Mindelo, Cape Verde 🇨🇻
#1124
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mindelo is the second largest city in Cape Verde, located on the island of São Vicente and known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 70,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 25 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 110.40 CVE (Cape Verdean Escudo). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It’s advisable to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz. Sockets are type C and F. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include CVMovel and Unitel. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco BAI and Banco Espírito Santo offer services for expats, and online banking is available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels. Prices range from €15-€100 per night depending on the type of accommodation. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in many establishments, but carrying cash is advisable for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local listings on Facebook Marketplace offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Casa Branca and Pensão Lúcia offer budget rates around €15-€30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area of Praia da Laginha is popular among tourists for its proximity to beaches and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center near Avenida 5 de Julho is ideal for digital nomads, offering various cafés and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Fabrica de Cultura - a popular coworking space with reliable internet and a community vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café del Mar offers good coffee, Wi-Fi, and an ocean view, making it great for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events hosted by CoWorking Mindelo on social media platforms for networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Mindelo Expats Group on Facebook regularly organizes meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Mindelo, providing reliable taxi services through a mobile app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops, with pricing around €10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia da Laginha is the closest beach known for its clear waters and sandy shores, located just 10 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TACV Cabo Verde Airlines is the main regional airline operating between islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | TAP Air Portugal and Cabo Verde Airlines provide international flights connecting to Europe and the United States. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Road access is straightforward within the city, with main routes leading to key areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; local transport includes minibus taxis known as 'Hiaces'. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is generally pay-per-ride, no formal passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Inter-island ferry services are available for travel between the islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Baptista de Sousa located in Mindelo offers various medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Mindelo Yoga (Yoga studio) offers classes and wellness sessions for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Mindelo offers gym facilities and classes for all fitness levels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available in the city, such as Lavandaria 5 de Julho. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Appetito is a popular local food delivery service with various restaurant options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cachupa, a traditional Cape Verdean stew made with beans, corn, and various meats. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Raiz do Peixe offers a range of vegetarian dishes focusing on local flavors. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe e Restaurante Nhoque is known for its sweet treats and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado de Peixe offer fresh produce and local delicacies at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping in Cape Verde is limited; however, some local supermarkets offer online ordering. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available through some local shops, typically via phone orders. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Avenida 5 de Julho has a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveja Prisma is a local brewery known for its traditional beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino Verde wine bar in Mindelo offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food options are plentiful; try the local pastries and grilled fish found at various stalls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several international restaurants offer cuisines from Italy, Germany, and Spain, located mainly along the waterfront. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The picturesque Mindelo Harbor and the cultural center Centro Nacional de Artesanato are must-see sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu do Mar provides insights into the maritime history of Cape Verde. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The colonial architecture around Praça Nova is noteworthy. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Igreja do Nossa Senhora da Luz is a significant church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Mindelo hosts the famous Carnival in February, attracting visitors with its vibrant parades. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town area reflects local culture and artistic expression. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal do Porto Grande hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visiting Mercado de Mindelo offers a local experience with fresh produce and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Mindelo has a lively music scene with many venues featuring live Morna music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant murals can be found throughout the city, especially in local neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn to cook traditional meals at Centro de Formação profissional in Mindelo. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria de Arte is a prominent local gallery showcasing Cape Verdean artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historical fortress 'Fortim de São Filipe' provides stunning views of the harbor. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The famous Cape Verdean music genre Morna reflects the island's rich cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ilha de Santa Luzia, a nearby uninhabited island, is perfect for day trips and exploring nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Monte Verde provides hiking opportunities with scenic views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Well-maintained coastal paths offer beautiful walks with ocean views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Miradouro da Praia offers panoramic views of Mindelo and the surrounding beaches. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Santa Luzia Island is excellent for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires are permitted at certain beaches, particularly on weekends. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops offer basic tech repair services for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally offer table tennis as part of recreational activities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Línguas offers Portuguese language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Municipal Library in Mindelo is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural do Mindelo hosts various community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges are available; most gaming occurs in homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Mindelo has limited gaming options; most nightlife revolves around bars and clubs. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €108,000) in the city center. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000) outside the city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €174,000) in the city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €144,000) outside the city center. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €248,000) in the city center. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) outside the city center. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Cape Verde operates a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply, taxing foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxation is based on the cadastral income at a rate of 0.25%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The property transaction tax is typically around 2%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Cape Verde offers special tax incentives, including residence permits for remote workers. |