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Sal, Cape Verde 🇨🇻
#1674
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sal is one of the twelve islands of Cape Verde, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse water sports opportunities. |
| 👥 Population | approx. 35,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 20 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE); 1 EUR ≈ 110 CVE. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like CVMultimedia and Unitel offer prepaid SIM cards for mobile access. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Banco Comercial do Atlântico (BCA) and Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb rentals, and local flats. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most places but card payments are accepted in hotels and some restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local booking platforms offer ample short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Morabeza and Surf House can provide affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Santa Maria beach area is popular for its nightlife and beach activities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Santa Maria offers cafes with Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and a community of expats. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Wi-Fi Beach and Mindelo Coworking are excellent for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Tchintchira is popular for its good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups can be found via Facebook groups for expats and digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cape Verdean cultural nights and beach gatherings frequently occur, fostering community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis available; no major app services yet. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are widely available in Santa Maria. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Santa Maria beach is the most popular and accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TACV Cabo Verde Airlines connects to other islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc, TAP Air Portugal, and Sevenair. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect different parts of the island, manageable by car or taxi. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; taxis and buses are the primary transit options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Daily bus services operate between major towns, but passes aren't commonly available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Inter-Island ferry services are available for travel to nearby islands like Boa Vista. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Ramiro Sousa, located in Espargos, provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga retreats like Yoga Sal offer classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs are present, such as Fit&Well in Santa Maria. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and services are available in Santa Maria. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and local services like Zomato provide delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Cachupa, a traditional Cape Verdean stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Natural Grile serve healthy plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Cultural and Pastelaria Santa Maria for local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Farmers' markets in Santa Maria offer fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local outlets and Cape Verdean online shops, but limited options available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local supermarkets offer delivery in popular areas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Santa Maria has bustling nightlife, with bars like Disco Club and Café del Mar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Praia Brewery produces local beers worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are limited; try local selections at restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Santa Maria offer affordable snacks and fresh fruit. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants offer pizza and seafood, particularly in tourist areas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Santa Maria Pier and the local market for a cultural experience. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu do Mar in Santa Maria showcases local maritime culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old pier and various churches reflect Cape Verde's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Sagrada Família Church in Santa Maria is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festivals like the International Kite Festival in April attract many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Santa Maria is rich in cultural offerings, with artisanal shops and local music. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theatrical performances are held at local community venues in Santa Maria. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Santa Maria has bustling markets selling local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Cape Verdean live music, especially Morna, can be found in various bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Santa Maria features murals and local art throughout the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes on Cape Verdean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Exhibits can be found at local arts venues showcasing Cape Verdean artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic churches and colonial buildings are scattered throughout Santa Maria. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local culture heavily emphasizes music, dance, and communal activities. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Natural de Sal offers hiking trails and wildlife watching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nature reserves like the salt pans at Pedra de Lume. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths are available along the coastline and through local villages. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points near Ponta do Ilhéu provide stunning coastal views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching around the salt pans is very popular, with various species present. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires, inquire locally for guidelines. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices offer domestic and international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide repairs for phones and basic electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers in Santa Maria feature table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes for Creole and Portuguese. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; some coffee shops serve as informal study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host events and provide resources for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some local cafes have gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Royal Sal on the island caters to nightlife and gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €136,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable in certain cases. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Cape Verde offers favorable conditions with residency options for digital nomads. |