Travel to Cape Verde to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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 Cape Verde

Intro

Backpacking or traveling in Cape Verde?

  • On this volcanic group of ten islands belonging to Africa you will find a mix of Portuguese, Italian and African influences. It is a popular and accessible (a bit remote though...) travel destination, in part because of the wonderful climate and because the nature and culture is beautiful! It is a bit expensive though, especially for the backpacker, and especially if you want to visit multiple islands.
  • Activity spotting: climb the Pico do Fogo and drink a glass of white wine afterwards, take a lesson in kite surfing, dive into the water with your snorkel set or scuba gear, swim swim swim swim and enjoy the beautiful beaches, do a turtle tour with a conservation organization, visit the salt mines of Sal Island, imagine yourself in the past in the ruins of the fishing village of Curral Velho, discover the deserts of Cape Verde.

Study in Cape Verde?

  • Cape Verde is not a popular study country, yet you can definitely go there. There are several educational institutions and institutes where you can choose from more than 100 studies. For example, consider business administration, management, tourism, economics, sociology, hospitality, etc.
  • Study cities: Praia, Mindelo, Assomada.

Internship in Cape Verde?

  • In particular, internships are available in international organizations, through universities and in the field of nature conservation.

Volunteering in Cape Verde?

  • If you want to volunteer in Cape Verde, there are quite a few options! These include education, health care, turtle conservation, stray animal shelters and supporting communities.
  • You can volunteer for both short and long periods of time.

Work in Cape Verde?

  • The biggest sector for work in Cape Verde is the tourism and hospitality sector. Think jobs in hotels, but also as a tour guide, for example. Other jobs can also be found, but you have to look a little harder for these.
  • The official language is Portuguese, but English is also widely spoken. Still, learning Portuguese for your job in Cape Verde can't hurt.
  • The work atmosphere is formal, where indirect and nonverbal communication play an important role. Hierarchy also plays an important role.

Working as a digital nomad in Cape Verde?

  • Cape Verde is an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads. There is a pleasant climate all year round, life is relaxed, nature is beautiful and it is cheaper than most places in Europe. The infrastructure including Internet is not your thing, so you have been warned.

Living in Cape Verde?

  • In Cape Verde you can have a wonderful time, especially as a sun lover. You enjoy a quiet life here... No stress, slowly, slowly.
  • Combine your work with enjoying beautiful beaches, special, volcanic nature and many sports opportunities.
  • Costs are lower than in Western Europe, the culture is a lot richer and the Cape Verdeans are known for their hospitality. So you can quickly feel at home!
  • Health care varies by island, but is pretty good in the big cities. Crime is prevalent, but not too bad compared to other countries.
  • Make sure you have your own good health insurance.

 

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Zet je in voor de natuur op Kaapverdië

Project Biodiversity zet zich in om de biodiversiteit op de eilanden van Kaapverdië te beschermen en te versterken. Jij kunt in de diverse projecten meewerken als vrijwilliger. Denk bijvoorbeeld aan het planten van bomen, het verzorgen, redden en beschermen van zeeschildpadden, het helpen tijde...

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Cape Verde: Updates & Travel
  • Travel in Cape Verde?
  • Updates Cape Verde
  • Travel in Cape Verde?

    • Cape Verde consists of several islands, each with its own beautiful nature, cultural customs and special animal species. Go diving with the turtles or visit the historic city of Cidade Velha. Music...
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Oasis Atlantico

Oasis Atlantico runs hotels in Portuguese speaking countries, mainly on the Cape verde islands.

Blue Ventures

Blue Ventures is an international organization that seeks to bring about lasting change in the lives of local fishermen by focusing on nature conservation in marine ecosystems. Starting out as a small NGO in Madagascar, they have since grown into a significant lobby group/advocate for small-sca...

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Zet je in voor de natuur op Kaapverdië

Project Biodiversity zet zich in om de biodiversiteit op de eilanden van Kaapverdië te beschermen en te versterken. Jij kunt in de diverse projecten meewerken als vrijwilliger. Denk bijvoorbeeld aan het planten van bomen, het verzorgen, redden en beschermen van zeeschildpadden, het helpen tijde...

Cape Verde: Updates & Travel
  • Travel in Cape Verde?
  • Updates Cape Verde
  • Travel in Cape Verde?

    • Cape Verde consists of several islands, each with its own beautiful nature, cultural customs and special animal species. Go diving with the turtles or visit the historic city of Cidade Velha. Music...

Safety, insurances and packing list for Cape Verde

Packing list for Cape Verde, travel insurance for Cape Verde, and taking your belongings

Packing list for Cape Verde, travel insurance for Cape Verde, and taking your belongings

Packing list for Cape Verde, travel insurance for Cape Verde, and taking your belongings

To take or not to take to Cape Verde, leave at home or arrange locally?
Sufficiently insured or not for your activities in Cape Verde?
Sufficiently insured or not for your trip to Cape Verde?

What to take with you to Cape Verde: short

Featured items:
  • Documents: passport valid for at least 6 months. An online and/or offline copy of your passport is always useful.
  • Money: euros are the best to take with you and can easily be exchanged for Cape Verdean Escudo. A debit card in case you need more.
  • Care: sunscreen and sun cream with a high factor – the sun is merciless.
  • Outdoor and practical: cap or hat and sunglasses. The sun is bright, the shade is scarce.
  • Clothing: light, airy clothing all year round. Light colors of linen and cotton are best. A warm layer for the evening, in the mountains or when the wind picks up. Swimwear. Long clothing for the evening against mosquitoes.
  • Shoes: good walking shoes for the stony paths (more about mountain boots or hiking boots), sandals or flip-flops for the beaches and villages.
  • Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, diarrhea pills, motion sickness pills (if you are taking the boat), ORS (dehydration is a thing) and mosquito repellent.
  • Technology and equipment: world plug with type C & F. Power bank when you are visiting the small islands and the power goes out.
  • Woman: tampons and menstrual products (are hard to find).
What are some other options for packing as well?
  • Reusable water bottle with filter.
  • Quick-drying travel towel.
  • Water shoes and snorkel set for all aquatic life.
  • Headphones/earphones with noise-cancelling – handy on the ferry or in noisy guesthouses.
  • E-reader or something else to do offline!
  • In the months of August-October a light raincoat.
  • International driving license, when you want to rent a car. A kite, to get the most out of the wind on Sal and Boa Vista!

Are there mosquitoes in Cape Verde?

  • The Cape Verde Islands are subtropical, so there are mosquitoes present, but not in huge numbers.
  • It also helps that it is very windy - that makes it a bit more difficult for the mosquitoes to find a suitable spot.
  • Mosquitoes like the period from July to December the most - then they are present in large numbers.
  • On Sal and Boa Vista - the popular, dry sandpit islands - they are much less active, but not completely absent. You can still expect buzzing, especially around stagnant water (think: leaking taps, flower pots or tanks).
  • The mosquitoes can also transmit serious diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya.

Are there sandflies in Cape Verde?

  • Sand flies and leishmaniasis are a small risk in Cape Verde and there are only rare cases of leishmaniasis.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Cape Verde?

  • The chance that you can buy DEET or other mosquito repellents in Cape Verde is small.
  • When you find a mosquito repellent, it is most likely not as strong as the one you have at home.
  • Brands like Jungle Formula and Off! are for sale on Cape Verde and natural repellents like Incognito (DEET-free) and Avon Skin So Soft.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Cape Verde, or take it with you to Cape Verde?

  • Cannabis is illegal and having anything to do with it can be expensive. Use can lead to arrests or fines, and there is no exception for tourists.
  • So bringing cannabis with you is not a good idea either.
How does healthcare work in Cape Verde, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Cape Verde, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Cape Verde?

What is the quality of healthcare in Cape Verde?

  • Medical care in Cape Verde is limited and consists of both public and private options. In recent years, the quality and coverage of healthcare have improved significantly, as has life expectancy. Still, healthcare remains limited.
  • The largest hospitals are located in Praia and Mindelo. There are also hospitals in São Filipe and Fogo. In the rest of the country, you’ll mostly find smaller medical facilities.
  • For serious medical issues, you often need to travel to Portugal or at least to a larger island.
  • Pharmacies (farmácias) can be found in towns and on most islands. For basic medication you’re usually fine, but for specific or chronic medicines you may face long waiting times. Opening hours are fairly standard (daytime); on Sundays or holidays you may need to search a bit more.
  • It can be useful to learn some basic Portuguese phrases for better communication with medical staff.
  • The general emergency number is 130.

How does the public healthcare system work in Cape Verde?

  • The public system is accessible and inexpensive. Suitable for simple issues, but not for extensive care.
  • Cape Verde has a national health insurance system: the National Institute of Social Security (INPS). Working residents and citizens pay contributions to this.
  • You typically start at a health center; with a referral you can then go to a regional hospital.
  • Around 70% of costs are often covered under the national scheme, but tourists/expats are usually not included.
  • Downsides: limited equipment, medicines not always in stock, long waiting times, and unstable basic services (water, electricity).

How does the private healthcare system work in Cape Verde?

  • Private care is available in Praia and Mindelo, with better-trained doctors and somewhat more modern facilities.
  • It is generally faster, cleaner, and more efficient than public care, but naturally more expensive. Still, it is often cheaper than Western Europe.
  • For complex surgeries or long-term treatment, most expats opt for evacuation to Portugal.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Cape Verde?

  • There’s no traditional GP system, but you can find general doctors at health clinics. 
  • Expats often find a fixed private doctor in Praia or Mindelo. 

How is the dentist arranged in Cape Verde?

  • Dentists are mainly located in the larger cities.
  • Fine for cavities, cleanings, and basic care. Costs are usually lower than in Europe.
  • For serious procedures or oral surgery, many people travel abroad, often to Europe.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Cape Verde?

  • Maternity care has improved significantly in recent years. Facilities are still limited, though.
  • Hospital Agostino Neto is the most popular hospital for deliveries.
  • Giving birth in public hospitals can be risky: little equipment, staff shortages, and sometimes insufficient medication.
  • Private clinics offer better conditions, but quality varies widely.
  • Many women (especially expats) plan to give birth in Portugal, particularly in case of medical complications.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Cape Verde?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Cape Verde?

  • Cape Verde is relatively safe, with a stable political situation compared to the region.
  • Pickpocketing and petty theft occur in cities and tourist areas. Serious violent crime is less common.
  • Power outages are fairly common.
  • Going for a swim? Watch out for strong currents.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Cape Verde?

  • Mosquito-borne diseases are present.
  • Other infectious diseases occur; always drink clean bottled water and eat well-preserved food.
  • HIV/AIDS is present.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Cape Verde?

  • Driving isn’t always easy due to poorly maintained or unpaved roads. Drivers can be reckless.
  • Taxis are plentiful in cities and cheap, but make sure to use reliable ones and agree on the fare in advance.
  • Ferries are unreliable (in terms of schedule and safety). Flights are sometimes more reliable.
  • Driving at night is risky: animals on the road, potholes, and no lighting.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Cape Verde?

  • Is the trip to Cape Verde and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Cape Verde if you are going to live there for a while?

  • An international expat/emigration health insurance is strongly recommended.
  • If you have private insurance, you can choose your own doctor in Cape Verde.
  • Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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