French is taught at schools, and some people in the main towns speak enough English to provide basic information. Credit cards can be used. Car rentals available. The Palacio da Cultura in Praia has a cybercafe where you can log on and check your E-mail. Cape Verde has no endemic or tropical diseases.
All islands have health centers and pharmacies, though stocks can be patchy.
Visitors are advised to drink bottled water as a precaution. No vaccinations are required. Brava and Santo Antao islands are particularly favored by hikers because of their lush, mountainous scenery. Fogo island has an active volcano. Other organized activities, usually at the best hotels, include scuba diving, big-game fishing and wind surfing.