Cape Verde food
The traditional Cape Verdean dishes consist mostly of fish (or in rural areas, chicken is available) with rice, beans and some recognisable vegetables (cabbage, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkin etc.).  Food is tasty but simple and the local fresh fish is excellent.

Language
The official language is Portuguese, but everyone speaks 'Criolu'(creole) - a mixture of Portuguese and particular African words and dialects. French as a foreign language is commonly understood, whereas English is mainly spoken by former emigrants who have returned to Cape Verde as business people, for example hoteliers.

Visas and passport
All British nationals require a visa to enter Cape Verde.  The cost of the visa is included in our tour prices but we will need your passport details within 14 days of departure.  For any last minute bookings, we will deduct the cost of the visa (25 euros) and you will simply join a different (slower!) queue at immigration on arrival and pay for it direct.  Check your passport is valid for 6 months after your planned return date and it is recommended that you take a copy of your travel insurance policy for consultation in case of an emergency.

health
Cape Verde has relatively good healthcare and does not have contagious or endemic diseases despite its proximity to the African continent.  Because of this there are no vaccinations required for a visit although you should check you are up to date on polio and tetanus.  Ask your family doctor if any new vaccinations are necessary or check the NHS

Tap water should be boiled before drinking and you can buy bottled water from hotels, restaurants and supermarkets.

Money
The national currency is the Cape Verde Escudo (CVE or $).  Due to the set exchange rate (1 euro = 110 CVE), fluctuations are non-existent.  You cannot buy or spend the CVE anywhere but in Cape Verde and you are advised to bring Euro or sterling cash with you since the charges for exchanging travellers cheques are extremely high.  Please note that most goods have to be imported, so although costs are less than the UK, this is not a budget destination. It is worth remembering that credit cards are only accepted in the larger hotels and there are very few ATMs on the islands.

Time difference
The Cape Verde islands are 1 hour behind UK time in the winter and 2 hours behind in the summer.

Safety
The Cape Verde archipelago is considered the safest African holiday destination and the crime rate is very low.  However, petty theft is becoming more common especially in built up areas so we advise only carrying enough money for the day and keeping the rest in a hotel safe.  There are no dangerous animals such as snakes and scorpions.

Probably the most important safety issue on the islands is the strong undertow at many of the beaches, so do check with the locals before you swim.

Public holidays
1 January - New Years Day
20 January - National Heroes Day
1 May - Labour Day
5 July - Independence Day
15 August - Our Lady of Grace Day
12 September - Nationality Day
1 November - All Saints Day 25 December Christmas Day

Guide book to Cape Verde
We recommend this useful guidebook to Cape Verde

Cape Verde Islands - the Bradt Travel Guide
By Aisling Irwin and Colum Wilson
288 pages, 8 colour photos, 29 maps
This detailed guidebook covers everything from history, geography and culture to practical information and island maps.