Safety in Cape Verde

Ocean currents: The biggest danger on these islands is the rip currents, which drag even strong swimmers out to sea. Swim only at supervised beaches and stay out of the water entirely when the red flag is up.

Street guides: In Cidade Velha and Praia someone may attach himself to you offering a free tour. At the end he will demand payment aggressively, so decline politely but firmly at the start.

Petty theft: On Sal's beaches do not leave phones or money unattended. In the capital, avoid dark side streets outside the centre after sunset, since street robberies do occasionally happen.

Health: Tap water is not for drinking and is often non-potable by design. There is no malaria on the islands, but sunburn arrives in half an hour, so factor 50 and a hat are essential for everyone.

Taxi scams: Drivers will quote triple the real fare while insisting the buses have stopped running. Check with a passer-by or ask your guesthouse for the going rate before you set off.

Pushy helpers: At Shark Bay and the salt lakes people will try to rent you footwear. If you brought your own water shoes, walk past and ignore the theatrical explanations of why you cannot possibly manage without theirs.

Cape Verde is an archipelago off West Africa and one of the continent's most stable and safe countries. Violent crime against tourists is limited and the schemes are mundane.

Praia and Mindelo. Pickpockets and bag snatching in the centre, especially in the evening. The level is moderate but higher than on the resort islands.

Sal and Boa Vista. Tourist islands, and calm. The main complaints are theft from beaches and from rooms without a safe.

Beach vendors. Bracelets, excursions, "surf lessons". Persistent but not aggressive.

Taxis. Fares are fixed by zone, but a foreigner will be quoted more. Confirm the price before getting in.

Car hire. Roads on Santiago and Santo Antão are mountainous and narrow. Damage claims on return occur.

Currency exchange. The escudo is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate and euros are accepted everywhere. There is little to cheat on.

Drugs. Cape Verde lies on the cocaine transit route from Latin America to Europe, and the law reflects it: long sentences and thorough airport screening. Never carry anyone else's belongings or parcels.

Drones. Permission is required.

Sea turtles. Boa Vista and Sal are major nesting sites. The rules are strict: night excursions with a licensed guide only, no torches or flash, and no touching. Exporting shell products is prohibited.

Fishing and marine life. Collecting coral and shells is restricted.

Cash. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops; elsewhere you need escudos or euros.

Between the islands. Flights and ferries are frequently cancelled because of wind. Leave slack before your flight home — this is the commonest reason plans collapse.

Documents. Many nationalities need no visa, but a compulsory entry fee (TSA) applies, paid online in advance.

There is no malaria. Cape Verde is malaria-free apart from rare imported cases on Santiago. Prophylaxis is unnecessary.

Dengue and Zika. Outbreaks have occurred and the mosquito is present. Repellent is needed.

Vaccinations. None mandatory; a yellow fever certificate is required from arrivals out of endemic countries.

Water. Desalinated and safe in hotels, but drink bottled.

The ocean is the main danger. Atlantic currents off Sal, Boa Vista and Santo Antão are strong, the surf is heavy, and lifeguards are few. Tourist drownings occur regularly. Swim only on patrolled stretches and do not swim out.

Wind. Cape Verde is a world capital of kitesurfing precisely because of the constant trade wind. The same wind makes the sea treacherous for ordinary swimming.

Sun. Tropical UV, and the wind deceives — people burn quickly.

Healthcare. Hospitals exist in Praia and Mindelo at a basic standard. Anything serious means evacuation to Portugal or the Canaries. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

Emergency numbers: 132 police, 130 ambulance.

Cape Verde is among Africa's better performers on corruption and stability. Bribes are not taken from tourists.

Police. Correct; the languages are Portuguese and Creole, with English in the tourism sector.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken and certificates for insurers issued.

Praia at night. The capital requires urban caution: Plateau and the area around the market are not for evening walks. The resort islands are calm.

Traffic police. Enforcement exists, and the mountain roads demand attention.

What actually matters. In Cape Verde the main risk is the ocean, not people. The country is politically stable, tourism infrastructure works, and the main difficulty of a trip is inter-island logistics.

Emergency number is 132.