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Dive in turquoise waters
Hot weather is constant in this tropical region. Without leaving the capital city of Mindelo, Laginha beach is a first option. Not far away, you’ll find Calhau beach and the crystal clear water of Salamansa. And the bay of Praia Grande — which forms a kind of natural pool with a view to the volcano foothills.
Listen to the morna
In Mindelo, music is played live in bars, clubs and even on the streets, such as the Amílcar Cabral square. The island is home to the internationally known music festival of Baía das Gatas. And also Mindelact, a theatre event that proves Cape Verde’s importance in performing arts.
Culture and 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.