know the essentials

  The local currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). It is a closed currency so you can only obtain it in Cape Verde. It has a fixed exchange rate with the euro – 1 euro = 110 CVE.
 

Notes are:
200 CVE = 1.81 euro
500 CVE = 4.54 euro
1000 CVE = 9.09 euro
2000 CVE = 18.18 euro
5000 CVE = 45.45 euro
 

Euros are widely accepted but mostly at a 1 for 1 exchange rate, so everything is 10% more expensive when you pay in euros. You can exchange euros at any bank for a small fee.
 

You can withdraw escudos from ATMs. There are several ATMs around Sal Rei but be warned that at certain times of the week they are often out of cash for up to 24hrs.

Many places accept VISA or MASTERCARD. 

Most of our apartments have fibre optic or 4g router installed.
 

Many bars and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, when you purchase food or drink, but speeds are generally slow. 

There is a great coworking space available in Sal Rei if you need to work.
 

Your mobile phone operator will tell you if they can provide internet on Boa Vista. Not every provider can so it is worth checking before you leave. And remember to check the prices, most people arrive home to at least a 100 euro bill. Please remember Cape Verde isn’t in Europe.
 

If you want continuous internet access whilst you are here you can either buy a SIM card. There are 2 providers, CV Telecom or Unitel. SIM card price example (correct as at 01/04/2020): SIM card plus 6GB of data is 19€

A SIM is useable all over Cape Verde, so great for anyone island hopping.
 

If you are staying with us we can organise for a SIM card to be in the apartment on arrival, please ask us for more information.
 

The country code for Cape Verde is +238. 

The emergency number for the Police, Fire and Ambulance is 112. 

There are plenty of doctors, who are fully trained, but equipment is old or lacking, and the access to the latest drugs is limited. For example there is no operating theatre so surgical procedures are limited. However treatment for most minor ailments is available. For serious emergencies people are flown to the capital Praia. The number for the health care centre is: (00238) 2511167.
 

There is also a private clinic on the island with centres in Rabil and Sal Rei. The same doctors work at the clinic as the hospital but they do have access to a wider range of equipment and tests. In an emergency they can also organise private planes to take you off the island to hospitals elsewhere. The number for the private clinic, Esperanca Clinica Medica, is: (00238) 2511416 or (00238) 9552422 or esperancaclinicamedica@gmail.com.
 

Please be aware that the sun is exceptionally strong. There is often a breeze which makes it feel cooler so do make sure you use sun protection or cover up to avoid getting burnt. 

The pharmacy is located in town near the CV Telecom shop.

Should you need it the local number for the police is: (00238) 2511132 OR 132 from a local phone.

  If you wish to bring something to donate we are happy to help you. 

Before you arrive we can ask one of the local organisations what is needed at the current time and let you know. Maybe there is something larger, and more specific that is required. Charity organisations can give permission for extra baggage to be transported free of charge. 

Examples of items that are almost always needed:

· School materials - rucksacks, plastic bowls/spoons, toothbrushes/toothpaste, arts and crafts supplies

· Second hand or new clothes or shoes

· Medication

· Sanitary items

· Dog/cat necessities

· Christmas presents

Or it is even possible to buy something here to help a family if you’ve arrived with nothing but still want to help.

We can organise for you to take it to an organisation who will appreciate it. We don't recommend giving items to anyone in the street as it encorages begging.

  Should you wish to volunteer while you are here, or do something within the community again we will do our best to help. 

Maybe you have a skill that would entertain a small group of children, can you help a local business develop or improve their website, or are you a carer who can help give a disabled child a day out of a lifetime. 

The dogs home and vets always welcomes dog walkers. 

Whatever you can do, if it’s possible, we will help you make it happen. 

Boa Vista typically is warm all year and has all year round sunshine. 

September is the hottest month in Boa Vista with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and the coldest is January at 22°C (72°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 10 in May.
 

The wettest month is September with an average of 24mm of rain.
 

The best month to swim in the sea is in September when the average sea temperature is 27°C (81°F).

 The local language is Kriolu/Creole. This is a local, unwritten language. For a few phrases to get you going visit: https://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/capeverdeancreole.htm
 

The official language is Portuguese but on the Island you will find many people speak English, German, French or Italian. 

  There is no regular public transport on Boa Vista. 

There are minibus services that run from Sal Rei to:

· Rabil (frequently)

· Povocao Velha in the South (daily)

· Village in the North (daily) - Joao Galego, Fundo Das Figueiras and Cabeca Dos Tafafes

The minibuses are parked just past the Shell petrol station.

 For the times you would need to liaise directly with the minibus drivers - typically when they are full they go!

The airport on Boa Vista is in Rabil, about a 10 minute drive from Sal Rei.
 

For international flights, the check in time is 2hrs before departure, as normal anywhere else in the world.

For national flights, 1hr before departure is acceptable but please note internal flight times change frequently.
 

You can check your flight information on the website: https://www.vinci-airports.cv/en/aeroporto_asa/aristides-pereira-international-airport/  or contact your airline.

To book interisland flights the website is https://www.caboverdeairlines.com/.

  You don’t need a visa to enter Cape Verde for 30 days or less but you will have to pay the airport tax. 

The amount is 31 Euros. It should be paid online, 5 days in advance of arrival, via the Cape Verde authorities website EASE. www.ease.gov.cv.  If you cannot pay online then don't worry, you can pay on arrival, but you cannot use the electronic passport gates. 

If you are staying over 30 days you need to request an extension at the Police Station.

The Port is at the end of Cabral Beach. You can book ferries between islands on https://www.cvinterilhas.cv/home

You have to arrive 2 hour before the ferry departs. To board you will need your ticket and passport. To check for boat arrival and departure times we recommend using the MARINE TRAFFIC app. 

Please note ferry times change frequently so do leave time for delays if you are connecting for international flights. 

  The emergency number for the Police, Fire and Ambulance is 112. 

The crime rate in Boa Vista is very low. There is a community spirit on the Island and because there is such a tiny population everyone knows everyone.
However money and belongings are sought after by some, so we do recommend you are cautious and take sensible precautions, for example:

· Leave expensive IT equipment, like Smart Phone’s and tablet’s, in the apartment particularly in the evening or walking in remote or dark areas.

· Only take out the cash you need for one evening

· Take taxis home after dark

Should you need it the local number for the police is: (00238) 2511132 OR 132 from a local phone. 

Everyone over the age of 16 must pay Tourist Tax. 

The tax is 2.5 euro per person, per night up to a maximum of 10 nights.

This must be paid in cash on arrival.

  The sewerage system uses smaller pipes that modern European equivalents. Please be sensible about the amount of toilet paper you flush down the toilet. All sanitary products must be placed in the bin provided. 

  Water is a very scarce resource on Boa Vista, so we ask you to use it with care. It is expensive. The water from the tap is fine for washing and cooking but we do not recommend it for drinking. 

Bottled water is easily available, 5 litres costs approximately 2 euros. We normally have a supply of these in the office for you to buy, so you don’t need to carry them far. Or you can refill 5L bottles at a shop in town. 

  There is a good postal service from Cape Verde. 

Postcards are available from lots of shops or our office. 

Typically a postcard reaches Europe within 7-10 days. Stamps are available from the Post Office which is in town, behind the Camera Municipal town hall. 

The only post box is inside the Post Office, which is open 7am to 3pm.

  A few apartments have washing machines, but not many. If you wish to have laundry done whilst you are here we offer this service at 10 euros per load. Or the laundrette Speed Queen is open 7am - 9pm each day.

Linen for inside your apartment is included. This includes bed linen and bathroom towels. We change linen and towels weekly but if you wish to have a more frequent service please contact us (extra charge will apply).
 

If you wish to hire beach towels you can do this at a cost of 10 euros per week. 

Many of our apartments now have SMART TVs so you can watch your Netflix account or similar. 

  There are Cape Verdian television stations which are broadcast in Portuguese or Cape Verdiean available on the Island, but many apartments struggle to pick up the weak signal.