The real (plural réis) was the currency of Cape Verde until 1914. It was equal to the Portuguese real. Portuguese coins were used but banknotes were issued specifically for Cape Verde sarting in 1869. The real was repaced by the escudo, at a rate of 1000 réis = 1 escudo. The real (plural réis) was the unit of currency in Portugal until 1911. ... The official currency of Cape Verde (Portuguese: Cabo Verde), a former Portuguese colony, is called Escudo. ...