1. Always Confirm Your Visa: Visa exemption policies can change frequently. Before departure, verify the latest requirements through the official e-visa platform or a consulate—don’t rely solely on travel guides.
2. Pay the Airport Tax in Advance: Paying the TSA security tax online saves time and hassle; waiting in line at the airport could take up to an hour.
3. Don’t Overpack Your Island-Hopping Itinerary: While all ten islands have unique charm, traveling between them takes time. Limit your trip to 2–3 islands for the best experience.
4. Book Domestic Flights Early: Small planes have limited seats and sell out quickly during peak seasons. Book your inter-island flights along with your accommodations.
5. Cash Is King: Buses, taxis, and rural restaurants only accept cash. ATMs are mostly found in tourist towns, so withdraw enough before heading inland.
6. Pack Warm Layers for Volcano Hikes: Temperatures near the summit of Fogo Volcano can drop to near 0°C in the early morning. Bring a fleece and windproof jacket, and prioritize non-slip hiking shoes.
7. Follow Turtle-Watching Rules: From June to October, join a licensed guide for nighttime turtle sightings on Boa Vista. No flash photography or touching allowed.
8. Conserve Water: Freshwater is scarce across the islands, mostly relying on desalination. Keep showers short and reuse towels—it’s basic etiquette here.
9. Bring the Right Plug Adapter: The islands use Type C/F round-pin sockets with 220V voltage. Pack an adapter.
10. Bring Your Ears to Mindelo: Live music performances in Mindelo often happen spontaneously in small bars—just buy a drink and enjoy the free show.

Pace and Return

The key to island travel is flexibility: flights may be consolidated, ferries may be canceled, and roads may be impassable during the rainy season. Any plan that insists “you must get there today” is risky. Schedule just one major activity per day and let the ocean breeze guide the rest. Before leaving, exchange any remaining escudos back to euros at the airport—or treat yourself to coffee, grog, and souvenirs (the local currency can’t be exchanged abroad). Also, note down your embassy or consulate’s contact and address, and keep a paper backup of your itinerary in case you lose internet access.

Interacting with Locals

Crioulo culture values conversation: Don’t be surprised if a stranger hands you a poncha in a Mindelo bar—nod, thank them, and sip slowly to show politeness. If invited into someone’s home, bring a small gift like coffee or candy. Accepting kindness and reciprocating it is the only way to truly connect with Cape Verde.

Cash and Document Management

Manage your cash by withdrawing just enough for two days at a time to avoid carrying too much. Take photos of your passport, flight tickets, and insurance documents, save them to the cloud, and print a copy to carry with you. If your airline changes your flight or your plans are disrupted, contact the airline counter through your hotel rather than trying to rebook yourself—the local process usually involves manual stamping and is slower but reliable. Cape Verde is generally safe, so using basic urban safety precautions will ensure a worry-free trip.