In brief: key information on the currency of the Cap-vert 

• Official currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), €1 ≈ CVE 110,27 (fixed rate).
• The euro can be used in tourist areas, but the local currency remains essential everywhere else.
• ATMs are available in town, but are rare on certain islands and outside major centers.
• Visa cards are widely accepted, Mastercard less common.
• Withdraw or exchange euros upon arrival: avoid having to exchange money in the street!
• Bring small bills and get rid of escudos before leaving: they cannot be converted outside the country.

Scroll down for price examples, pitfalls to avoid, and tips for managing your money easily in Cape Verde.

Understand everything about the currency of Cape Verde

The currency in use is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), symbolized by “$” or “Esc”. One escudo is divided into 100 centavos. The available banknotes and coins can be used for all everyday payments.

• Tickets: 200, 500, 1, 000 and 2 CVE
• Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 CVE

Local tip: You'll sometimes see prices in "units": 1 unit = 100 escudos. Don't get caught out at restaurants or markets!

Please note: The euro is still accepted in larger hotels, travel agencies, and some tourist restaurants, but the escudo remains the currency for everyday use. For eating, traveling, or shopping locally, bring cash in CVE.

For more information on the practical codes for tourism in Cape Verde, it's this way !

Changing money and paying on site: tips and pitfalls

Upon arrival, exchange your euros at banks, exchange offices, or at your hotel (commission may apply). Currency exchange on the street? Avoid it: it's risky!

• The rate is officially fixed: 1 € = 110,265 CVE (source Wikipedia), but expect small fees depending on the establishment.
• ATMs (ATM) are numerous in large cities or on the main islands (Sal, Santiago, São Vicente, Boa Vista, etc.).
• Visa works everywhere (for withdrawals and payments), but Mastercards sometimes fail.
• In small restaurants, markets, taxis, “local” activities: the species remains king.

Before you leave, remember to empty your stock of escudos! Outside of Cape Verde, it's impossible to convert this currency. A good idea? Spend what's left on souvenirs or one last good restaurant.

Need an address book to find the best places to change your money or to book your cheap flights to Cape Verde ? Contact our team, we'll help you with your trip!

Budget in Cape Verde: how much to budget and how to manage it?

Good news, the cost of living remains affordable, especially if you live “locally”:

• Meal at local restaurant: 400–700 CVE (4–7 €)
• Chic restaurant: 1–000 CVE (€2–000)
• Water bottle: 80–120 CVE
• Local beer: 100–200 CVE
• Espresso coffee: 60–90 CVE
• Double room (night): 3–000 CVE (6–000 €)

Prices are skyrocketing on the tourist islands (Sal, Boa Vista), but you can easily control your budget:

Opt for small restaurants, markets, and off-season travel to limit your expenses. And favor local transportation for authentic experiences at a low price.

Prepare your stay stress-free with all our good tips for visiting Cape Verde and our Cape Verde budget tips.

Need a quote or tour ideas? Request one here!

Practical questions and precautions for managing your payments

Some friendly advice to avoid problems with the Cape Verde currency :

• Avoid arriving with only large bills, as some merchants have difficulty giving change.
• On small islands, ATMs are sometimes absent. Take cash with you before exploring.
• Cape Verde airports Almost all of them have an ATM or currency exchange office, but always plan to have a small amount of euros to start without stress.
• US dollars and other foreign currencies are very rarely accepted.

At markets, in small villages, or for impromptu transportation, having change in escudos can really save your life. Don't hesitate to ask locals for the price in units; it's a habit!

Find all our practical advice for preparing your trip and our information on inter-island travel to better plan your withdrawals and your budget.

A personalized stay? Contact us!

What you should definitely not forget!

Before leaving Cape Verde:

• Spend or exchange your remaining escudos — you won't be able to exchange them anywhere else.
• Check the compatibility of your bank card (Visa preferred).
• Prepare some cash for small expenses around your home or in the villages.

Consider consulting the Cape Verde visa & formalities guide to avoid unpleasant surprises upon your arrival!

If you are traveling with family or in adventure mode, also check out our dedicated articles: explore Cape Verde with family ou go trekking on the most beautiful paths.

Conclusion: Currency in Cape Verde is simple when you're well prepared!

• Always know where, when and how to exchange or withdraw escudos to avoid payment worries.
• Adapt your budget to your travel style, anticipate the lack of ATMs on certain islands and favor the Visa card.
• Spend your escudos before leaving the country, and contact us for personalized advice or a tailor-made quote: chat with a Casa di CV expert.

Want to make the most of your stay? Find other practical guides for choose the best island according to your desires, know when to go to Cape Verde, or build an unforgettable circuit!