt. Road conditions and driving standards are generally of a reasonable quality, although paved roads are mostly narrow and winding. Traffic drives on the right and seat belts must be worn at all times. Children under 12 years old should sit in the back seat. Local transport is usually provided by an A
luguer (minibus or pick-up truck); they are used by locals and visitors. Taxi fares should be agreed in advance, although some prefer to use the taximeter. Drivers can be hired to see the main sights on the islands. Buses are satisfactory.
Car hire: Available on the main islands, book in advance when possible.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is legally required and proof of insurance should be displayed on the car windscreen.
Journey TimesThe following chart gives the approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from
Cidade de Praia to other major cities/towns in Cape Verde:
| | Air | Sea |
| Saõ Vicente | 0.45 | - |
| Sal | 0.45 | - |
| Boa Vista | 0.30 | - |
| Brava | - | 12.00 |
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