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Cape Verdean Escudo

Living on an island nation means strong connections with the rest of the world—and the currency reflects that reality. The Cape Verdean escudo supports an economy shaped by tourism, international trade, fishing, and close ties with Europe, helping businesses and communities thrive across an Atlantic archipelago.

The Cape Verdean escudo is the official currency of Cabo Verde. Its international currency code is CVE, and it is issued by the Bank of Cabo Verde. One escudo is divided into 100 centavos, although centavo coins are rarely used in everyday transactions.

Today, the escudo is used throughout the islands for shopping, banking, tourism, transportation, hospitality, government services, and daily commerce. Modern banknotes celebrate the country's cultural heritage by featuring notable Cape Verdean writers, musicians, scientists, and national figures.

Daily Whoa Snapshot

Category: Currency
Country: Cabo Verde
Currency Code: CVE
Subdivision: 100 centavos
Issued By: Bank of Cabo Verde
Known For: Official currency of Cabo Verde

Why the Cape Verdean Escudo Matters

The escudo supports every part of Cabo Verde's economy, from family-owned restaurants and local markets to hotels, airlines, shipping companies, and financial institutions serving residents and visitors across the islands.

The currency also reflects the country's close economic relationship with Europe. A fixed exchange rate with the euro has helped provide monetary stability and facilitate trade, tourism, and investment.

For travelers, understanding the escudo makes everyday purchases easier while offering a practical introduction to the economy of one of West Africa's most successful island nations.

Definition

The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) is the official currency of Cabo Verde. Issued by the Bank of Cabo Verde, it serves as the country's legal tender for public and private financial transactions.

The Daily Whoa

The Cape Verdean escudo is Cabo Verde's official currency.
Its international currency code is CVE.
One escudo is divided into 100 centavos.
The currency is issued by the Bank of Cabo Verde.
The escudo has a fixed exchange rate with the euro.
Modern banknotes celebrate Cabo Verde's cultural heritage.

History

The Cape Verdean escudo was introduced in 1914, replacing the Cape Verdean real. Over the decades, the currency has evolved alongside the country's economic development, with updated banknotes and coins reflecting both modern security features and the nation's cultural identity.

Banknotes and Coins

Current banknotes feature distinguished Cape Verdean personalities from literature, music, science, and public life. Coins circulate in several denominations and remain widely used for everyday purchases throughout the islands.

Where You'll Encounter the Cape Verdean Escudo

The Cape Verdean escudo is used across all inhabited islands of Cabo Verde. Visitors use it when paying for accommodations, ferry tickets, restaurant meals, local transportation, shopping, and tours, while residents rely on it for everyday commerce and financial services.

You'll commonly encounter the Cape Verdean escudo through:

Retail stores and supermarkets
Banks and ATMs
Hotels and resorts
Restaurants and cafés
Government services
Ferry terminals and airports
Local markets
Tourism operators
Business transactions
Everyday purchases

What Makes the Cape Verdean Escudo Interesting?

It maintains a fixed exchange rate with the euro

The escudo is pegged to the euro through a long-standing monetary arrangement. This stability supports tourism, encourages trade, and helps businesses operate with greater confidence in international markets.

Its banknotes honor national achievements

Instead of focusing only on political figures, modern banknotes celebrate influential writers, musicians, scientists, and other individuals whose work has shaped Cabo Verde's cultural identity.

It serves an island economy

The escudo circulates across an Atlantic archipelago where tourism, maritime transport, fisheries, and international connections play an important role in daily life and economic activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cape Verdean escudo?

The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) is the official currency of Cabo Verde and serves as the country's legal tender.

What is the currency code for the Cape Verdean escudo?

The international ISO currency code is CVE.

Who issues the Cape Verdean escudo?

The Bank of Cabo Verde is responsible for issuing and regulating the country's currency.

How many centavos are in one escudo?

One Cape Verdean escudo is divided into 100 centavos, although centavo coins are seldom used in everyday transactions.

Why should I care about the Cape Verdean escudo?

The Cape Verdean escudo reflects the country's maritime heritage, cultural identity, and international outlook. It also illustrates how a small island nation has built monetary stability while maintaining strong economic ties with Europe.