The local currency is the Escudo, which has pretty pictures of sailing boats. It is pegged at 11O to the Euro and so represents about 125 to the pound. It has been stable against the euro for a long time, but high interest rates and controls have been in force to prevent it depreciating.

It is not a convertible currency so that you cannot lawfully take it out of the country and you cannot change it abroad. Cape Verde banks do not provide credit cards. Any currency export requires special permission.

On Sal many tourist enterprises and even the aluguers will accept euros. But you will generally pay 1O% too much. On other islands you cannot use them .

Be careful when leaving the banks and keep your cash out of easy reach.