What budget to travel Cape Verde? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Cape Verde?

Even if Cape Verde's museum capital is a little meagre, a short visit will round off your discovery of the country and propel you into culture, sometimes in its most original forms. To do this, you'll need to budget extra for entrance fees. There are different prices: for locals, children, students and foreign visitors. Prices vary according to the importance of the collections, and the status of the museum (private or part of the IPC Instituto do Patrimonio Cultural). Prices range from 100 CVE to 500 CVE. All that's left for you to do is make your choice, whether you're a "museum" or not.

If you want to keep fit on vacation without having to lock yourself in a gym, do as the Cape Verdeans do! The beach is the ideal playground for exercising at any time of day, right up until sunset. What better environment to run, exercise, play soccer and make local friends.

There's no need to go deep into the ocean, as the translucent waters around the archipelago are ideal for snorkeling. So leave room in your suitcase for your own equipment, and you'll be able to enjoy this activity free of charge and in complete freedom. Put on your flippers and set off to discover a unique and multicolored fauna.

Shopping is usually easy, convenient and well-practiced. What's more, the vendors speak to visitors in several languages. However, it is important to take into consideration that there are a lot of small stores, stalls or street vendors, which can offer tempting merchandise, but which do not accept credit cards. It is therefore wise to carry small bills in local currency to be able to meet your purchasing needs. Otherwise, you should know that almost all stores accept the euro, but payment in foreign currency will have an extra charge of about 10% (stores as well as restaurants), as shopkeepers tend to round the exchange rate in their favor. (1 € to 100 CVE).

Another tip is to shop around to compare prices and compete, especially for handicrafts from mainland Africa. Depending on the vendor or store, you may be able to get a discount or even a small souvenir gift.

What budget to eat Cape Verde?

The cost of living in Cape Verde is estimated to be 40% lower than Western standards, especially for eating out on the islands. Nevertheless, for a developing country, prices in Cape Verde can sometimes be surprising. This is the case on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, which are very touristy and relatively expensive.

What is the budget for accommodation Cape Verde?

Numerous websites help you find accommodation at the best price. To help hoteliers and enable them to be paid for the whole night, without owing a commission to the platform, you can look at the rates on the comparison site, then phone the hotel or guesthouse to tell them the price you found and negotiate it with them. Be careful: when hoteliers kindly ask you whether you'll be taking a meal or breakfast, they may fail to specify whether there's an extra charge, and you may be in for a little surprise when it comes to settling the bill. So be sure to ask whether it's included or not.

Average room rates. Depending on the category of accommodation chosen, prices range from 2,000 to 10,000 CVE for single rooms, and from 3,500 00 to 11,000 CVE for double rooms. The highest prices are found in Sal, Boa Vista and Praia, where the average is 3,500 CVE for a single room and between 4,000 and 5,000 CVE for a double.

Don't forget that a tourist tax of 220 CVE per person per day is compulsory and applicable throughout the country. This must be paid directly to the establishment where you are staying. When you book through an agency, these practices are normally included in the reservation. However, it's a good idea to ask the question and check all the services involved. Good to know: this tax is capped at a maximum of 10 nights in the same establishment, and children under 16 are exempt.

Travel budget Cape Verde and cost of living

Compared to Western standards, life is not particularly expensive, especially when it comes to eating out or getting around the islands. Nevertheless, some prices may come as a surprise, but it's important to realize that practically everything here is imported. If you're on a budget, you'll find it much cheaper to travel between the islands by boat than by plane. In town, a bus ride costs around 40 CVE, while a cab costs 150 CVE. You'll be won over by a wide choice of small, inexpensive restaurants with a very local feel.

Your expenses will also depend on the number of islands you plan to visit, the type of accommodation and the choice of restaurants. Hotel rooms start at 300 CVE, but rates can quickly skyrocket depending on the season. Travellers looking for the utmost in comfort will have to accept Western standards and prices.

An inter-island plane ticket costs between €50 and €150, which is a substantial budget. The boat is cheaper (between €10 and €30), but you need time, patience and... not to be prone to seasickness.

The cost of living can vary from island to island. In Boa Vista, for example, it is considerably higher than elsewhere.

Gratuities depend on the quality of service, and are by no means compulsory, but always appreciated.

In Cape Verde, haggling is not a national sport as it is in some African countries. You can always try your luck by negotiating a 10% discount on a rental car with driver, for example. But this should not be a systematic gesture.

Taxes: prices are generally quoted inclusive of VAT, except in some hotels, where room rates are quoted exclusive of VAT. A tourist tax of around €2 (220 CVE) per day, in force since 2013, must also be added to the bill. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it's important to check the rates when booking.