Boa Vista Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Two major mobile carriers: Unitel T+ and CV Móvel.

SIM Cards & Internet

Buy local SIM cards at BVC Airport or in Sal Rei town.
Passport is needed for registration. Mobile phone must not be locked.
Most hotels and resorts offer free Wi-Fi, but speeds vary.

Consider an eSIM from Airalo

Portable WiFi from Solis Wi-Fi

Language Resources

Portuguese is the official language. Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole) is spoken daily.

Helpful Phrases

English is common in tourist areas. Italian, French, German also spoken.
Google Translate app with downloadable packs for Portuguese and Kriolu is helpful.
A Portuguese phrasebook is a good companion.

Learn with Rosetta Stone

Important Phrases

A few phrases for your interactions:

Greetings & Basics

Olá (Oh-LAH): Hello
Bom dia (Bohm DEE-ah): Good morning
Boa tarde (BOH-ah TAR-dee): Good afternoon

More Phrases

Continue your basic Kriolu and Portuguese vocabulary:

Essential Words

Boa noite (BOH-ah NOY-tee): Good evening/night
Obrigado/Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-doo/oh-bree-GAH-dah): Thank you
Por favor (poor fah-VOR): Please

Business Hours & Schedules

Typical Operating Hours

Shops: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, 3:00 PM-7:00 PM; Sat, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM.
Restaurants: Lunch 12:00 PM-2:00 PM, Dinner 7:00 PM-10:00 PM/11:00 PM.
Markets: Early mornings best for fresh items.
Banks: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. ATMs in Sal Rei and airport.

Holidays & Seasonal Changes

Public holidays (religious/national) could lead to temporary closures and limited transport.
Carnival (Feb/Mar), Independence Day (July 5), Christmas are holidays.
Some small businesses may close in low season (Aug-Sep).
Major hotels generally operate year-round.

Note: Internet Access

Mobile data with a local SIM card is the most reliable internet connection across the island.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engaging with Boa Vista’s culture with sensitivity makes your visit better and cultivates positive interactions.

Greeting Customs

Politeness has high value. Always greet people with "Olá," "Bom dia," etc. A handshake is common. Greet before conversations.

Appropriate Attire

Dress is easy-going, but modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated in communities and hamlets, especially near churches.

Photography

Always ask permission before taking photos of individuals, especially children. Be discreet and respectful. Avoid military/government sites.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

Practices

Refer to sections 2.3 and 7.1 for detailed dining customs.
Tipping is a common courtesy for good service.
A small gratuity shows appreciation.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Certain subjects require discretion.

What to Avoid

Avoid discussing local politics without an invitation by locals.
Respect religious beliefs and local customs.
Discuss poverty with sensitivity, avoid intrusive questions.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Considerations

Social Norms

Cabo Verde is generally socially conservative.
Public displays of affection, especially for LGBTQ+ couples, may draw unwanted attention.
The country is legally tolerant regarding LGBTQ+ rights.

Travel Advice

Respect local etiquette for your own comfort and safety.
Discretion is advisable in public.
Local attitudes can vary by region.

Patience is a Virtue

Embrace the "No Stress" philosophy. Life moves at a more relaxed speed here. Be patient with service and transportation.

Accessibility Information

Boa Vista's infrastructure has challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Infrastructure

The island's infrastructure is not highly developed for accessibility.

Mobility Challenges

Pavements in Sal Rei can be uneven.
Many roads outside town are dirt roads, sandy, or rocky, making navigation difficult.
This poses difficulties for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.