Taxis & Rideshare in Cabo Verde (2026) - Grab, Uber & More

Taxis & Rideshare in Cabo Verde (2026) - Grab, Uber & More

Need a ride in Cabo Verde? Discover reliable taxi and rideshare options to explore impressive beaches, lively restaurants, and must-see island destinations.

In Cabo Verde, the only door-to-door transport you can reliably hail on every island is the local taxi. Vehicles are typically saloon cars or minibuses painted in the island's official taxi colour (often blue or yellow), and they congregate at airports, ferry docks, market squares and outside larger hotels. To use one, simply look for the illuminated "TAXI" sign on the roof or ask any hotel/restaurant to call a driver. Most speak enough English or basic Portuguese to understand your destination. Trips are usually negotiated on the spot, confirm the destination and agree on the fare before you get in, or ask the driver to switch on the meter if the vehicle has one. Receipts are rarely issued, so have small notes ready for payment. For comfort and convenience, taxis are the default choice when you have luggage, are travelling in a group, or need to move at odd hours when "aluguer" minibuses have stopped running. They are also the only option for direct transfers between remote beaches or villages where public transport is infrequent. Because there is no Grab or other rideshare platform, you cannot pre-book electronically; instead, ask your accommodation to arrange a trusted driver the night before if you have an early flight or ferry. During busy holiday periods, expect to wait a little longer at ranks, hotel concierges can usually speed things up by calling drivers they know personally.

Safety Tips

Spot the official yellow taxis. They carry a visible 'TX' plate and a roof light. Santiago, Sal, São Vicente only. Unlicensed cars rarely show both. Trust the plate. Trust the light.

Most yellow cabs on the main islands run meters. Driver says it's broken? Negotiate the fare in escudos before you climb in. Or just wait. Another taxi rolls up fast.

Praia and Mindelo run on Cabify. Sal answers to Uber. Stick to these two apps. Fake rideshare hustlers linger outside airports and hotels. Skip them. Tap the app instead.

Night ride or solo trip? Share your live link through Cabify or Uber. Sit in the back. Street cabs after dark are scarce and tough to verify. Safer this way.

Common Scams to Avoid

Drivers at Sal International Airport sometimes quote a flat 'tourist rate' that is double the metered fare to Santa Maria. Insist on using the meter or agree on a price before leaving the airport queue.

In Praia, some taxis switch off the meter at night or claim it is broken, then demand an inflated fixed price. Only enter cabs where the meter is clearly running or negotiate and note the taxi number first.

On inter-island trips (e.g., Espargos to Pedra de Lume), drivers may add extra passengers without consent and still charge each traveler the full solo fare. Confirm the fare is for the entire vehicle and ask for a receipt showing the agreed amount.