Praia

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A 10% tip is customary for good service.

Try 'Cachupa,' a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, and meat or fish—it’s the national dish.

Avoid photographing military or government buildings. Always ask permission before taking photos of locals.

Festivals like Carnival (February) involve parades, music, and dancing in the streets—join the fun!

Eat at small local eateries (tascas) for affordable and authentic meals.

Yes, bargaining is common in markets like Mercado de Sucupira, but do so politely.

Swimwear is fine at beaches, but cover up when leaving the beach area.

Support local businesses, avoid single-use plastics, and respect natural sites by not littering.

Bring a small gift, like fruit or pastries, and remove your shoes if the host does.

Batuko music and dance performances are a cultural highlight—attend a live session if possible.

Many nationalities get visa-free stay up to 30 days; check with Cape Verde embassy.

Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). Euros and US dollars are sometimes accepted but not widely.

Portuguese is official, but English is limited; French and Spanish help. Learn a few Creole phrases.

No, stick to bottled or boiled water.

Seafood, grilled fish, cachupa (stew), and pastel com diabo dentro (spicy pastry).

Only in upscale hotels and restaurants; cash is king elsewhere.

Cape Verde Time (GMT-1), one hour behind UTC.