Money and currency in Cape Verde
Everything you need to know about currency, card payments, using euros and tipping in Cape Verde.
The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
1 € = 110,265 CVE
The Cape Verdean escudo is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate: €1 = 110.265 CVE. This rate does not fluctuate, which simplifies conversions. Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 CVE.
Can you pay in euros?
Yes, euros are commonly accepted in hotels, tourist restaurants and shops in beach areas (Sal, Boa Vista). However, change will be given in escudos. In less touristy areas (inland Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão), euros are less easily accepted.
- Hotels and resorts: euros accepted almost everywhere
- Tourist restaurants: euros generally accepted
- Local markets and small shops: escudos preferred
- Taxis: escudos or euros depending on the area
- Excursions: euros often accepted, but bring escudos
Bank cards
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels, large restaurants and supermarkets in main cities. ATMs are available on all inhabited islands but may be scarce on smaller islands.
- Visa and Mastercard: widely accepted in urban areas
- American Express: rarely accepted
- ATMs: available in main towns on each island
- Withdrawal fees: check with your bank (usually 1.5–3%)
- Always carry cash for markets, small restaurants and ferries
Currency exchange
You can exchange euros for escudos at banks, hotels or exchange offices at the airport. Since the official rate is fixed (€1 = 110.265 CVE), differences are minimal. Avoid street exchange.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Cape Verde but is appreciated and part of local culture. Here are common practices:
| Restaurants: 5–10% of the bill, or round up | |
| Tour guides: 500–1,000 CVE per person for an excursion | |
| Taxi drivers: round up to the nearest amount | |
| Hotel staff (housekeeping): 100–200 CVE per day | |
| Porters: 100–200 CVE |