Customs and currency: U.S. citizens must have visas and inoculations against yellow fever. Typhoid, tetanus, and gamma globulin immunizations are strongly recommended. Malaria suppressants are recommended and should definitely be used if traveling via mainland Africa. Check latest immunization requirements. Cape Verdean escudos are not convertible outside the country.

Climate and clothing: Cape Verde has a dry, temperate climate with little temperature variation throughout the year. September is the warmest month--26 degrees centigrade (71F). Rain is scarce; most falls between July and October. Strong northeast winds blow almost constantly.

Health: Sanitation is fair in Fraia and Mindelo. Although these cities have hospitals, medical care is inadequate. All water supplies are unsafe for drinking. Bottled water is readily available. Avoid uncooked vegetables in local restaurants.

Telecommunications: A satellite earth station in Praia links Cape Verde with the rest of the world. Telegraph facilities are available on most of the inhabited islands. Cape Verde has direct dialing telephone capacity to the United States.

Transportation: Regular direct flights connect Sal Island with Boston, Lisbon, Frankfurt, Paris, Havana, and several African capitals. Direct flights link Praia with Dakar and with Bissau. Scheduled domestic air service connects Sal, Praia, and Mindelo with most of the other islands. International shipping companies make regular stops at Mindelo and Praia. Small vessels operate inter-island services. Taxis are available in Praia, Sal, and Mindelo. Cape Verde is four hours ahead of eastern standard time in winter and 3 hours ahead in summer, when the U.S. observes daylight saving time, wich is not observed in Cape Verde.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, November 1989.