You don’t need a visa to enter Cape Verde, but you will have to pay the airport tax.
The amount is 31 Euros.
It can be paid on arrival in cash or on a credit card, or you can pay in advance online.
To pay online go to the Cape Verde authorities website EASE. www.ease.gov.cv

The local currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). It is a closed currency so you can only obtain it in Cape Verde. It has a fixed exchange rate with the euro – 1 euro = 110 CVE.

Notes are:
200 CVE = 1.81 euro
500 CVE = 4.54 euro
1000 CVE = 9.09 euro
2000 CVE = 18.18 euro
5000 CVE = 45.45 euro

Euros are widely accepted but only at a 1 for 1 exchange rate, so everything is 10% more expensive when you pay in euros. You can exchange euros at any bank for a small fee.

You can withdraw escudos from ATMs. There are several ATMs around Sal Rei but be warned that at certain times of the week they are often out of cash for up to 24hrs.

Very few places accept VISA or MASTERCARD.

Internet is available in Sal Rei but it is slow compared to European speeds.
Some of our apartments have wired internet fitted.

Many bars and restaurants offer free WIFI, when you purchase food and drink.

Your mobile phone operator will tell you if they can provide internet on Boa Vista. Not every provider can so it is worth checking before you leave. And remember to check the prices, most people arrive home to at least a 100 euro bill. Please remember Cape Verde isn’t in Europe.

If you want continuous internet access whilst you are here the easiest solution is to buy a SIM card. There are 2 providers, CV Telecom or Unitel. You cannot buy a SIM card from the airport, you have to visit one of the 2 shops in Sal Rei.

SIM card price example (correct as at 01/04/2020): SIM card plus 6GB of data is 19 Euros.
The SIM card is useable all over Cape Verde, so it is great for anyone island hopping.

We can organise for a SIM card with data to be ready and waiting for you at your apartment, please ask us for more information.

The country code for Cape Verde is +238.

The airport on Boa Vista is in Rabil, about a 10 minute drive from Sal Rei.

Outside the airport there are plenty of taxis. Walk straight out the front entrance to the airport and look to the LEFT. A taxi from the airport to your apartment will cost you 10 euro.

If you want a personal collection from the airport the cost will be 20 euros. Someone will then be waiting inside the airport with your name on a sign.

For your return flight, for international flights, the check in time is 2hrs before departure, as normal anywhere else in the world.

http://www.asa.cv/aeroportos/aeroporto-da-boavista/fale-connosco/contactos-do-aeroporto/

There are plenty of doctors, who are fully trained, but equipment is old or lacking, and the access to the latest drugs is limited. For example there is no operating theatre so surgical procedures are limited. However treatment for most minor ailments is available. For serious emergencies people are flown to the capital Praia. The number for the hospital is: (00238) 2511167.

There is also a private clinic on the island with centres in Rabil and Sal Rei. The same doctors work at the clinic as the hospital but they do have access to a wider range of equipment and tests. In an emergency they can also organise private planes to take you off the island to hospitals elsewhere. The number for the private clinic, Esperanca Clinica Medica, is: (00238) 2511416 or (00238) 9552422 or esperancaclinicamedica@gmail.com.

Please be aware that the sun is exceptionally strong. There is often a breeze which makes it feel cooler so do make sure you use sun protection or cover up to avoid getting burnt.

The crime rate in Boa Vista is very low. There is a community spirit on the Island and because there is such a tiny population everyone knows everyone.
However money and belongings are sought after by many so we do recommend you are cautious and take sensible precautions, for example:

• Leave expensive IT equipment, like iPhone and iPad’s, in the apartment particularly in the evening or walking in remote or dark areas.
• Only take out the cash you need for one evening
• Take taxis home after dark

Should you need it the local emergency number for the police is:
(00238) 2511132 OR 132 from a local phone

September is the hottest month in Boa Vista with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and the coldest is January at 22°C (72°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 10 in May.
The wettest month is September with an average of 24mm of rain.
The best month to swim in the sea is in September when the average sea temperature is 27°C (81°F).

Flights from all over Europe:

Amsterdam – https://www.tui.nl/
Germany (from all main airports) - https://www.tuigroup.com/de-de
Belgium (Brussels) - https://www.tuifly.be/en
France (Paris) - https://www.transavia.com/en-EU/home/
UK, (London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham) - https://www.tui.co.uk
Portugal (Lisbon) - https://www.flytap.com/pt-pt/
Italy (from all main airports) - https://www.neosair.it
Denmark (Copenhagen) - https://www.tui.dk
Sweden & Norway (Stockholm) - https://www.tui.se and https://www.tui.no
Luxemburg – https://www.luxair.lu/en

For non direct flights to Boa Vista, also try:
Italy (Milan & Rome), France (Paris), USA, Brasil, Portugal (Lisbon), Sengal - https://flytacv.com/

Canary Islands - https://www.bintercanarias.com/

By Ferry:
CV Interilhas – www.cvinterilhas.cv

Flights from other Cape Verde Islands:
TICV – www.ticv.cv

The local language is Kriolu/Creole. This is a local, unwritten language. For a few phrases to get you going click here

The official language is Portuguese.

On the Island you will find many people speak a bit of English, German, French and Italian.

There are two Cape Verdian television stations which are broadcast in portuguese available on the Island but many apartments struggle to pick up the weak signal.
Most apartments have DVD players or USB ports so it is recommended you bring some programmes or films with you.
We also have a DVD library so you can choose some films when you are here.

A few apartments have washing machines, but not many. If you wish to have laundry done whilst you are here we offer this service at 10 euros per load.

Linen for inside your apartment is included. This includes bed linen and bathroom towels.

If you wish to hire beach towels you can do this at a cost of 10 euros per week. Please book in advance.

There is a good postal service from Cape Verde. Postcards are available from lots of shops. Typically a postcard reaches Europe within 7-10 days.

Stamps are available from the Post Office.

There is no regular public transport on Boa Vista. There is a minibus that runs from Sal Rei to Rabil daily for 100 CVE but there is no timetable. To get around the Island you can hire:
• Scooters
• Quad-Bikes
• 4x4 vehicles
• Hire taxis for day / half day
• Use tour operators for guided tours
See more in our TO DO section

You can buy most basic food, cleaning materials, toiletries and pharmacy items on the island.
There are lots of local corner shops and the larger supermarket of Boas Compras.
There is a butcher, fish market, fruit & veg market and bakers.
Also there are lots of bars and restaurants – in 14 days you could eat in a different restaurant every night, and you'll be welcomed in any of them.

When you arrive, in our information pack you will find a full list of bars and restaurants.