Is Cabo Verde Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cabo Verde generally maintains a relaxed and peaceful ambiance. However, it's always necessary to exercise caution, especially at night. While violent crime is not a major issue, petty crimes like pickpocketing are more common. Darkness can also bring limited visibility in nonurban areas as street lighting may not be sufficient. Women traveling alone should avoid walking alone after dark in deserted and less crowded areas. It's suggested to use reputable taxi services when moving about at night. Try to stick with popular and well-lit areas and always remain aware of your surroundings.

The public transportation in Cabo Verde is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Buses, known as 'Yasi', are commonly used for travel between towns. Taxis are also available but it's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand due to the lack of meters. However, some caution is needed during late night travels as it might not be as secure as during the daytime.

Cape Verde generally has a friendly and peaceful ambiance, and respect for women is paramount in their culture. While mild attention and polite advances from local men can occasionally occur, blatant or aggressive street harassment is rare, making it a relatively safe destination for solo female travelers. As with any travel, it's always essential to stay aware of your surroundings, but overall harassment in the streets is low in Cape Verde.

While petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching do occur in Cabo Verde, they are not rampant. Tourists are advised to keep an eye on their belongings, especially in crowded areas or popular tourist locations, and not to display expensive gadgets or jewelry excessively. It's better to take a low-key approach. Generally, the local people are quite friendly and the police are providing reliable assistance to ensure a safe environment for the tourists.

Drinking tap water in Cabo Verde might not be safe. Though it might be treated, it's not consistently safe to drink due to sometimes irregular local standards and lack of infrastructure. It's recommended to drink bottled water or use water purification tablets or devices when visiting Cabo Verde to avoid any potential issues with water contamination.

The United States government advises to exercise normal precautions in Cabo Verde. However, be aware that some areas have an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Cabo Verde due to crime. Check the full travel advisory.