Sal Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Unitel T+ and CV Móvel are the main mobile network operators. Both offer good coverage on Sal.

Details

Purchase SIM cards at the airport or official shops in Santa Maria/Espargos. Passport needed for registration. Consider an eSIM for convenience: Airalo eSIMs.
Top-up cards for credit and data bundles are widely available.
Local SIM cards allow for affordable local calls and reliable data.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is common in most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cafes in Santa Maria.

Connectivity Options

Wi-Fi speeds can vary and might be slower than expected.
A local SIM with a data plan often offers the most consistent internet.
Consider a portable Wi-Fi device for constant access: Solis Wi-Fi.

Language Overview

Portuguese is the official language. Kriolu is the national language, spoken daily by virtually all locals.

Language Facts

English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Santa Maria.
A basic phrasebook for Portuguese and Kriolu can be helpful.
A Translation app on your phone (Google Translate with offline downloads) bridges language barriers. Learn Kriolu with Rosetta Stone.

Essential Kriolu Phrases

Making an effort to speak a few words of Kriolu is greatly appreciated and supports your interactions.

Common Greetings & Responses

Olá (Ola) - Hello; Bom dia (Bom DEE-ah) - Good morning
Komo bu sta? (KO-mo boo stah?) - How are you?; Mi sta dretu (Mee stah DREH-too) - I am fine
Obrigado/Obrigada (Oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah) - Thank you; Sim (Seem) - Yes; Não (Nowm) - No

Postal Services

Where to Find Services

Postal services are available in Espargos (the capital).
Also available in Santa Maria.
You can send postcards or letters from the post offices in these towns.
Some hotels or tourist shops may offer to mail postcards for a small service fee.

Important Information

Be aware that delivery times can be longer than expected.
Stamps may be available at local post offices.
Check current operating hours for postal services.
Larger packages may require specific customs declarations.

Communication Tips

Using a local SIM card with a data plan often offers the most consistent internet access, especially away from your accommodation. Be sure to register your SIM with your passport.

Local Operating Hours

Shops

Generally, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM and 3:00 PM-7:00 PM. Saturdays, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. Many smaller shops are closed on Sundays. Tourist area shops might have extended hours.

Banks

Typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. Best to do banking transactions during these hours. ATMs are in Santa Maria and Espargos. Inform your bank of your travel plans.

Restaurants

Lunch service generally 12:00 PM-3:00 PM. Dinner service starts at 7:00 PM and can extend until 10:00 PM or later, especially in Santa Maria tourist areas.

Airport Services and Lounges

Airport services vary, with some options for travelers seeking comfort or compensation.

Amenities and Assistance

Airport Lounges: Priority Pass offers lounge access worldwide. Check Priority Pass for details.
Flight Compensation: Services like Compensair assist with claims for delays or cancellations.
These services can add comfort or financial recourse for air travelers.

Seasonal Closures & Limited Schedules

During the low season (July-September), some smaller establishments or tour operators might close for renovations or staff holidays.

What to Expect

Confirm availability for specific tours or restaurants during this period.
Low season generally means fewer crowds.
Hotter and more humid weather in the low season.

Public Holidays Affecting Services

Major Public Holidays Examples

New Year's Day (January 1)
Carnival (variable, Feb/Mar)
National Day (July 5)

Impact on Services

Businesses may have reduced hours or close entirely.
Plan accordingly, especially for banking and government services.
Check specific dates before your trip.

Planning Ahead

Verify opening hours for specific attractions, restaurants, or services, especially if your visit falls during public holidays or the low season.

Local Customs & Manners

Greeting Customs

Cabo Verdeans are generally friendly and polite. Basic greetings make a big difference.

Practices

A simple "Olá" or "Bom dia/tarde/noite" is customary.
Handshakes are common, especially when meeting someone new.
"Tudo bem?" is a common informal greeting for "All good?".

Appropriate Attire

Casual and relaxed dress suits most settings on Sal.

Dressing Guidelines

Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is respectful when visiting churches or traditional villages.
Beachwear is for beaches and pool areas, not for walking around towns, shops, or restaurants.
Dress respectfully when interacting with local elders.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Embrace the "no stress" approach when dining. Service may be slower.

Dining Notes

Patience is a virtue; don't rush or show frustration.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Consult general tipping guidelines for restaurants, taxis, and tour guides.

Photography Guidelines

Ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, especially children.

Ethical Photography

A simple gesture or "Posso tirar uma foto?" in Portuguese often works.
Respect if someone declines. Be discreet in sensitive areas, like religious sites.
Avoid overtly photographing military installations, government buildings, or port facilities.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid These Topics

Avoid discussing local politics.
Refrain from overtly criticizing local customs or institutions.
The "no stress" approach is deeply ingrained; impatience or overt displays of frustration are not well-received.

Bargaining & Etiquette

Bargaining is common in local markets for crafts and souvenirs.
Do not haggle aggressively or in fixed-price shops or restaurants.
Always bargain politely and with a smile.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Norms

Cabo Verde is generally a conservative society.
Public displays of affection are typically discreet.
This applies regardless of orientation.

LGBTQ+ Welcome

LGBTQ+ rights are recognized in Cabo Verde.
Society is generally welcoming, especially in major tourist areas.
Discretion is advisable outside of major tourist centers or in more conservative settings.

Cultural Sensitivity Note

Carry a Small notebook to write down essential information, directions, or phrases. This is helpful if your phone battery dies or in areas with no reception.

Accessibility Notes

Accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges is limited on Sal, reflecting the general infrastructure development.

Infrastructure for Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure for mobility access on Sal often has hurdles.

Common Issues

Sidewalks can be uneven, narrow, or non-existent in many areas.
Many smaller establishments and guesthouses lack ramps or elevators.
Larger, newer resorts may offer better accessibility within their premises.

Accessible Attractions & Transportation

Few attractions are specifically designed for full accessibility.

Transport & Sites

While a wheelchair user might visit Pedra de Lume with assistance, navigating all areas can be challenging.
Standard public transport (aluguers) is not accessible for wheelchair users. Taxis might be an option with assistance.
Inquire with tour operators about their ability to accommodate mobility needs. Some may offer private tours.

Support for Sensory Impairments

Specific widespread services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are not common.

Recommendations

It is wise to travel with a companion.
Arrange specialized assistance in advance through a travel agency specializing in accessible travel.
Directly contact hotels and tour operators to discuss specific needs.

Finding Accessibility Resources

Information about accessibility can be gathered through specific inquiries and online research.

Information Sources

Research online travel forums or specialized accessible travel websites for insights from other travelers.
Directly contact hotels, tour operators, and the airport to inquire about their specific accessibility features and services before booking.
Planning ahead makes a difference for accessibility.

Accessibility Tip

Direct communication with service providers is the best way to determine if a location can meet specific accessibility requirements.

Sal Travel Tips