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Adventure
Beach
Romance
Twenty degrees in the water — all year. The island has a diverse landscape, from mountains to tropical greens. But you’ll want to be in the sea most of the time. So book a flight to Praia and...

Enjoy the sun
Praia means “beach” (literally). Quebra Canela, Mar, Gamboa, Negra... you only have to pick one (or all!). Some have white sand, others black sand, but each is a paradise, with unbelievable fauna and flora. The Tarrafal beach, on the north, is very popular among surfers and water sports fans.

Feel the city’s pulse
As a city, Praia has modernized to become a complete cultural program. Besides a tour on the Plateau, historical district, there are countless bars and restaurants to enjoy the typical flavors and listen to the warm sounds of the cape verdean soul. Another must do is the Central Market, where you can find the traditional cloths and handicrafts.

 

Culture and Business

On a business trip, knowing the culture and customs of the country you are visiting can have a big impact on the success of your business.

Before leaving

Make sure you have your passport and boarding pass with you. Depending on your country of origin, arrange your visa or other required documentation well in advance. Go to the traveler's office and take all the necessary vaccinations and prevention medications, if applicable.

Climate

The climate of Cape Verde is arid or semi-arid, with temperatures between 20ºC and 25ºC.

Time zone

GMT - 1

Geography and Politics

Cape Verde consists of an archipelago made up of 10 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean 570 km off the west coast of Africa. Cape Verde is a semi-presidentialist republic, within the framework of a representative democracy.

Tips and Payment

The currency of the country is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) which is pegged to the euro. It is customary to leave a tip in restaurants, the value depends on the service provided. It is advisable to take with you Cape Verdean escudos so that you do not depend on places that accept credit cards.

Language and expressions to memorize

The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole is used colloquially and is the mother tongue of most of the population. Some useful phrases in Portuguese are: “olá” = hi, “por favor” = please; “muito obrigado/a” = thank you very much; “desculpe” = sorry.

What to do

Ask openly about family and life in general. Cape Verdeans like to get to know well the people they work with. They are a generous and welcoming people who have taste and take pride in inviting others to share a meal in their home.

What not to do

Cape Verdeans are an open and communicative people - do not be intimidated by their physical proximity and effusiveness when they communicate.

What to wear

Opt for a formal look for business meetings. Due to the hot and humid weather, you can wear more practical clothes in casual situations, such as a short-sleeved shirt and pants for men and a light dress or skirt and blouse for women.

First contact

The most common form of greeting in business is the handshake. It is customary to greet someone with two kisses when you meet them for the first time in an informal context. The usual greeting between two men is a handshake.