Capital city in Santiago, Cabo Verde
Is Praia safe?
Crime is the main concern: phone snatching, muggings and break-ins, especially at night.
Is Praia safe?
Crime is the main concern: phone snatching, muggings and break-ins, especially at night. Take taxis after dark and keep valuables out of sight.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-12-17.
- Homicide rate in Cabo Verde: 7.0 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Cabo Verde: 26.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 132 · Ambulance 130 · Fire 131 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Praia at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone and bag snatching in the Plateau and markets, muggings after dark, and car and house break-ins. |
| At night | Stay in lit, busy areas like Prainha and Palmarejo restaurants and take taxis between venues. Avoid walking alone after dark. |
| Solo women | Manageable with usual city care. Expect some catcalling; avoid walking alone at night and use taxis. |
| Other risks | Flooded streets after heavy rain; Minibuses and uneven pavements; Strong currents at Quebra Canela and some beaches |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Strangers offering help with ATMs then watching PINs
- Taxis inflating fares at the airport
- Street money changers offering bad rates
Take care
- Plateau and Sucupira market: bag snatching in crowds
- Streets outside Palmarejo and Prainha at night: muggings
- Neighbourhoods like Várzea and Achada Grande Trás
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drug offences carry heavy penalties
- Topless sunbathing is not accepted on public beaches
How Praia compares in Cabo Verde
Quick answers
Is Praia safe for solo female travelers?
Manageable with usual city care. Expect some catcalling; avoid walking alone at night and use taxis.
Is Praia safe at night?
Stay in lit, busy areas like Prainha and Palmarejo restaurants and take taxis between venues. Avoid walking alone after dark.
What is the crime rate in Praia?
Phone and bag snatching in the Plateau and markets, muggings after dark, and car and house break-ins. Nationally, Cabo Verde records 7.0 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Praia?
Police 132 · Ambulance 130 · Fire 131 · All emergencies 112.
More about Praia
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Cabo Verde Airports (ASA)
- Cabo Verde Remote Working programme
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.