Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Vaccinations for Cabo Verde:- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B (if engaging in certain activities)
- Typhoid
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP)
Consider rabies if spending time outdoors or with animals. No yellow fever vaccine needed unless traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever. Always consult a healthcare provider before travel.
vaccination requirements When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Cabo Verde, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Cabo VerdeCulture & Customs
Respect local customs: greet with a handshake and a smile; it’s polite and appreciated. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Time is relaxed here, so expect delays.
Do: Try traditional music and dance; it’s a big part of their culture.
Don’t: Refuse food or drink when offered; it’s considered rude.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, the scene is low-key but generally tolerant; discretion is wise. Women should be cautious of unwanted attention, especially when traveling alone.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Cabo Verde.
- Cachupa: This is Cape Verde’s national dish, a hearty stew made from corn, beans, and whatever meat or fish is available. It’s a staple comfort food that reflects the island’s agricultural roots and communal spirit.
- Pastel: These are deep-fried pastries filled with fish or meat, kind of like Cape Verde’s version of an empanada. They’re widely popular as a street food snack and are perfect for a quick, tasty bite.
- Buzio: A dish made from sea snails, usually cooked in a spicy sauce. It’s a bit of an acquired taste but a must-try for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the local flavors. Represents the islands’ connection to the sea.
- Grogue: While not a dish, this potent local rum is an essential part of Cape Verdean culture. Made from sugarcane, it’s often enjoyed during social gatherings and celebrations.
- Caldo de Peixe: A traditional fish soup that’s both simple and flavorful, often enjoyed by locals as a comforting meal. It’s a great way to experience the fresh seafood that Cape Verde is known for.
Tap water in Cabo Verde is generally not recommended for tourists to drink, even though some locals might consume it. To stay on the safe side, stick to bottled or filtered water. It’s easy to find bottled water in most places, and it’s a safer bet to avoid any stomach troubles.
The main language in Cabo Verde is
Portuguese. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Portuguese skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Cabo Verde includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Cabo Verde,
English is not the primary language, but it is increasingly spoken, especially in tourist areas. The official language is Portuguese, and the local Creole dialect, Kriolu, is widely used among residents. In major cities like Praia and Mindelo, as well as popular tourist destinations, many people in the hospitality industry, such as hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant employees, have a good command of English.
However, outside of these areas, English proficiency may be limited. It’s beneficial for travelers to learn a few basic Portuguese phrases or Kriolu greetings to enhance their experience and communicate more effectively with locals. Overall, while English is not universally spoken, visitors will find enough English speakers in tourist-centric regions to navigate their travels comfortably.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Cabo Verde is CVE (Escudo).
In Cape Verde, having some cash on hand is essential. ATMs are available in larger towns and cities, but they can be unreliable or might run out of cash, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s a good idea to withdraw when you can, but don’t rely solely on ATMs.
Carry a mix of local currency (CVE) and euros. Euros are widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions. As for dollars, they aren’t as commonly accepted, so stick to euros if you’re bringing foreign currency.
Credit and debit cards aren’t universally accepted, especially in smaller shops and eateries, so don’t count on them for everyday expenses. Larger hotels and major restaurants might accept them, but always double-check.
For exchanging money, banks and currency exchange offices at the airport are reliable options. While some hotels offer currency exchange, rates might not be as favorable. Avoid exchanging money on the street to steer clear of scams.
Tipping in Cabo Verde isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. In restaurants, leaving around 5-10% for good service is common. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, rounding up the bill or giving a small tip is a nice gesture.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere..jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.v2.webp){kind=logo}
