Africa

Money, cards and tipping in Cabo Verde

Capital: PraiaPortugueseUpdated October 2026

CVEEscudo

Money in Cabo Verde

Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels, resorts and Praia; cash escudos for small shops, aluguer minibuses and Santo Antão. Euros are accepted in some tourist places. US$1 ≈ CVE98.00 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Not expected; round up or leave 10% in restaurants.
ATMs: ATMs (SISP/Vinti4) dispense escudos in towns; foreign-card fees apply and limits are modest.
Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay are not widely supported; use cards or cash.
Price level: about 48% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
Sal	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.
Boa Vista	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards at resorts and larger restaurants; carry cash for taxis, small shops and beach bars. There are a few ATMs in Sal Rei and they sometimes run dry.
Mindelo	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.
Praia	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.

Quick answers

Do you tip in Cabo Verde?

Not expected; round up or leave 10% in restaurants.

Is Cabo Verde cashless?

Mixed: cards and cash. Cards work in hotels, resorts and Praia; cash escudos for small shops, aluguer minibuses and Santo Antão. Euros are accepted in some tourist places.

What currency does Cabo Verde use?

The Escudo (CVE). US$1 ≈ CVE98.00 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.