Money in Cape Verde
Cape Verde uses the Cape Verdean escudo. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- CVECape Verdean escudo
- Symbol
- Esc
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Cape Verde
Pegged to the euro, which many tourist businesses also accept.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Some places accept only cash, and smaller businesses, local vendors, markets and smaller islands often prefer it. Carry some escudos and coins for small purchases.
- ATMs
- ATMs are in major towns and tourist hubs such as Praia, Mindelo and Sal, and are scarce in remote areas. Wild Expedition reports typical limits of 20,000 to 30,000 CVE per transaction and fees of about 200 to 400 CVE per withdrawal.
- Foreign currency
- Wild Expedition says euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, and Thomas Cook says most places accept them and that the escudo is pegged to the euro.
- Watch out for
- Wild Expedition says some businesses add a 3 to 5 percent surcharge for card payments. World Travel Guide (2019) says importing or exporting escudos is prohibited and foreign currency must be declared on arrival and departure.
Tipping in Cape Verde
Around 10% in restaurants for good service is welcome.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Wild Expedition, Thomas Cook, World Travel Guide, 4stogo.
Convert to and from CVE
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 98.43 CVE | 110 CVE | 132 CVE |
| 10 | 984 CVE | 1,103 CVE | 1,321 CVE |
| 50 | 4,921 CVE | 5,514 CVE | 6,604 CVE |
| 100 | 9,843 CVE | 11,027 CVE | 13,208 CVE |
| 500 | 49,215 CVE | 55,135 CVE | 66,040 CVE |
What each amount is worth in CVE. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Cape Verde use?
Cape Verde uses the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE).
Do you need to tip in Cape Verde?
Appreciated. Around 10% in restaurants for good service is welcome.
Can you pay by card in Cape Verde?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Some places accept only cash, and smaller businesses, local vendors, markets and smaller islands often prefer it. Carry some escudos and coins for small purchases.
Are there ATMs in Cape Verde?
ATMs are in major towns and tourist hubs such as Praia, Mindelo and Sal, and are scarce in remote areas. Wild Expedition reports typical limits of 20,000 to 30,000 CVE per transaction and fees of about 200 to 400 CVE per withdrawal.