Capital city in Santiago, Cabo Verde
Praia
Cape Verde's capital and main hub for the remote-work visa programme: government, banks and the country's best services, with beaches and old Cidade Velha nearby. Busy and urban, with more crime than the tourist islands.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,020–1,630Comfortable, one person · CVE100,000–160,000Details
- Value for money64/100Better value than 63% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MayWarmest: Sep, 28°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is desalinated and often unreliable.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–51Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundHeetchWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards are accepted in hotels, supermarkets and larger restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Praia
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Plateau | Historic centre: government, banks, markets, restaurants |
| Palmarejo | Modern apartments, cafés, supermarkets and many expats |
| Achada Santo António | Residential, embassies and quieter streets |
| Prainha | Beach, bars and hotels near the centre |
Apps that work in Praia
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Heetch | Ride app in Cape Verde; check coverage in the app |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis are plentiful on the Plateau and at the airport. Agree the fare first; use an app or your hotel for night rides.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Cabo Verde.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards are accepted in hotels, supermarkets and larger restaurants. Cash for aluguers, markets and small shops; ATMs are plentiful in Plateau and Palmarejo.
- 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.