Is cash still widely used?
Moderately. Cape Verde has one of West Africa’s better tourist infrastructures. Sal and Santiago have reasonable card acceptance at tourist resorts and larger businesses. Smaller islands (São Nicolau, Santo Antão, Brava) are predominantly cash-based.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available on Sal, Santiago, and São Vicente. Banco Interatlântico and CECV machines accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around 300 CVE per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Good availability on the main tourist islands
- Very limited on smaller islands — withdraw before inter-island travel
Card acceptance
Moderate at tourist resorts. Cards accepted at larger hotels and restaurants on Sal and in Praia. Smaller islands and local businesses require cash.
Tips for travelers
- Cape Verde is one of Africa’s safest and most stable destinations
- Carry cash for inter-island travel and smaller island visits
- The escudo is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate
- Tipping 10% is appreciated in tourist restaurants