Medical care in the country cannot be compared to Europe and is often highly problematic in terms of technology, equipment and/or hygiene. The number of adequately trained specialists is limited, especially in rural areas. Sufficient local health insurance coverage and reliable travel insurance are strongly recommended. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way.Check indexdotcom for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who plan to enter the country within 6 days of staying in an infected area designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit travelers who do not leave the airport in Cape Verde. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] There is a low risk of malaria on the island of São Tiago (no cases since 2001) from September to the end of November. [4] Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS can be a danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or needles and blood transfusions can pose a life-threatening risk.
Money
Currency
1 Cape Verde escudo = 100 centavos (pegged to the euro). Currency code: CVE (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 200 CVE; Coins come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1 CVE, but are not used. On Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago you can also pay with euros. On the smaller islands one should exchange cash in local currency.
Credit cards
Credit cards only accepted in large hotels (Visa only). Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card. In some banks you can also get cash with a Mastercard for a fee (presentation of your passport).
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at a few ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed in banks and bureaux de change in the larger cities of Cape Verde.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 08.00-15.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
A maximum of 1 million CVE of local currency may be imported. Unlimited import of foreign currencies, obligation to declare. Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus the exchange amounts.
Currency Exchange
Cash can be exchanged upon arrival at Sal Airport, banks across the country and bureaux de change. You need the exchange receipts for the return exchange.
