CAPE VERDE

CURRENCY:

Cape Verde Escudo - CVE

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: CVE5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500.

COIN: CVE200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

It is not recommended to attempt use of credit cards; only Visa is likely to be accepted, and by few major hotels. There are ATMs however, in Praia, Sao Vincent and Sal. Cash is preferred.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

Currency exchange is available at the airport and local banks. Please note: it is not possible to reconvert currency except in Portugal.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

Not recommended as these are only accepted in main towns and tourist areas - if necessary, these are best in US Dollars or Sterling.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Fri 0800-1400.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

Import and export of local currency is prohibited. Import of foreign currency is permitted as long as it is declared. Export of foreign currency is permitted but with restrictions.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

Cape Verde's full name is the Republic of Cape Verde and is a group of islands - an archipelago - in the North Atlantic Ocean - off the west coast of Africa. They were discovered by the Portuguese in the fifteenth century and gained independence in 1975. The official language is Portuguese and the capital is Praia.

POPULATION:

Around 500,000

ECONOMY:

The main elements of the economy of Cape Verde are service sector, transport, commerce. Despite a plentiful supply of fish and shellfish, only a small amount is exported. The government welcomes foreign investors and is working on encouragement of tourism.