Cabo Verde is an archipelagic nation off the coast of West Africa, celebrated for its unique blend of African and Portuguese cultures and its dramatic volcanic landscapes. Its capital, Praia, located on Santiago Island, is the political and financial center. With a population of approximately 600,000, the economy is primarily tourism-driven, supported by the “blue economy” and significant remittances from the vast Cabo Verdean diaspora. In 2026, the country was officially recognized as an upper-middle-income nation, with major exports including fish, fuel re-exports, and light manufactured goods.
Money Transfer Locations
Western Union
Western Union operates through a robust partnership with Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde and BCA (Banco Comercial do Atlântico), covering nearly every inhabited island.
- Praia (Santiago) – Chã de Areia, Achada Santo António, and Plateau
- Mindelo (São Vicente) – Rua Lisboa and Porto Grande area
- Santa Maria (Sal) – Rua 1 de Junho and Vila de Santa Maria
- Espargos (Sal) – Amílcar Cabral International Airport and Town Centre
- Sal Rei (Boa Vista) – Largo Santa Isabel and Chã de Boa Vista
- São Filipe (Fogo) – Town Square
- Ribeira Grande (Santo Antão) – Main Road
- Porto Novo (Santo Antão) – Near the Ferry Terminal
- Tarrafal (Santiago) – Town Centre
- Vila do Maio (Maio) – Main Market area
- Nova Sintra (Brava) – City Hub
MoneyGram
MoneyGram services are widely available through Banco BAI Cabo Verde, BCN (Banco Caboverdiano de Negócios), and select retail exchange bureaus.
- Praia – Av. Cidade de Lisboa and Palmarejo
- Mindelo – Avenida Baltazar Lopes
- Espargos – Rua 13 de Agosto
- Santa Maria – Near the pier/tourism district
- Assomada (Santiago) – Central Market area
- Pedra Badejo (Santiago) – Main Street
Ria Money Transfer
Ria is accessible through Interatlantico Bank and specialized currency exchange partners like Verdemundo and Ageps.
- Praia – Fazenda and Achada São Filipe
- Mindelo – Monte Sossego
- Sal Rei – Near the main square
- Santa Maria – C.C. Bazamore
Major Bank & Financial Partners
International remittances (SWIFT) and inward transfers are primarily processed through these leading financial institutions in Cabo Verde:
- BCA – Banco Comercial do Atlântico (Largest branch network)
- Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde (CECV)
- Banco BAI Cabo Verde
- BCN – Banco Caboverdiano de Negócios
- Ecobank Cabo Verde
- Banco Interatlântico
- International Investment Bank (iib)
- Correios de Cabo Verde (National Postal Service Payouts)