Cape Verde Travel Guide

Cape Verde — Travel Tips

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Social Conventions

The usual European social courtesies should be observed.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is TACV ( 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: +44 1964 536 191, in the UK; www.capeverdetravel.com). Astraeus (www.flyastraeus.com) operates direct charter flights from the UK.

Departure Tax

None.

Main Airports

Amílcar Cabral (SID) on Sal, is 2km (1.5 miles) 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.

Boa Vista International Airport takes flights from major European cities.

São Pedro International Airport (VXE) on São Vicente is 5km (3 miles) from Mindelo.

Getting There By Water

Main 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.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Cape Verde without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes.
• 1L of liquor.
• A reasonable amount of perfume, lotion and eau de cologne in opened bottles.

Note: Currency must be declared on arrival.

There is, in principle, no free import of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

TACV – 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. Private charters are available from the Cape Verde Express air-taxi service (website: www.capeverdeexpress.com).

Getting Around By Water

There 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 Road

Traffic drives on the right. There are over 2,250km (1,400 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. Local transport is usually provided by an Aluguer (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.

Regulations: Seat belts must be worn. Children under 12 should sit in the back seat.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is legally required and proof of insurance should be displayed on the car windscreen.