Living in Cape Verde

Of course things have changed since covid-19 turned up on everyone's doorstep, then the situation with Russia and Ukraine has a major impact on the world and will continue to affect more people in the coming years, one way or another.

Those islands that receive direct flights from other countries now receive more fresh produce than they did pre-2009. Goods such as items for the home are brought in as air freight or cargo ship. Most of the information below was posted re-2009, however, a lot of things have changed since then!

The cost of living

Prices may vary from island to island. Fresh supplies arrive regularly on the main islands of Santiago and Sao Vicente. Some cargo boats may then sail on to Sal and other islands, but the extra fuel costs will be passed on to the buyer. Some large ships may be unloaded on the main islands and goods may be re-loaded onto other boats sailing to the smaller islands. Goods and fresh produce are more plentiful on Santiago and Sao Vicente and they are cheaper than on Sal. Read on: Living Costs

Maio is less populated than Santiago, but it is only a 10min flight from Praia.

Relatives and friends of hoteliers, restaurants and locals travelling between Santiago and Maio, rely on them to bring in fresh produce for them by plane or boat. Frozen goods are transported in cooler boxes. The boat to Maio from Santiago only arrives every 3 weeks (pre-2009), some fresh produce is limited. Some business people on Maio hire a private boat if fresh food is sparse, and they share the cost of the boat hire. Similar situations occur on other smaller islands where ports and the population are smaller.

From Port to villages

Transportation of goods from the port to other areas of the island is also an additional cost. It is cheaper to buy produce near the port and in the capitals than on the outlying villages. Many people in Santa Maria on Sal Island travel to Espargos to do their weekly shopping. Not all items are much cheaper but on the whole it is worth the travelling to obtain same savings and sometimes fresher produce.

Some of these prices were obtained in June 08, so they will increase have increased to date. We are aware that thecost of electricity and water incresed early in 2011.
THE OFFICIAL EXCHANGE RATE always remains the same!! : 1 euro = 110.265cve (escudos) ....... e.g. 10euros = 1103cve

Chinese Loja

Although some goods sold at the Chinese shops may be of different quality, it is often cheaper to buy most tin foods and sometimes fruit from these shops as they oftern ship things regularly from the other islands and also get some fresh produce weekly. A number of the Cape Verdean owned shops will buy bulk items from the chinese shops then add a bit on, to sell in their own shops.

Utilities:

Prices charged via Developments and Management Agencies may vary. Obvioulsy they need to include a payment for their services.

NOTE:

You can contact a Property Management Service for more up to date costs on Electric, gas, water, condominium and Management fees.

Outside large developments you may find the following charges (rough guide):

Example costs based on a particular One Bed apt. in Santa Maria (2008):

EXAMPLE:

Condiminium - charges for one particular block of 6 x 1 bed apartments in Santa Maria is 240euro per year.

Electric - average cost 5000cve per month/4wks which includes the connection charge by Electra to your apartment building & tax. The price includes use of washing machine, fridge freezer and occasional use of Air Con for one person.If used more often the cost rises!!

Water - monthly water bill within same block for one bed apt : 1500cve per month, but less if only one person and no washing machine etc.

Gas - a large gas bottle can last one person 12months.

Bottled gas : You will need to sign a contract before you can get a gas bottle with Enacol or Shell. You will need to know which type of bottle you require as there are two different fitment connections. Check with both of the garages which are situated at the entrance to Santa Maria. There are a number of bottled gas suppliers in Santa Maria. REFILLS:The shop that sells gas bottle refills for Shell is situated in the Tanquinho Zona of Santa Maria is 'Doya's', which is stituated between Leme Bedje and the Correios (post office).

All the utility costs need to be paid separately to the Management and Condominium fees. Some Management Agencies may pay your bills on your behalf but you should keep your payments up to date.

Charges 2008:

Bottled Gas:
12.5kg..........................1804escudos
6kg..............................866escudos
3kg..............................411escudos

Water :
0-6 cubic metres of water 234escudos
6-10..............................343escudos
10+ ..............................457escudos
If water is supplied by tank refill (if you are not on mains) I am informed its around 370cve per cubic meter. Occasionally during water shortages, if your building does manage to obtain a tank of water (if not on mains) the cost of water may increase during the period of shortage.

Electra :
0-60kw ..........23cve per kw
60+................30cve

NOTE: Usage will depend on how many people are in the property at one time using showers, washing machine, air condition etc!

Produce :
Prices vary depending on availability.
All prices listed is for 1kg unless otherwise stipulated and we don't always have a ready supply on hand. Some shops will be cheaper than others so you have to shop around i.e. for good quality tomatoes or a better price.

Beef .................1250cve
Pork .................900cve
Chicken ..............750cve
Carrots ..............280cve
Onions................150cve
Cabbage...............450cve
Apples................290cve
Oranges...............290cve
Coffee....100grams....650cve
Edam..................1200cve
Gordo.................1360cve
Eggs..................20cve
Ham...................1650cve
Sugar.................90cve
Rice..................60cve
Water.....5ltr........225cve
Kellogs corn flakes...375grams.....375cve
Grapes................450cve
Potatoes..............120cve
Minced meat ..........850cve

Milk..................120cve
5 litre water ........220cve
Fruit juice carton....180cve
Salt..................80cve
Toilet roll (12)......350cve
100g tin tomatoes.... 100cve

The price of onions went up to 500cve in August 08 for a short time as there was no fresh supply. This price jump occurs from time to time with all fresh produce. It does come down again when fresh produce arrives.

Power Supply

Theses can be for a few hours or can sometimes go off for days at time, affecting shops, businesses and communications.

Freezer items can sometimes defrost and will need to be thrown away. Items in the fridge may go off quickly. Short term power cuts should mean your frozen items are ok, for other fridge items, just keep the fridge freezer door closed.

Some of the better, larger complex's have there own back up system generator to keep fridges, freezers, lighting and water running.

Some shops and restaurants will close. If there is no electricity, the water pumps won't work to provide you with tap water, flush toilets or showers!

Some smaller shops selling frozen food may not have a generator, it has been known that some have re-frozen meats and other freezer items.

CVTelecom:
www.cvtelecom.cv will provide info on costs for land line phones etc. Also Multimedia costs.
The installation cost is extra. 2007 one incoming line to private property cst 3000cve.
Roughly per month without use of phone the line rental is about 892cve.
When you get a land line you will also be provided with a CVTelecom email address free of charge.
One persons Multimedia use may incur 4000cve - 5000cve a month, or maybe more or less dependent on usage. The next rate jumps up to 9.000cve + per month. Their new shop is situated near the Morabeza Hotel.

TMAIS (Unitel) provides wireless internet in Santa Maria, they also sell phones and phone credit. 

Please be careful when inputting personal information when not using secure internet.

Electra Office (2011)

There is a new Electra Office in Santa Maria.

IUP - ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX (2011)

People should read this within the following link, as prices will have increased by 5 times : Legal-IUP

The above is meant as a guide only. 

See also : Tips for your home