Cape Verde Money

CV Escudos only obtainable in the islands

The local currency is the Escudo, which has pretty pictures of sailing boats. It is pegged at 11O to the Euro and so represents about 125 to the pound. It has been stable against the euro for a long time, but high interest rates and controls have been in force to prevent it depreciating.

It is not a convertible currency so that you cannot lawfully take it out of the country and you cannot change it abroad. Cape Verde banks do not provide credit cards. Any currency export requires special permission.

On Sal many tourist enterprises and even the aluguers will accept euros. But you will generally pay 1O% too much. On other islands you cannot use them .

Take care leaving banks as muggers hang about outside

People have been attacked and robbed on leaving banks in Praia where mugging is a serious problem.

The US dollar and the pound sterling are not used but can be converted at banks which are open with long queues until 15OO hours on weekdays. Sal airport banks are open at midnight when many flights arrive. C from London had a problem

"The bank clerk had never seen sterling and tried to look up Ingilterra on her machine After 45 minutes she finally found Regno Unido"

Because of the risk of mugging in Praia it is best to take travellers cheques and to carry no cash in Santiago. Mindelo is also risky and even Sal can be hazardous at night if you walk around solo.

Payment

Most hotels decline credit cards, due to the cost of clearance through Lisbon. If they accept foreign currency at all, there is usually a surcharge. Pre-payment is advisable.

Credit cards are only accepted in the largest hotels and not at shops or restaurants.

ATM cash machines

These exist at the banks on Sal at the entry to both Espargos and Santa Maria. They will dispense escudos for a VISA card if you know your PIN code. But the charge can be as much as £1O plus card charges. And there are queues.

Bank Holidays

Banks are shut on the main public holidays.

January 1– New Year’s Day
January 20– Heroes Day
May 1– Labour Day
July 5– Independence Day
August 15– Our Lady of Grace Day
November 1– All Saint’s Day
December 25– Christmas Day
Carnival Opening Day
Good Friday.

Taking money out of Cape Verde

capeverdeinfo.org.uk