The official currency of Cape Verde is the escudo, denoted by the symbol “Cifrão symbol.svg” (a cifrão, a symbol similar to the dollar sign, but with two vertical strokes instead of one) after the amount. Its ISO code is CVE. The currency is fixed against the euro at 110$ per euro.

In the resort islands of Sal and Boa Vista, euros are commonly accepted, although you might receive change in escudos.

Money can be changed from all major currencies at the international airports at Sal and Praia. Bank branches at larger towns will also change money. Larger towns also have ATMs that will take Visa, MasterCard and Maestro.

High-end hotels will accept credit cards. Other hotels will expect cash although many mid-range ones will accept euros at a reasonably exchange rate (slightly worse than the banks). For everything else, expect to pay in escudos.

Timetables in Cape Verde are not to be taken too seriously – don’t be too surprised if that boat departs ahead of schedule or if that flight suddenly gets postponed until tomorrow. This is important to consider if you decide to do some island-hopping. Due to weather and other conditions flights may be delayed or canceled. Carry your toothbrush with you and build in some buffer time to your planning especially if you need to meet an international connection.

BY PLANE:

TACV Cabo Verde airlines has regular flights between the majority of the islands.

If you can afford to wait until you arrive, domestic tickets are cheaper if purchased in Cape Verde.

If your international flights are booked with TACV, you can purchase a Cabo Verde Air Pass for flights within 21-day period. Price start at €110 for two coupons and €60 for every extra coupon.

TACV flights can be rebooked for 2,000$ (escudos).

• TACV Cabo Verde Islands
  
• TACV Air Pass
  
• TACV (German Site)
  
• Cabo Verde Express

BY BOAT:

There are ferry services between the islands. Depending on the distance between the islands you are going from and to, flying can be significantly shorter but also significantly more expensive.

BY TAXI:

Nice, new taxis are available in the major cities and are not metered. Aluguers, which are usually either open-back pickup trucks with bench seats or 15-passenger Toyota vans, tend to travel between more rural destinations, particularly on Santo Antão.

EAT:

Cape Verde has fantastic fresh seafood. Tuna is common, as is Wahoo – a white fleshed fish with similar texture.

• Lagostada – a lobster dish
  
• Cachupa – the national dish made with maize and potato. Fish or chicken commonly added for flavor.
  
• Tosta mista – common toasted ham and cheese sandwich.

European food is common on all the islands. Italian is especially popular on Sal. Vegetarians can ask for omelets or salads.

DRINK:

Local beer is a lager to drink ice cold, its name is Strela, but you can easily find international beers and other drinks, including some from Portugal.

There are plenty of hotels and guest houses throughout the archipelago. Though the largest hotels are based on the islands of Sal (Riu Funana and Garopa hotels–1000 rooms combined), and Boa Vista (Riu Touareg–881 rooms).

TBC.