Essentials

πŸ™οΈ City Praia is the capital city of Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago.
πŸ‘₯ Population Approx. 160,000
πŸ’» Internet Speed Average mobile internet speeds of 25-30 Mbps, with fiber internet available in some areas reaching up to 100 Mbps.
πŸ’Έ Currency & Banking 1 EUR β‰ˆ 110 CVE (Cape Verdean Escudo). Major banks include Banco Comercial do AtlΓ’ntico and Banco InteratlΓ’ntico.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
πŸ”Œ Power 230V, 50Hz, πŸ”Œ Type C and F sockets.
πŸ“Ά SIM Card Providers include Cabo Verde Telecom (CVTelecom) and Unitel T+ with affordable prepaid plans.
πŸ’³ Banking for Expats Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; ATMs available but charge high fees for withdrawals.
πŸ›Œ Accommodation Options range from hotels to guesthouses. Airbnb has listings starting from €30 per night.
πŸ’³ Cashless Friendly No, cash is preferred although cards are accepted in larger establishments.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local rental websites have options available in various neighborhoods.
πŸ›οΈ Budget Accommodation Hostel Praia, offering dormitory beds from €15 per night.

Working and Networking

🏒 Best Coworking Space Praia Global is a popular coworking space with good amenities and a vibrant atmosphere.
β˜• Best Cafe for Work CafΓ© AvΓ³ Rampa offers free Wi-Fi and a comfortable setting to work.
πŸ’Ό Networking Events Cape Verde Digital Nomads group on Facebook organizes meetups and events for remote workers.
πŸ₯‚ Social Events for Expats Weekly social gatherings are held at local bars such as Tchou Tchou.

Transportation

πŸš• Best Taxi/Ride App Taxi services can be found easily; Bolt is also available in Praia.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bike rentals are available through local shops but are limited.
πŸ–οΈ Best Beach Nearby Praia de Gamboa is a popular local beach, about 15 minutes from the city center.
✈️ Top Regional Airline TACV Cabo Verde Airlines is the main carrier connecting the islands.
✈️ Top International Airline Royal Air Maroc and TAP Air Portugal offer connections from Europe.
πŸ›£οΈ Highway Access Access to the main ring road around Praia is easy.
πŸš‰ Main Train/Transit Hub Praia has a central bus station with services to other islands.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Public transportation mainly consists of ALUGA (shared minibuses), no specific passes available.
✈️ Regional Travel Inter-island ferries operate, connecting Praia with other major islands.

Health and Wellness

πŸ₯ Best Hospital Hospital Agostinho Neto is the primary healthcare facility in Praia.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga classes are available at studios like Yoga Praia.
πŸ‹οΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness Land and Fit&Happy Gym offer memberships for locals and expats.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundromats are limited; laundries like Lavandaria Praia offer cleaning services.

Food and Drink

πŸ“± Best Food Delivery App Gourmet CV provides food delivery options in Praia.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Catchupa, a traditional stew made with corn, beans, and meat.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Cafe D'Vino has great vegetarian options and a nice atmosphere.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Pastelaria Cuca serves a variety of local pastries and desserts.
πŸ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Mercado municipal offers fresh produce and local products at good prices.
πŸ›’ E-commerce/Online Store Local online platforms like CVShop offer groceries and other essentials.
πŸ›’ Grocery Delivery Delivery services are limited; local markets are the primary grocery sources.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Avenida 5 de Julho is known for its vibrant nightlife with multiple bars.
🍻 Local Brewery Cerveja Praia is a local brewery offering tours and tastings.
🍷 Wine Bars Bar 33 has a selection of wines and a cozy atmosphere.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors often sell local delicacies like grilled corn and fish.
πŸ• Popular International Cuisine Restaurants such as O Pescador offer various international dishes.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Mercado de Sucupira is a vibrant market; Prainha Beach is also worth visiting.
πŸ›οΈ Museums & Art Venues Museu EtnogrΓ‘fico offers insights into Cape Verdean culture.
🏰 Historical Sites Fortaleza Real de San Felipe is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
πŸ• Religious Sites Igreja Nossa Senhora da GraΓ§a is a beautiful church in Praia.
πŸŽ‰ Annual Events Carnaval de Praia showcases music and dance every February.
🎨 Cultural Districts Plateau is the cultural heart of Praia with art galleries and performances.
🎭 Theater Venues Teatro Municipal de Praia hosts local performances and events.
πŸ›οΈ Local Markets Mercado de Sucupira is the main market for local crafts and foods.
🎼 Music Scene Live music is present in bars and restaurants across the city, particularly in Plateau.
🎨 Street Art Street murals can be found throughout the Plateau district.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ³ Cooking Classes Classes at local culinary schools offer authentic Cape Verdean cooking experiences.
πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ¨ Art Galleries Galeria de Arte in Praia showcases local artists.
πŸ•°οΈ Historic Buildings Santo Antonio Church is a notable historic building in the city.
🏴 Local Heritage Cape Verdean Creole culture is celebrated and reflected in various local traditions.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

πŸŒ… Nearby Nature Escapes Mama Africa is a local nature park ideal for short hikes.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Serra Malagueta National Park offers stunning hiking trails.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Walking paths along the coast are ideal for leisurely strolls.
πŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints The view from the top of Serra da Malagueta is breathtaking.
πŸ¦‰ Birdwatching Locations Centro Ecoturismo offers guided tours for birdwatching.
πŸ”₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated fire zones are available at some beaches like Praia de Gamboa.

Other Services and Amenities

πŸ“¦ Parcel Delivery Service Correios de Cabo Verde handles mailing services across the islands.
πŸ› οΈ Tech Repair Services Technicians available at Lima's & Son for electronic repairs.
πŸ“ Table Tennis Spots Local community centers have recreational facilities including ping pong.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Language Classes Language schools such as Cape Verdean Language Institute offer classes.
πŸ“š Libraries & Study Spots Biblioteca Nacional offers quiet study spaces.
🏘️ Community Centers Espaço de Cidadania provides community activities and classes.
πŸ•ΉοΈ Gaming Lounges Gaming spots are limited; check local cafes for gaming options.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Praia has limited gaming options; most entertainment is at local bars.

Business

🏒 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = €72,000)
🏒 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = €60,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = €120,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = €96,000)
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = €144,000)
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €1,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = €112,000)
πŸ’Ό Corporate Tax 25%
πŸ’΅ Dividend Withholding Tax 10%
🏦 Tax System World-wide income basis for residents.
πŸ“ˆ Highest Income Tax Bracket 30%
🧾 VAT 15%
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules No strict rules applied in the region.
🏠 Property Tax Yes, 0.5% of the property value annually.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax 6% for property transactions.