Money and duty free for Cape Verde
Currency and Money
Currency information
Cape Verde Escudo (CVE) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of CVE 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CVE200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.
Credit cards
Credit cards are rarely used. Only Visa and Mastercard are accepted on Cabo Verde. A few major hotels accept Visa. Currency can be obtained in banks from credit cards but charges are very high. There are ATMs in Sal, Praia and Sâo Vincent.
ATM
There are ATMs in Sal, Praia and Sâo Vincent.
Travellers cheques
Accepted in main towns and tourist areas, though the exchange can often be problematic.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1500.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration on arrival and on departure. The export of foreign currency is limited to the equivalent of CVE 20,000 or the amount declared on arrival, whichever is the larger.
Currency exchange
Available at international airports (not domestic) and in local banks. Currency cannot be reconverted, except in Portugal.
Cape Verde duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Cape Verde without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (only persons aged 17 and over).
• 2 x 1L of wine (only persons aged 17 and over).
• 250ml of eau de toilette and 50ml of perfume.
• Personal belongings without commercial character up to the value of CVE15,000.
Banned Imports
Plant and animal products must be accompanied by a phytosanitary or sanitary certificate.
