Situated along the west coast of southern Africa, Angola is known for its abundant natural resources, colonial architecture and winding serpentine mountain pass on the Serra da Leba. Angola’s post-civil war tourism potential is slowly emerging, and visitors who have the opportunity to explore this spectacular country will be rewarded with unspoilt landscapes and magnificent natural features such as the Kalandula waterfalls, the bizarre rock formations at Pungo Andongo and the glorious orange sands of the northern Namib Desert. The prosperous oil-rich capital of Luanda boasts modern skyscrapers, a palm-lined promenade and stately government buildings. Visitors can enjoy a ride on the Benguela Railway, which winds through the scenic countryside, visit Mussulo Island, a peninsula renowned for its beauty and explore the scattered remnants of Portuguese colonial history.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Currency: Kwanza.
Local currency: Kwanza.
Symbol: AOA.
ISO code: AOA.
Central bank: National Bank of Angola.
Subunit: Centimos.
Banknotes: 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5.
Coins: 5, 2, 1.
Banking
Card Transactions:
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Generally, no
Visa: In some places
American Express: In some places
Diner’s club: In some places
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08h45 - 16h00
Weekends: no
Public Holidays: Generally, no
Foreign exchange services: Yes, at official bureau du change only
Traveller’s cheques accepted: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: TAAG Angola Airlines
International Airports: Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport
Road:
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: No (national licence valid for 30 days), however, international licence recommended
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No. Kubinga is a service that uses the same model.
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: In Luanda
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, but unreliable
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: No
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, well cooked
Street food: No
Local cuisine:
Much of the cuisine has a Portuguese influence, most notably in the country’s spicy seafood. Muamba de Galinha is Angola's national dish, and one of its most popular. This chicken stew is made with butternut squash, palm oil, tomatoes and okra. Other highlights include Catatos (an insect dish), Cocadaamarela (pudding), Cabidela (a meat dish) and Piri Piri sauce.
Tipping: % 10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 84.06 mm
Average temperature: 27°C
Summer:
Average in highs: 30°C
Average in lows: 26°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 26°C
Average in lows: 20°C
Best time to visit: You’ll find a cooler, drier climate between June and September. The best time to visit Angola is from June to October. These months mark the dry season, offering warm, dry days ideal for wildlife viewing and exploring the country's diverse landscapes.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Wifi available at:
Internet cafes: Yes, in Luanda
Accommodation options: May be difficult to find
Restaurants: May be difficult to find
Cafes: May be difficult to find
Shopping malls: May be difficult to find
Public parks: No
Libraries: May be difficult to find
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C: also known as the standard "Euro" plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F.
Voltage (V): 220 V.
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 Hz.
*If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
*If your appliance isn’t compatible with the voltage, a voltage converter will be needed
