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Shopping in Cape Verde

Cape Verde certainly isn’t the place to shop ’til you drop, but if peeking your head around colourful doorways to see what you find sounds like your kind of retail therapy, then you’ll love shopping here.

Santa Maria is the most popular holiday destination, found on the southern tip of Sal island. Here, in addition to the two banks and supermarket, a delightful mixed bag of shops await you, from surf places selling beach gear to rustic makeshift shops painted in every colour of the rainbow where you can buy intricately carved wooden masks and brightly coloured canvas’ by local artists.

Have a browse, and maybe a barter, at the indoor market which is bursting with jewellery, clothing and fresh produce stalls, and don’t miss the Centro de Artesanato, an arts and crafts store with shelves full of elegant ceramic pieces and leather goods.

Currency Exchange

Available at the airport and in local banks. Currency cannot be reconverted, except in Portugal.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsCredit cards are rarely used. A few major hotels accept Visa. Currency can be obtained in banks from credit cards but charges are very high. There are ATMs in Sal, Praia and Sâo Vincent.

Traveller's Cheques are accepted in main towns and tourist areas. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.