Made up of several islands, life on Cape Verde is a year-long sunny skies and walks on the beach. This charming country is full of history and contrasting influences that resonate until today. Popular among vacationers and investors, Cape Verde is a top destination. We’ve put together some great information that should help you prepare and settle in.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accommodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
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Boa Vista-The Next Irresistible Holiday Destination
Cast adrift in Atlantic Ocean, a stone’s throw from the western coast of Senegal, lies the laid-back archipelago of Cape Verde. Santiago is the largest of the ten islands; Sal is the most developed. Nestled snugly between the two, Boa Vista is (as the Cape Verde tourism board suggests) the “Cosy Island”. Santiago is larger; Sal can at times feel crowded—but Boa Vista is just right.
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Expat Clubs
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Cape Verde and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools
L'école internationale les Alizés
The International School The Easterly was born from the desire of parents wishing to enroll their children in French education system. Established in 1991 in the city of Praia, the school was approved in 2000 (for primary classes) by the Ministry of Education through the French Agency for French Teaching Abroad (EFMA). L'École Internationale Easterly is self-managed and administered by an association of parents (EPA ).
Curriculum: French
Address: C.P. 395, Praia, Cape Verde
Tel: +238 61 43 69
Email: [email protected]
Website (French): www.ambafrance-cv.org
Local News in English
allAfrica – Cape Verde
AllAfrica publishes around 2,000 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 200 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. They publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons.
Website: www.allafrica.com
Country Information
Location: Africa
Capital City: Praia
Other Important Cities: Mindelo, Santa Maria, Cova Figueira
Currency: Escudo Caboverdiano (CVEsc)
Language: Portuguese
Calling Code: 238
Internet TLD: .cv
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Emergency Numbers:
- Hospital: 130
- Fire brigade: 131
- Police: 132
Embassy Information
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
All nationals are required to have a visa to enter Cape Verde. Applications can be done through a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate in your home or host country. It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival, but this process is time-consuming and causes delays. It is much more advisable to apply for a visa before travelling to the country.
Single and multiple entry visas are available. Single-entry are valid for up to 30 days, while multiple-entry for up to six months.
For more information on visas to Cape Verde, please visit here.
Accommodation
With several islands to choose from, Cape Verde has a number of options including apartments and guest houses. Most tourists are concentrated in the city of Santa Maria, Sal Island. This is due to the resorts, luxury homes, apartments and villas that built on the coast.
The island Santiago and its city Praia, is a densely populated area, businessmen, diplomats and tourist flock here; there are many attractions, beaches, and historical sites to visit.
Cape Verde is one of the top real estate investment destinations in the world. Properties go for much lower than other tourist destinations.
Driving License
Any one, either emigrant or foreigner, can drive in Cape Verde during a period of six months with the driving license from its country of origin.
The Portuguese driving license is valid in Cape Verde through the authentication via Portuguese aviation services or the Portuguese Embassy in Cape Verde.
The driving license can be acquired after paying a rate of 1500$00 + 500$00, and it should be accompanied by:
- doctors certificate;
- original driving license;
- ID card or Passport copy.
An immigrant can renew his/her Cape-Verdean driving license via an assigned representative.
With the exception of Cape-Verdean immigrants in Africa and Asia, the driving license of other countries can be registered in Cape Verde through practical test conducted by the Cape Verde Aviation Services.
For more information see here.
Healthcare
Facilities in Cape Verde are limited are not up to Western standards. It is highly advised to secure a comprehensive health insurance that will reimburse any cost, as hospitals may expect cash payments. Praia and Mindelo has the largest hospitals, with smaller facilities and clinics available throughout the country. Brava and Santo Antao have no airports, air evacuation is not possible.
Routine vaccinations are also recommended before travelling.
Insurance Companies
Companhia Cabo-Verdiana de Seguros
It is a leading Cape Verde insurance company. Its name is abbreviated, in Portuguese, to IMPAR. It is based in Praia and maintains offices in Mindelo, Sal and Fogo.
Address: Rua Amilcar Cabral, CP 469, Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238 260 31 27, +238 260 31 28
Fax: Fax: +238 261 60 25, +238 260 37 65
Mobile: +238 956 45 25
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website (Portuguese): www.impar.cv
Hospitals
Hospital Dr Baptista de Sousa
Address: Lombo, Mindelo, Cape Verde
Tel: +238 231 03 12
Fax: +238 231 09 39
Hospital Dr Agostinho Neto
Address: Lg Martires Pdjiguiti Plateau Cidade da Praia, Praia, Cape Verde
Tel: +238 260 00 50
