Sal, Cape Verde 🇨🇻
#1674
16.615784, -22.920731
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sal is one of the islands of Cape Verde known for its stunning beaches and warm climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 30,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10-20 Mbps, with some places offering better connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Cabo Verdean Escudo (CVE), 1 EUR ≈ 110 CVE. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | CVMovel and Unitel are popular mobile providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted. ATMs are available in city centers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to apartments. Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate; however, it is advisable to carry cash for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various short-stay options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Surf House provide affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | COWORKING Sal is a popular spot for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mindelo offers a relaxed atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events often hosted at local cafes and bars, especially on weekends. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are common; ride apps are less available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops like SalBike rent bicycles and scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ponta Preta Beach is famous for its beauty and surfing conditions. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TACV (Cape Verde Airlines) offers regional flights between islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | TAP Air Portugal and Air France provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect the island's key locations but are generally not extensive. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses are available for inter-island travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transport passes, but bus fares are generally low. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries and domestic flights are available for travel to other islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Dr. Agostinho Neto is the main healthcare provider in Sal. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga center Sal Prana offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Fitness Club in Santa Maria provides gym facilities for expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at local laundromats and hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Doca delivers food from local restaurants in Santa Maria. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Cachupa', a traditional Cape Verdean stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Veggie Restaurant offers various plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelateria Fogo is known for its gelato and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Santa Maria offer fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sites for online shopping are limited; Amazon ships to Cape Verde. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local supermarkets offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Santa Maria Beach attracts local nightlife with bars and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Cabo Verde offers local beers, often available in bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café Verde serves a selection of wines, including local options. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer snacks like grilled meat skewers and pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants serve pizza and international dishes in Santa Maria. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit Santa Maria's iconic pier and the Santa Maria Shark Bay. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Cultural Center of Cape Verde showcases local art and exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the historic town of Palmeira for its colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Dores is a notable church in Santa Maria. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival in February is a vibrant celebration with parades and festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Santa Maria is the cultural hub of Sal, with numerous events and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host various performances, particularly during festivals. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Santa Maria Fish Market is a must-visit for local seafood. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is frequent in bars, featuring traditional Cape Verdean music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found throughout Santa Maria, highlighting local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes to help you explore Cape Verdean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria Artesanato showcases local artisan works and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings in Santa Maria tell the island's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The vibrant culture reflects African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The natural park of Ponta do Sol offers beautiful hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The protected area at Lagoa de Pedra offers stunning coastal views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along Santa Maria beach is perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Monte Grande provides stunning panoramic views of the island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit the salt pans at Pedra de Lume for unique birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach are allowed for bonfires during events. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office services and DHL for international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Santa Maria handle mobile and gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers and certain cafes offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools provide classes in Portuguese and Creole. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries have reading spaces, but may be limited in resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers often host workshops and events for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming venues, though some cafes may have consoles for casual play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Royal is the main gambling venue on the island. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €102,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €176,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% for businesses operating in Cape Verde. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividends distributed to non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system, taxing only income sourced in Cape Verde. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% for individuals exceeding €30,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, subject to certain regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax rate based on property value, around 0.2%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% for property purchases. |