Currency in Cape Verde: Use Escudos (CVE), Not USD

The official currency is the Cabo Verdean Escudo (CVE). While some tourist hotels/shops on Sal/Boa Vista may accept Euros (€) (often at poor rates), US Dollars are rarely accepted and will get you a terrible exchange rate.

Best Practice

• ATMs: Widely available in cities/airports (Visa/Mastercard). Best rates. Notify bank.
• Exchange: Banks or casas de câmbio in Praia, Mindelo, Sal, Boa Vista. Bring clean € or £ notes.
• Cards: Accepted at mid/high-end hotels, restaurants, car rental. Carry cash for markets, taxis, small eateries, inter-island ferries.
• Fixed Peg: 1 EUR = 110.265 CVE (fixed since 1998). USD floats ~100–110 CVE.

Using CVE avoids dynamic currency conversion fees and supports local economy.