🧭 Cape Verde: good to know
The general-information half of trip planning: how expensive Cape Verde feels, what is considered polite, what is not, and the everyday practicalities - alongside our 50 written places.
No stress is the unofficial motto; morabeza - warm, unhurried hospitality - sets the pace on every island.
Cost level: Mid-range Middle of the global pack - comfortable travel without luxury prices. Estimate a daily budget →
✓ Considered polite
- Greet with Bom dia or Boa tarde and a smile before anything else
- Accept offered coffee or fruit - spontaneous hospitality is the culture's heart
- Slow down and chat - conversation with vendors and drivers is part of the day
- Try a little Portuguese or Kriolu - even one word of thanks is warmly returned
✗ Better avoided
- Rush anyone - schedules flex and pushing gets you nowhere politely
- Turn down a small glass of grogue outright - a sip honours the gesture
- Wear beachwear in towns - casual is fine, swimwear is for the sand
- Expect strict punctuality from ferries or people - island time is real
💡 Worth knowing
- The escudo is pegged to the euro and euros are widely taken on main islands - carry escudos for small places
- Tipping is relaxed - round up or leave 5-10% for good service
- Island-hopping means ferries or small planes - book ahead and pad your connections
- Live music is everywhere after dark - morna and funana are the national soundtrack
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only list the kind of gear we would pack ourselves.
Customs are living things - regions differ, cities relax, generations shift. Take these notes as a friendly head start, watch what locals do, and when in doubt a smile and a greeting in the local language cover almost everything.