Cape Verde
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 527 thousand people live in Cape Verde, on 4,033 km². The capital is Praia.
- Capital
- Praia
- Population
- 527,326
- Area
- 4,033 km²
- Official languages
- Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole
No land borders
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Cape Verde?
Sockets take plug type C/F, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Cape Verde?
Call 132 for the police, 130 for an ambulance and 131 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Cape Verde?
About 10 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Cape Verde?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Cape Verde?
Prices are in Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE).
What language do they speak in Cape Verde?
Official languages: Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole.
How do I call a number in Cape Verde from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +238.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
