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Guide
Mindelo, Cape Verde π¨π»
#1124
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Mindelo is the second largest city in Cape Verde, located on the island of SΓ£o Vicente and known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 70,000 residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 25 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 110.40 CVE (Cape Verdean Escudo). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in many places. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable. Itβs advisable to drink bottled water. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz. Sockets are type C and F. |
πΆ SIM Card | Available providers include CVMovel and Unitel. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or local shops. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco BAI and Banco EspΓrito Santo offer services for expats, and online banking is available. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels. Prices range from β¬15-β¬100 per night depending on the type of accommodation. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in many establishments, but carrying cash is advisable for smaller vendors. |
π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local listings on Facebook Marketplace offer short-term rentals. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Casa Branca and PensΓ£o LΓΊcia offer budget rates around β¬15-β¬30 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area of Praia da Laginha is popular among tourists for its proximity to beaches and restaurants. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center near Avenida 5 de Julho is ideal for digital nomads, offering various cafΓ©s and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Fabrica de Cultura - a popular coworking space with reliable internet and a community vibe. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© del Mar offers good coffee, Wi-Fi, and an ocean view, making it great for working. |
πΌ Networking Events | Look for events hosted by CoWorking Mindelo on social media platforms for networking opportunities. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Mindelo Expats Group on Facebook regularly organizes meetups and social events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Mindelo, providing reliable taxi services through a mobile app. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops, with pricing around β¬10 per day. |
ποΈ 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. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | TACV Cabo Verde Airlines is the main regional airline operating between islands. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | TAP Air Portugal and Cabo Verde Airlines provide international flights connecting to Europe and the United States. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Road access is straightforward within the city, with main routes leading to key areas. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; local transport includes minibus taxis known as 'Hiaces'. |
π Public Transport Passes | Public transport is generally pay-per-ride, no formal passes available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Inter-island ferry services are available for travel between the islands. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital Baptista de Sousa located in Mindelo offers various medical services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Mindelo Yoga (Yoga studio) offers classes and wellness sessions for all levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Mindelo offers gym facilities and classes for all fitness levels. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available in the city, such as Lavandaria 5 de Julho. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Appetito is a popular local food delivery service with various restaurant options. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Cachupa, a traditional Cape Verdean stew made with beans, corn, and various meats. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Raiz do Peixe offers a range of vegetarian dishes focusing on local flavors. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Cafe e Restaurante Nhoque is known for its sweet treats and pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado de Peixe offer fresh produce and local delicacies at reasonable prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping in Cape Verde is limited; however, some local supermarkets offer online ordering. |
π Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available through some local shops, typically via phone orders. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Avenida 5 de Julho has a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
π» Local Brewery | Cerveja Prisma is a local brewery known for its traditional beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Vino Verde wine bar in Mindelo offers a selection of local and international wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food options are plentiful; try the local pastries and grilled fish found at various stalls. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Several international restaurants offer cuisines from Italy, Germany, and Spain, located mainly along the waterfront. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The picturesque Mindelo Harbor and the cultural center Centro Nacional de Artesanato are must-see sites. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museu do Mar provides insights into the maritime history of Cape Verde. |
π° Historical Sites | The colonial architecture around PraΓ§a Nova is noteworthy. |
π Religious Sites | Igreja do Nossa Senhora da Luz is a significant church worth visiting. |
π Annual Events | Mindelo hosts the famous Carnival in February, attracting visitors with its vibrant parades. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The old town area reflects local culture and artistic expression. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal do Porto Grande hosts various performances and cultural events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Visiting Mercado de Mindelo offers a local experience with fresh produce and local crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Mindelo has a lively music scene with many venues featuring live Morna music. |
π¨ Street Art | Vibrant murals can be found throughout the city, especially in local neighborhoods. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Learn to cook traditional meals at Centro de FormaΓ§Γ£o profissional in Mindelo. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galeria de Arte is a prominent local gallery showcasing Cape Verdean artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The historical fortress 'Fortim de SΓ£o Filipe' provides stunning views of the harbor. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The famous Cape Verdean music genre Morna reflects the island's rich cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Ilha de Santa Luzia, a nearby uninhabited island, is perfect for day trips and exploring nature. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Monte Verde provides hiking opportunities with scenic views. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Well-maintained coastal paths offer beautiful walks with ocean views. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Miradouro da Praia offers panoramic views of Mindelo and the surrounding beaches. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Santa Luzia Island is excellent for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires are permitted at certain beaches, particularly on weekends. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices provide parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops offer basic tech repair services for phones and laptops. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally offer table tennis as part of recreational activities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Instituto de LΓnguas offers Portuguese language classes for expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Municipal Library in Mindelo is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro Cultural do Mindelo hosts various community events and activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges are available; most gaming occurs in homes. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Mindelo has limited gaming options; most nightlife revolves around bars and clubs. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬108,000) in the city center. |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬88,000) outside the city center. |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,900 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬174,000) in the city center. |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬144,000) outside the city center. |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,100 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬248,000) in the city center. |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬208,000) outside the city center. |
πΌ Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 25%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 10%. |
π¦ Tax System | Cape Verde operates a territorial tax system for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply, taxing foreign subsidiaries. |
π Property Tax | Property taxation is based on the cadastral income at a rate of 0.25%. |
π Property Transaction Tax | The property transaction tax is typically around 2%. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Cape Verde offers special tax incentives, including residence permits for remote workers. |