No credit cards here |
Cape Verde MoneyCV Escudos only obtainable in the islandsThe local currency is the Escudo, which has pretty pictures of sailing boats. It is pegged at 11O to the Euro and so represents about 135 to the pound. It has been stable against the euro for a long time, but high interest rates and controls have been in force to prevent it depreciating. It is not a convertible currency so that you cannot lawfully take it out of the country and you cannot change it abroad. Cape Verde banks do not provide credit cards. Any currency export requires special permission. On Sal many tourist enterprises and even the aluguers will accept euros. But you will generally pay 1O% too much. On other islands you cannot use them at all. Take care leaving banks as muggers hang about outsidePeople have been attacked and robbed on leaving banks in Praia where mugging is a serious problem. The US dollar and the pound sterling are not used but can be converted at banks which are open with long queues until 15OO hours on weekdays. Sal airport banks are open at midnight when many flights arrive. C from London had a problem "The bank clerk had never seen sterling and tried to look up Ingilterra on her machine After 45 minutes she finally found Regno Unido"Becaue of the risk of mugging in Praia it is best to take travellers cheques and to carry no cash in Santiago. Sal can also be risky at night if solo. PaymentMost hotels decline credit cards, due to the cost of clearance through Lisbon. If they accept foreign currency at all, there is usually a surcharge. Pre-payment is advisable. Credit cards are only accepted in the largest hotels and not at shops or restaurants. ATM cash machinesThese exist at the banks on Sal at the entry to both Espargos and Santa Maria. They will dispense escudos for a VISA card if you know your PIN code. But the charge can be as much as £1O plus card charges. Bank HolidaysBanks are shut on the main public holidays. January 1– New Year’s Day Taking money out of Cape Verde
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