Praia Travel Guide

Cape Verde

Get eSIM Factsheet
159K
Population
RAI
Nearest airport
$103
Daily Budget
70
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

Interactive Map

All POIs
Top Picks
Free Entry
Family-Friendly

Plan your arrival in Praia

Arriving

  • Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) · 4 km away

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your Cape Verde eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our Cape Verde plans: CVMOVEL (4G).
  4. Cape Verde plans currently start at $24.25, for 500MB/day over 1 day. Compare all 11 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G · good
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalSome rural outskirts
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • Food deliveryNo established apps

Praia at a glance

Region
Sotavento Islands
Population
159,050 (2017)
Elevation
1 m above sea level
On or near
Atlantic Ocean
Time zone
UTC-01:00
Currency
Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Plug types
C and F
Emergency numbers
Police 132 · Ambulance 130 · Fire 131
Drives on the
right
Official languages
Cape Verdean Creole and Portuguese
Calling code
+238

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Staying Connected

How long is your trip?

Prices in USD

On every plan here

  • Uses CVMOVEL
  • Starts when you first connect, so you can install it before you fly

Our pick for each trip length from today’s plans: the lowest price that lasts the whole trip with enough data a day. A starting point, not a guarantee of what you’ll use. Data only, for unlocked eSIM phones. Check your phone · How much data do I need?

Compare all 11 Cape Verde eSIM plans Travelling as a family? One order for 2 to 6 eSIMs, each labelled by name. Save up to 25%.

Top Attractions

1
Praia de Prainha
A beautiful beach known for its clear waters and scenic views.
3h Free
2
Museu Etnográfico
Museum showcasing the cultural heritage of Cape Verde.
1.5h $5

Best Areas to Stay

Plateau
The city center with easy access to attractions.
TouristsBusiness
Achada de Santo António
A residential area with local restaurants and nightlife.
FamiliesNightlife

Typical Costs (USD)

$90
Hotel/Night
$10
Meal
$2
Transport
$3
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $46 Tourist: $103 Family: $286

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:8-10am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Greetings are important; a handshake is common.
Common Mistakes
  • Not trying local dishes
  • Underestimating travel times

Food & Drink

Must Try:Cachupa, Pastel com diabo dentro
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Unsafe
Restaurante 5 EstrelasMercado Municipal

Getting Around

Public Transport:Fair
Walkability:70/100
Bus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: November, December, April

Warmest monthOct31°C average high
Coolest monthFeb20°C average low
Wettest monthSep75 mm of rain
Driest monthApr0 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan26.719.810
Feb26.919.500
Mar27.819.800
Apr28.120.300
May28.720.900
Jun29.521.900
Jul29.723.161
Aug30.524.2554
Sep30.824.4755
Oct31.023.9272
Nov29.822.840
Dec27.821.180

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Praia, 2 km from Praia).

Praia travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Praia?

November, December and April are usually the best months to visit Praia. Average daytime highs range from about 27°C in January to 31°C in October.

How much does a day in Praia cost?

Plan from about US$46 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$103 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Praia?

Public transport includes bus and is rated fair. Walkability scores 70/100.

Which airport serves Praia?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), about 4 km from Praia.

Is Praia safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for overcharging by taxi drivers. Areas generally considered safe include Plateau and Achada de Santo António. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Praia?

Install a Cape Verde eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI). Our Cape Verde plans list CVMOVEL (4G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Praia?

Tap water is generally considered unsafe.

Explore more of Cape Verde

Cape Verde travel guideCape Verde eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Praia.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.