Need cash when I land, best place in Cape Verde? Airport or places in the city?
I landed in Sal and the airport counter quoted me a rate that felt off, so I only took €20 worth. Once in Santa Maria, I found a BCA ATM that worked fine and gave me escudos at the proper rate. Most restaurants accepted euros, but I got better value paying in escudos. For me, the lesson was simple: don’t exchange too much at the airport. Use ATMs in town or banks if you’re carrying cash euros. That way you don’t throw money away.
Cape Verde uses the escudo, pegged to the euro, so exchanging euros is straightforward. Airport counters are convenient but expensive. Safer options are ATMs from Banco Comercial do Atlântico or Caixa Económica in Praia, Sal, or Boa Vista. ATMs give the official rate with only a small fee. City banks also exchange euros at good rates. Best approach: grab a little at the airport for a taxi, then withdraw in town. Euros are often accepted, but locals prefer escudos for smaller purchases.
When I landed at Amílcar Cabral airport on Sal, I only changed a little cash because the rate wasn’t good. In Santa Maria, exchange houses and bank branches like BCA had much better rates. ATMs worked fine with my Visa card - Caixa Económica had one right in town that saved me. Euros are widely accepted, but you’ll lose out on exchange if you keep paying that way. I prefer to withdraw a decent amount from ATMs once I’m in town rather than rely on airport counters.
At Praia and Sal airports you’ll find exchange counters, but rates are poor compared to city banks. I usually change just €20-30 at arrivals for taxis or snacks, then head into town for a better rate. ATMs from Caixa Económica and Banco Comercial do Atlântico are reliable and give the official exchange to escudos. Withdrawals are straightforward, though some machines have small limits. If you’re carrying euros, you’ll find most shops and hotels accept them, but expect change in escudos. Safer to use ATMs in town after arrival.