Tipping in Cape Verde: The Complete Guide
Quick Answer
Tip around 10% at Cape Verde restaurants. Cash in Cape Verdean escudos is preferred; resort tipping is especially appreciated.
Cape Verde is an archipelago off West Africa with a booming tourism industry — particularly on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Tipping is expected at restaurants and resorts, where wages are modest and hospitality workers rely on tips to supplement their income.
The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) is pegged to the euro at a rate of approximately 110 CVE = 1 EUR. Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but local escudos are preferred for tips. Keep CVE 200–500 notes handy.
Restaurants: 10%
Leave 10% at sit-down restaurants on Sal, Santiago, and São Vicente. At resort restaurants and tourist-oriented spots in Santa Maria, 10–15% is appropriate.
At local cachupa (traditional stew) spots frequented by residents, rounding up by CVE 100–200 is a kind gesture.
Bars & Cafes
At beach bars and cafe-restaurants, leaving CVE 100–200 per round is appreciated.
Grogue (local sugarcane spirit) bars frequented by locals don't expect tips — rounding up is plenty.
Hotels & Resorts
Tip hotel porters CVE 200–500 per bag. Leave CVE 200–500 per night for housekeeping at resort hotels.
At all-inclusive resorts (common on Sal and Boa Vista), individual tips for bar staff and pool attendants of CVE 200–500 per day are very much appreciated despite the all-in pricing.
Water Sports & Activities
Cape Verde is world-renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Tip your instructor CVE 500–1,000 per session or $5–10 USD.
Boat trip operators and fishing guides appreciate CVE 500–1,000 for a half-day excursion.
2026 World Cup Tips
Cape Verde's Blue Sharks have become a rising force in African football. Fans traveling to North America for the 2026 World Cup will encounter much higher tipping expectations — 18–20% at US and Canadian restaurants.
Tip via card terminal before the transaction completes. Suggested percentages on the terminal can be accepted or adjusted.
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Tip at all-inclusive resorts — staff wages are low regardless of the resort pricing
- Carry CVE 200–500 notes for practical daily tips
- Tip water sports instructors for safety and expertise
Don't
- Don't rely solely on cards — many smaller restaurants and bars prefer cash
- Don't leave euro coins as tips — notes are more practical
- Don't skip tipping resort housekeeping — rooms are cleaned daily and staff work hard
Practical Tips
- CVE 110 ≈ 1 EUR ≈ $1.10 USD. The escudo is pegged to the euro.
- Euros are widely accepted in tourist zones; CVE is preferred by locals.
- ATMs are available on major islands — withdraw escudos on arrival for tips and local markets.
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