Cape Verde currency
The Cape Verdian Escudo (EVC) is the currency in Cape Verde, which is broken down into 100 centavos. The CVE is tied to Euro and Euros are widely accepted in the Cape Verde. On some islands the checks are exchanged but the charges are high. In most island capitals ATM machines can be found, but MasterCard and maestro are not accepted.
The bank timings are from Monday to Friday 0800 to 1500. Cash is given on credit cards but the change rates are very high and it can prove very costly. Traveler cheques in US dollars or pound sterling should be carried to avoid any extra charges. Domestic currencies import and export is prohibited. The unlimited foreign currency can be imported; the only thing is it should be declared at the arrival and departure at the airport.
Normal shopping hours in Cape Verde are from 0800 to 1300 and 1500 to 1900, usually from Monday to Friday. On Saturday; the timings are 0900 to 1300. Visa is accepted in few major hotels. In main town and tourist areas traveler cheques are accepted. Carrying of some goods is allowed in Cape Verde without applying custom duty on them.
One liter of liquor, 200 cigarettes, and reasonable amount of perfume can be carried out without incurring customs duty on them. Lotion and eau de cologne in opened bottles can also be carried away in such fashion. Narcotics should not be imported or exported and it is strictly prohibited. Transportation of alcohol products is not free and charged heavily.
A daily or weekly currency report should be provided to you by a good currency dealer with an insight. This information can be vital during transfer of large sums of money in the volatile market in overseas. To achieve better exchange rates do not gamble and avoid unnecessary risks. A good dealer will suggest you better ideas for not exposing your money to the outer world.
