Island, Cabo Verde
Sal
Cape Verde's flat, dry beach island suits sun, kitesurfing and short breaks, with a remote-work base in Santa Maria. Little to do beyond the coast and water sports; windy and resort-priced.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,120–1,730Comfortable, one person · CVE110,000–170,000Details
- Value for money70/100Better value than 69% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Sep, 27°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 aroundTaxiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in resorts and many Santa Maria restaurants; cash (CVE or euros in tourist spots) for taxis, small shops and market stalls.Details
Where to stay in Sal
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Santa Maria | Beach, restaurants, kite schools and almost every guesthouse |
| Espargos | Cheaper local life near the airport, few visitor services |
| Murdeira | Quiet bay with villas and resorts, a short drive out |
Apps that work in Sal
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No reliable ride app on Sal. Use taxis from the stands in Santa Maria and ask your accommodation to call one for longer trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Cabo Verde.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in resorts and many Santa Maria restaurants; cash (CVE or euros in tourist spots) for taxis, small shops and market stalls. ATMs exist in Santa Maria.
- 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.