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Hi Julian,

So you do realize that Sal and Boavista are two of the NINE islands inhabited islands in Cape verde, right? You also realize that there are only about 35.000 local residents in Sal and Boavista combined and that the Capital of the country and center of commerce is Praia, which has a population of 125.000. Praia is located on the island of Santiago which has half the country's population or some 250.000 residents!

So where do you think most of the goods coming into Cape Verde would go? Sal? Boavista? And being islands, goods are moved from the main ports (Praia and Mindelo) to the other islands by ship.

Do a little homework about Cape Verde. It's not that big. So it's not that difficult to figure out. If you're not finding products in Sal or Boavista, try taking a trip to Praia and buying it there. Large items can be sent via cargo on the inter-island ships (). Smaller items you can obviously take with you on the inter-island flights ().

Good luck.

Angelo

Hi Angelo,

thank you very much for your reply and your time. Yes, your wink sounds obvious, which is why I have posted this question in the first place.

So I am wondering if it is normal for people on, e.g., Boa Vista to travel to Praia regularly to shop for items? Even for groceries they do not get on their island? I couldn't find that information during my "homework", so I'd appreciate your input or that of other members again.

Thanks again and have a great day,
Julian

Hi Julian,

The locals typically get whatever goods, not available on Sal or Boavista (or any of the other small islands), by having their friends or family send it to them on one of the ships. And yes, amazingly, that includes even food items that are subject to spoilage! Even when the items are available on Sal and Boavista, they will still have items sent from Praia because it may be cheaper that way even after the cost of shipping (free if it comes with an interisland traveler).

Another approach is that one person will make the trip to Praia (or Mindelo) and bring back all the things that people have asked them to bring. Yet another approach is that some informal and enterprising merchants (they are called rabidantes) in Praia and Mindelo will travel to Sal or Boavista (and other islands where there is strong demand) with drums full of goods to sell to the locals in Sal and Boavista (and other less populated islands).

Finally, there are formal merchants with storefronts who will purchase a truckload of goods from Praia or Mindelo (another large international port) and have it shipped to them in Sal and Boavista. These storefronts are typically located in the areas where the locals live so you will need to venture into that part of town to find them. So for example, there are lots of things you won't find in Santa Maria that you will readily find in the depths of Espargos. But you need to know where to go and you need to speak the local language. Otherwise, befriend a local and ask them to find the items for you.

If you fail to find what you need, just let me know and I will tell you whether and where it's available on your island, or if you will need to have someone send it to you from Praia. Some things can even be sent via the post office, but you don't want to do that if the item has considerable value. And certainly if the item is large and heavy, like furniture or  appliances, you will need to have it sent as cargo via ship.

I hope this helps you or anyone else who could not figure it out. (Note that when I say to do your homework, I don't mean to search on Google...you can simply ask one of the locals how it's done. And I understand that in some cases, one may not be comfortable asking the local residents or the items you are looking for may not be something a poor local person may have even heard of).

P.S. As you may have guessed from the above, inter-island shipping is HUGE business. It's one area where foreign investors could make huge profits but very few actually do so because they don't know much about the dynamics of the local markets. Plus, passenger and cargo ships can be quite big investments...but the rewards are even bigger. If anyone has interest in such investments, do not hesitate to ask.

Regards,

Angelo

julianangel wrote:

Hi Angelo,

thank you very much for your reply and your time. Yes, your wink sounds obvious, which is why I have posted this question in the first place.

So I am wondering if it is normal for people on, e.g., Boa Vista to travel to Praia regularly to shop for items? Even for groceries they do not get on their island? I couldn't find that information during my "homework", so I'd appreciate your input or that of other members again.

Thanks again and have a great day,
Julian

I just saw I haven't thanked you for this one - so "obrigado". Will be travelling to Cape Verde in August, which will also include a trip to Mindelo. I'm curious and excited...

No problem! If you pass through Praia in August, I'd be happy  to meetup for a beer! Safe travels.

Angelo

julianangel wrote:

I just saw I haven't thanked you for this one - so "obrigado". Will be travelling to Cape Verde in August, which will also include a trip to Mindelo. I'm curious and excited...