General information (Cape Verde)

Practical Tips

Only drink bottled water. All the food should be well cooked, including vegetables, and fruit should be peeled before eaten. Milk should be boiled and all its by - products should be avoided. Pack light cotton and linen clothing, and some warm clothing if you travel during the winter (November to February).

Sports and Leisure

Bird - watching, bodyboard, cruises, golf, horse - riding, diving, motorbike racing, mountain bikes, fishing, surf, tennis, trekking, sailing, windsurf

Gastronomy

National Food: cachupa (corn, beans, pork, manioc, sweet potato and cabbage)
Other specialties: coal grilled meat, fish and shellfish, "djagacida", "botchada", "modje de capode", xerem, cuscus, etc.
Shellfish: shrimp, percebes (a kind of barnacle), lobster, octopus, music shell.
Tropical Fruits: papaya, banana, mango, coconut and others.
Drinks: grouge (kind of firewater, rum), punch, liquors, wine (from Fogo Volcano) and other common drinks.

Telecommunications

It is possible to establish an international communication, by phone, fax, telex or Internet from any part of the country.
The national mobile network is already installed (although its coverage is still partial) and the international networks will soon be in function.
Useful phone numbers: "102" (general info); "111" (international calls with operator assistance)

Music

Widely known "morna", "coladeira", "funana", "mazurka", "batuko" and "contradanca" are some of its most important genres. African and Brazilian music is also very much appreciated.

Handicraft

Due to European, African and American influences, its most expressive forms are "batik", weaving, tapestry, and several artifacts made of clay, coconut and bone.
The largest handicraft - product center is the city of Mindelo, followed by the islands of Boavista, Sal, Santiago and Santo Antao.

National Holidays

1st of January - New Year's Day
20th of January - Heroes Day
1st of May - Labor Day
5th of July - Independence Day
15th of August - Our Lady of Grace Day
1st of November - All Saint's Day
25th of December - Christmas
Mardi Gras and Good Friday are also national holidays.

Average Prices

Water - 100 CVE
Coffee - 50 CVE
Telephone Card - 750 CVE
CD's - 1500 CVE
Beer - 100 CVE (national), 150 CVE (imported)
Haircut - (Ladies) 150 CVE, (Gentlemen) 220 CVE
Pack of cigarettes 220 CVE