Being Street wise in Cape Verde

If you think you will be uncomfortable leaving your hotel in what may be a strange country, then take one of the many walking tours or tours around the island. Getting to know what's outside your hotel is very important to local shop owners who need your business in restaurants, bars and shops.

On the tourist islands you may be approached by people trying to sell you African goods, sunglasses and more. You may be aware that there are street sellers who are selling imported African goods into Cape Verde to sell as souvenirs, these sellers are generally more pro-active in encouraging you to 'come look in my shop', asking if you are English, French or Spanish etc to try and start a conversation with you, then a bit more conversation before trying to guide you into buying something. Some may try and put a wrist band on you and say its a gift, but with you promising to come back tomorrow to buy something. Others may recognise your hotel wrist band and say 'Hello, do you remember me, I met you outside the ............ Hotel yesterday and you said you would buy something from me'. or.... 'we are cheaper then Primark' or another saying you will be familiar with in your language to engage you in conversation. Many tourists will be able to deal with these street sellers, but there are those that will feel less comfortable with it. Please note, these are NOT generally local people chasing your custom.

Local Cape Verdean businesses and other foreign businesses that are based on many of the islands will not use that approach, however they would like your business.

If you are out and about in the evenings keep to the main lit areas, as would be advised when visiting most other unfamiliar places.

For general travel, health, safety and security advice on Cape Verde, visit your own government website. British citizens can visit. LINK: UK-CAPE-VERDE-FOREIGN-TRAVEL