Is Cabo Verde cashless?
Mixed#93 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #8 of 54 in Africa
Short answer: Plan to use cash every day. Cards are mainly for hotels and bigger businesses.
Resorts on Sal and Boa Vista take cards. Other islands, minibuses and small restaurants rely on cash.
Will my card work?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Cabo Verde take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do I need cash?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Cabo Verde.
Local currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
How does tipping work?
Around 10% in restaurants.
Mobile payments
No widely used mobile wallets for visitors. Stick to cards where accepted, and cash.
Good to know
- Euros are widely accepted, but change comes back in escudos.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cabo Verde cashless?
Cabo Verde scores 48/100 on Cashlessy (mixed), ranking #93 of 197 countries. Resorts on Sal and Boa Vista take cards. Other islands, minibuses and small restaurants rely on cash.
Do I need cash in Cabo Verde?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Cabo Verde.
Are credit cards accepted in Cabo Verde?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Cabo Verde take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do you tip in Cabo Verde?
Around 10% in restaurants.
Compare with Africa
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.