Question 1

What is Elos? Are you a rental company?

Accepted Answer

No, Elos does not rent cars directly. We are the platform that connects the best local rental companies in Cabo Verde in one place — you compare prices, policies and availability in real time, book online through a single interface, and pick up the car from the partner you chose. We facilitate the experience and mediate the relationship; the car, the insurance and the on-the-ground service are provided by the local partner.

Question 2

Who is responsible for the rental — Elos or the partner?

Accepted Answer

The rental contract is always between you and the local partner you chose — they hand over the car, provide the insurance and deliver the service on the ground. Elos is responsible for the booking on the platform, the online payment and mediation in the event of a dispute. You can reach out to either of us whenever you need support.

Question 3

How do I book a car on Elos?

Accepted Answer

Search by island and dates, pick a model, fill in your driver details and complete payment. You'll get an email confirmation within seconds, with all pickup details.

Question 4

Is my booking confirmed instantly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Confirmation is instant, in seconds. Unlike marketplaces that can take up to 48h to confirm with the rental company, on Elos you know straight away the car is yours.

Question 5

Can I change my booking?

Accepted Answer

Dates and times, yes. In your account, under “My Bookings”, choose “Change dates” — within the company’s free-cancellation window and subject to availability. To switch vehicle or pickup location, cancel and book again, or talk to our team.

Question 6

How are rental days calculated?

Accepted Answer

Each day is a 24-hour period counted from your pickup time. If you pick up at 2:00pm on the 5th and return at 2:00pm on the 7th, that's exactly 2 days.

Question 7

Can I cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cancellation is free within the window set by each partner — Elos does not impose a single one. The exact deadline is shown on each car's page, at checkout and in your confirmation email. Cancellations outside that window may be subject to a fee equivalent to 1 rental day.

Question 8

Which payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Vinti4, Visa and Mastercard online, and you can pay part or all in cash at pickup. The methods available depend on the rental company and are shown at checkout.

Question 9

Do I need a credit card to book?

Accepted Answer

No. You book online with Vinti4 or a card and pay only a deposit; the rest you pay the company at pickup. If the company requires a security deposit, it's paid in cash or by card, whichever the company accepts — always shown on the car page.

Question 10

Do I pay everything online or part at pickup?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the company. Usually you pay the share that confirms the booking online and the balance to the company at pickup; some allow paying in full online. The percentage and the free-cancellation deadline are set by each company and are always shown on the car page and at checkout.

Question 11

How does the security deposit work?

Accepted Answer

When a company requires a security deposit, you pay it at pickup — in cash or by card, whichever the company accepts — and it's returned at the end of the rental if there's no damage. The amount and method are always shown on the car page. Use the "No deposit" filter to see cars that don't require one.

Question 12

Will I get the exact model I picked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every booking is tied to a specific model, with clear photo and identification. In rare cases of breakdown or unexpected issues, the company will offer an equivalent or higher category car.

Question 13

Is mileage unlimited?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the company. When a company declares unlimited mileage, it is shown on the car page. If it is not shown, the limit is not published on the platform — check with the company before booking, or through the contact in your confirmation email.

Question 14

What's the fuel policy?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the company: full-to-full (you get a full tank and return it full) or same-to-same (return it at the level you got it). When the company declares its policy, it is shown on the car page and in the return reminder. If it is not shown, confirm at pickup.

Question 15

Are baby and child seats available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can add a baby seat, child seat or booster as optional extras during checkout, subject to availability with the rental company.

Question 16

What should I do in case of a breakdown or accident?

Accepted Answer

Many partners offer roadside assistance — its scope and hours are the partner's own and are set out in the rental contract. In an emergency, contact the support number the partner gave you straight away. The Elos team mediates every day, 08:00 to 20:00. In case of an accident, you should also contact the police.

Question 17

Where can I pick up and return the car?

Accepted Answer

At the main airports (Sal, Praia, Mindelo, Boa Vista), at city offices, and — with some companies — directly at your hotel. The available locations show up once you select an island.

Question 18

Can I return at a different location on the same island?

Accepted Answer

When the company offers it. It depends on the company covering more than one point on the island and having the different-return-location service enabled — not all do. Where it exists, the one-way fee appears in your quote before you confirm.

Question 19

Can I do pickup or drop-off out of hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Several companies offer out-of-hours service for a small fee, especially for late-night arrivals. Add your flight number at checkout so the company can prepare.

Question 20

My flight is delayed — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Always provide your flight number at checkout — the rental company tracks arrivals and adjusts pickup. For last-minute changes, contact us on WhatsApp and we'll handle the coordination.

Question 21

Can I take the car to another island?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule, partners do not allow cars to be transported between islands by sea, for logistics and insurance reasons. Some partners may authorise it subject to an additional fee and a specific ferry insurance — confirm with the company before booking. If you're travelling to another island, it's usually more cost-effective to make a new booking at your destination.

Question 22

What documents do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

A valid driving licence held for at least 1 year, plus photo ID (passport or national ID card). If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well.

Question 23

Is there a minimum age?

Accepted Answer

The legal minimum age to rent in Cabo Verde is 18, with a valid driving licence. Some operators may require a higher age or more licence history for specific categories; when that applies, it is shown on the car page and at checkout.

Question 24

Can I add an additional driver?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An additional driver is an optional extra at checkout — some companies include it at no cost, others charge a fixed fee, always shown before you confirm. Just bring that person's licence to the pickup.

Question 25

What insurance is included in the booking?

Accepted Answer

Third-party liability insurance is required by law in Cabo Verde and is provided by the rental company. The actual cover is that company’s own policy and is stated on the car page — check it before booking. You can add CDW or SCDW as extras at checkout, where the company offers them.

Question 26

What's the difference between CDW and SCDW?

Accepted Answer

CDW reduces your liability in case of damage down to an excess. SCDW removes (or nearly zeroes) that excess, giving near-full coverage. Exact amounts are shown at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Elos

Booking and confirmation

Payment, cards and deposit

Vehicle and rental terms

Pickup and return

Driver requirements

Insurance

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