Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»
Language
Portuguese is the official language. Most Cape Verdeans speak Crioulo, an African-inflected version
of medieval Portuguese, as their first language. French is widely understood; English is not.
»
Newspapers
A Semana, A Naçao
and
Expresso das Ilhas
are the weekly newspapers.
»
Radio & TV
Mostly limited to Portugal's, with Portuguese and Brazilian shows as well as Cape Verde news.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year's Day
1 January
National Heroes' Day
20 January
Labour Day
1 May
Independence Day
5 July
Assumption Day
15 August
All Saints' Day
1 November
Immaculate Conception
8 December
Christmas Day
25 December
SAFE TRAVEL
Violent crime is on the rise in Praia, where it's highly advisable to take taxis at night, no
matter where and how far you're going. Take caution in Mindelo, too, where pickpocket-
ing and muggings are not uncommon.
Some hiking trails have become sites of banditry in recent years, as on Boa Vista and
around Tarrafal on Santiago; always ask locals before you set out.
The rest of the country is very safe, though petty crime like pickpocketing is always a
possibility.
TELEPHONE
Every number for a fixed telephone line in Cape Verde has seven digits; all landlines start
with '2'. No area code is necessary. The country code is 238.
Public telephone booths are fairly plentiful, but you'll need a phonecard (available in
CVE50/150 denominations at any post office and many small shops).
Post offices often have call centres as well, which can be more convenient for expens-
ive international calls, which start at around CVE200 per minute.
For better deals, keep an eye out for internet-based calling centres, which charge as
little as CVE15 per minute to Europe.
Mobile phone reception is excellent. Mobile phone numbers are seven digits.
