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Cape Verde Cape Verde Currency Guide

The currency of Cape Verde and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Cape Verdean Escudo

CVE

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Cape Verde before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Airalo Airalo Yesim Yesim Saily Saily Drimsim Drimsim

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Cape Verde

Praia

Praia is the capital of Cabo Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic off the coast west of Senegal. True to its Portuguese name meaning "beach," it is a great city to explore along the coastline.

Mindelo

Mindelo is a port city on the northern coast of São Vicente Island in Cabo Verde. As the island's administrative center, it's a great place to take in the lively atmosphere of a working port while sightseeing.

Espargos

Espargos is a city on Sal Island in Cabo Verde, home to the international airport that serves as the island's gateway. It is conveniently located for visiting nearby lighthouses and coastal attractions.

Sal Rei

Sal Rei is a coastal city on Boa Vista Island in Cabo Verde, whose Portuguese name means "salt king." It's a pleasant place for a walk along the shore while reflecting on the story behind its name.

São Filipe

São Filipe is a small town on the western coast of Fogo Island in Cabo Verde. It's a pleasant place to explore modest attractions such as its church and museum.