City in São Vicente, Cabo Verde
Mindelo
Cape Verde's cultural capital: music bars, colonial streets and the main ferry to Santo Antão hikes. A friendly, walkable port town with Atlantic wind; less beach than Sal or Boa Vista.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$918–1,430Comfortable, one person · CVE90,000–140,000Details
- Value for money83/100Better value than 82% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MayWarmest: Sep, 28°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is desalinated and variable.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–51Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundAluguer (shared minibus)Very walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels and bigger restaurants; carry cash for aluguers, markets and small bars.Details
Where to stay in Mindelo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro and Rua de Lisboa | Walkable core: restaurants, music bars, ferry, market |
| Fonte Filipe | Quieter residential streets near the city, local feel |
| Laginha | Beach, sports and cheaper stays south of the port |
Apps that work in Mindelo
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No dependable ride app. Taxis wait in Praça Nova and by the pier; ask for the fixed fare or have a restaurant call one at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Cabo Verde.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants; carry cash for aluguers, markets and small bars. ATMs are common in the centre.
- Currency: Escudo (CVE). US$1 ≈ CVE98.00 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs (SISP/Vinti4) dispense escudos in towns; foreign-card fees apply and limits are modest.
- Tipping: Not expected; round up or leave 10% in restaurants.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay are not widely supported; use cards or cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the EASE traveller pre-registration at least 5 days before arrival; it includes payment of the airport security fee (TSA).
- From 1 July 2026, travellers without completed pre-registration pay double the TSA fee at the border.
- Visitors can stay up to 30 days visa-free; passport needs 6 months validity; yellow fever certificate if arriving from risk countries.
Emergency numbers
Police 132 · Ambulance 130 · Fire 131 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
CV Móvel and Unitel T+ SIMs at airports and shops; passport required, roughly 1,000–2,500 CVE for data.
More places in Cabo Verde
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.