Mindelo, Cape Verde 🇨🇻
#1124
16.887305, -24.986406
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mindelo is the cultural capital of Cape Verde, known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 77,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). 1 EUR ≈ 110 CVE, 1 USD ≈ 100 CVE. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Unitel T+ and T+ with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Banco BAI and Banco Cabo Verde, which accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront hotels to guesthouses and Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still commonly used. Credit cards accepted mainly in hotels and larger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer diverse options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa Branca and other local guesthouses with rates starting from €15/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mindelo Coworking Space, equipped with high-speed internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Roxy, popular among remote workers for its ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and cultural events hosted by local expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats Mindelo Facebook Group for organizing gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major apps; local taxis can be found throughout the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes are available for rent at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Laginha Beach, just 5 minutes by taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cabo Verde Airlines, connecting to multiple islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | TAP Air Portugal and charter flights available. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Roads are mostly paved; access to the city is straightforward. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transport is limited. Local buses connect city areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; buy tickets directly from drivers. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Inter-island ferries and flights available for nearby islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Baptista de Sousa, the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Mindelo Yoga Center offers regular classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Mindelo caters to fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available with drop-off services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major apps; local restaurants often offer call-in delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Catchupa, a traditional Cape Verdean stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Terra e Mar offers plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelaria Tia Maria for local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mindelo Market for fresh produce and local groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; mostly local businesses and physical shops. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery services upon request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Avenida 5 de Julho, known for lively bars and music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Praia Beer, produced locally and available in bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Ouro Verde, offering local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer grilled fish and local snacks around the marina. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante Nacional serves various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Plaza Nova and Palacio do Povo. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu do Mar showcases Cape Verdean maritime history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fortim de São Filipe offers a glimpse into the islands' colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz, a significant local church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnaval de Mindelo in February, the biggest party of the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the artistic neighborhood of Laginha. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Centro Cultural do Mindelo hosts performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mindelo Municipal Market for arts and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at clubs like Casa da Morna, celebrating traditional music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant murals throughout the city, especially in downtown. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes in Cape Verdean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery of Modern Art showcases local and contemporary artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Town Hall and colonial architecture in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mindelo is known for its rich cultural heritage, heavily influenced by Portuguese and African traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | For hiking, visit the nearby Monte Verde with breathtaking views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Natural de Monte Verde is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the coast provide scenic walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Miradouro da Cruz offers panoramic views of the bay. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cabo Verde is a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially on nearby islands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Laginha Beach for evenings around the fire. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal service is available but slow; private couriers like DHL are recommended. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech House offers electronics repair services in Mindelo. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Mindelo Social Club has ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes in Portuguese and Creole. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | National Library of Cape Verde in Mindelo provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural hosts community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming centers are limited; some local cafes have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Mindelo; gambling is illegal except for charity lottery. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Mandatory 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 36% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited regulations applied. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate on property transactions. |