Money, Currency and Cards in Cape Verde Islands
Local Currency
Cape Verde Escudo (CVE)
General Advice
Cash is the simplest used form of payment. Euros are widely accepted for exchange in Cape Verde, as are U.S. dollars and sterling.
Money Exchange
Some hotels and restaurants on Sal Island and in Praia (Santiago) will convert U.S. dollars and euros into local currency.
ATM Availability
Automated Teller (cash point) Machines accept Maestro, Switch, Visa and Mastercard and can be found in the major banks in the majority of Cape Verde's island capitals.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted in an increasing number of the larger hotels and popular international restaurants. Funds can be drawn on visa cards at Banco Comercial do Atlantico. For more information check the Visa ATM locator, the MasterCard ATM locator or the American Express ATM locator for the addresses of ATMs around the world.
Travellers Cheques
Traveller's cheques are accepted by the three leading banks, though certain individual branches may try to charge unreasonably high commissions.
Other Information
1 Cape Verde Escudo = 100 Centavos. Bank notes are in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000. Coins are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.
