Money and phones
Money, cards and SIM cards in Cape Verde
Short answer
The escudo is pegged to the euro: 1 euro is 110.265 escudos. ATMs are on every island, cards work in most hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, and euros are accepted in many places, especially on Sal and Boa Vista — but carry escudos for aluguers, markets and small payments. Alou and Unitel T+ sell SIM cards at the Praia and Sal airports.
The escudo and the euro
The tourism board says a fixed parity agreed with Portugal makes 1 euro equal to 110.265 escudos (CVE). Notes come in 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 CVE; coins in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 CVE. As a guide to prices, it puts a coffee at around 100 CVE and a beer at about 200 CVE.
A tourist contribution fee is charged for each night of your stay and paid at your accommodation, in cash or by card.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeCurrency and costs
Cash, cards and exchange
ATMs are available on all the islands, the tourism board says, and most hotels, restaurants and supermarkets accept cards. The airport company lists a BCA bank at the Sal, São Vicente and Boa Vista airports, and the Cotacâmbios exchange office at the Praia and Sal airports and the Porto Novo ferry terminal on Santo Antão.
- Aluguers and taxis: cash.
- Ferries: card online, or cash in escudos or card at the agents.
- Praia buses: prepaid card, topped up online or through vinti4.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeCurrency and costsCabo Verde AirportsFinancial services at the airportsCV InterIlhasPassenger frequently asked questions
How much cash you can carry
Foreign currency worth more than 1,000,000 CVE must be declared to the border police on arrival, and no more than 20,000 CVE in escudo notes and coins may leave the country per person per trip without the central bank’s authorisation, both the airport company and the tourism board say.
Sources: Cabo Verde AirportsLimits on the circulation of moneyTurismo de Cabo VerdeCurrency and costs
SIM cards and Wi-Fi
The two main mobile operators are Alou (formerly CV Móvel) and Unitel T+. The tourism board says their stores at the Praia and Sal international airports sell SIM cards that can be activated immediately, and that 3G and 4G coverage reaches across the archipelago. Every airport run by Cabo Verde Airports has free, unlimited Wi-Fi for anyone who gives an email address.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeTelecommunications and internetCabo Verde AirportsTelecommunications at the airportsFree Wi-Fi at the airports (Portuguese page)
Questions travellers ask
Can I pay in euros in Cape Verde?
In many places, especially on Sal and Boa Vista, the tourism board says — but carry escudos for small purchases, markets and aluguers.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeCurrency and costs
Are there ATMs in Cape Verde?
Yes. The tourism board says ATMs are available on all the islands.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeCurrency and costs
Where do I buy a SIM card in Cape Verde?
At the Alou or Unitel T+ stores at the Praia and Sal airports, or at their shops in the main towns, the tourism board says. The card can be activated straight away.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeTelecommunications and internet