Angola Currency Guide: Explore with the Angolan kwanza
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Angola with the Angolan kwanza
What's in this Angola currency guide?
What currency is used in Angola?
The official currency of Angola (country code: AO) is the Angolan kwanza, with symbol and currency code AOA.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Angola?
The domestic currency in Angola is the Angolan kwanza.
What is the Angolan kwanza currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Angolan kwanza is AOA.
What doe the Angolan kwanza look like?
Here is an example Angolan kwanza banknote:
Which countries use the Angolan kwanza?
It is the domestic currency in Angola.
Is the Angolan kwanza a closed currency?
Yes the Angolan kwanza is a closed currency. Which means that you may find it difficult to purchase the currency (AOA) before departure and will probably need to buy it upon arrival. If you do manage to buy some of the currency or have some left over from a previous trip, make sure you are aware if you are allowed to bring this closed currency into the country.
For more information and a full list of closed currencies please refer to our guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and AOA?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to AOA (US dollar to Angolan kwanza)*.
*Converted at the current USDAOA interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Things to know about the Angolan kwanza
The Angolan Kwanza (AOA) is the official currency of Angola, a country located in Southern Africa. Here are some things you might want to know about the Angolan Kwanza:
- It is abbreviated as AOA and is made up of 100 lwei.
- The National Bank of Angola is responsible for issuing the currency and managing the country's monetary policy.
- The Angolan Kwanza is not pegged to any other currency, and its value is determined by market forces.
- The current exchange rate of the Angolan Kwanza can be found on various financial news and online currency exchange sites.
- The Angolan Kwanza comes in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 kwanza. The coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 kwanza.
- The physical currency features images of notable figures and landmarks from Angola's history and culture, as well as Portuguese inscriptions.
- The Angolan Kwanza is not widely accepted outside of Angola, so it is important to exchange it for a more widely accepted currency before traveling abroad.
- Angola has a high inflation rate, so it is important to check the current exchange rate before conducting any financial transactions in the country.
Travel money for Angola
As mentioned above, the Angolan kwanza is a closed currency. Which means that you may find it difficult (or be permitted) to purchase the currency (AOA) before departure and will need to buy it upon arrival in Angola.
For these types of destinations, using a pre-paid travel card is a good solution. As no travel cards support loading closed currencies like the AOA you will incur currency conversion or foreign transaction fees if you use a travel money card in Angola.
However, using a pre-paid travel card is still a good idea as you can avoid ATM fees and also you can avoid using (and losing!) your main bank or debit/credit card.
Angola is a country located in southwestern Africa. It is bordered by Namibia to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the east, and Zambia to the east. The capital of Angola is Luanda. The official language is Portuguese, and the currency is the Angolan kwanza. The population of Angola is about 32 million people. The country has a diverse culture, with influences from various ethnic groups and colonial powers. The main religions in Angola are Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.
The economy of Angola is based on oil and minerals, and the country is a major exporter of oil and diamonds. Other important industries in Angola include construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Is Angola Safe?
Like any country, Angola has some safety concerns that travelers should be aware of. Here are a few things to consider when traveling to Angola:
- Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, is common in Angola, especially in the capital city of Luanda. It is a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to keep your valuables safe.
- Angola has a high crime rate, and violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking, is a concern. It is a good idea to avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Angola has a history of civil conflict, and while the situation has improved in recent years, there is still a risk of armed conflict in some areas of the country. It is a good idea to stay informed about the security situation and to avoid areas where there may be unrest.
- Angola has a high rate of HIV/AIDS, and it is important to practice safe sex and to be cautious when receiving medical treatment.
- You should also have a yellow fever vaccination card with you, in case an official should ask to see it at the airport.
- The infrastructure in Angola can be poor, and transportation can be unreliable. It is a good idea to plan ahead and to be prepared for delays.
Overall, it is important to be aware of the potential safety concerns when traveling to Angola and to take appropriate precautions to stay safe.
Can I use Credit Cards in Angola?
Credit cards are accepted at some places in Angola, but they are not as widely accepted as they are in many other countries. It is a good idea to have some local currency (Angolan kwanzas) on hand, as many places do not accept credit cards.
In general, it is more common to use cash in Angola. Major hotels and international restaurants may accept credit cards, but smaller local businesses and markets are less likely to do so.
It is a good idea to inform your bank or credit card company before traveling to Angola, as they may block your card if they suspect fraudulent activity. It is also a good idea to let them know the dates of your trip and the countries you will be visiting.
Overall, it is a good idea to have a mix of cash and credit cards when traveling to Angola, and to be prepared for the possibility that credit cards may not be accepted at all locations.
Top things to do in Angola
Here are a few top things to do when visiting Angola:
- Visit the capital city of Luanda: This vibrant city has a mix of Portuguese colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. There are a number of interesting landmarks to visit, such as the Fortress of Sao Miguel, the Cathedral of Luanda, and the National Museum of Anthropology.
- Explore the beaches: Angola has a long coastline, and there are a number of beautiful beaches to visit. The beach town of Moçâmedes is a popular destination, with its sandy beaches and lively atmosphere.
- Visit the Cangandala National Park: This national park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. It is a great place for a safari or a hike.
- Visit the ruins of the Kingdom of Kongo: The Kingdom of Kongo was a powerful kingdom that flourished in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, the ruins of the kingdom can be found in the city of Mbanza Congo.
- Visit the Museum of the Armed Forces: Located in the capital city of Luanda, this museum covers Angola's history, including the country's struggle for independence and the civil war.
- Visit the Kissama National Park: This national park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. It is a great place for a safari or a hike.
- Go diving: Angola has a number of interesting dive sites, including the Cunene River, which is home to a variety of fish and other marine life.
- Visit the Kalandula Falls: These stunning falls are located in the province of Malanje. They are about 400 feet tall and are a popular tourist destination.
USD/AOA Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/AOA change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Angola - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Angola you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Angola
When sending money to Angola it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Angolan kwanza amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted AOA amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Angola.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Angolan kwanza deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Angola
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Angolan kwanza currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the AOA exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Angolan kwanza bank account: A local AOA bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Angola. It may also be more convenient to use a local AOA bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Angola. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Angola. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Angola, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Angola.
Doing business in Angola
Here are a few things to consider when doing business in Angola:
- It is important to research the local market and understand the competitive landscape before entering the market.
- It is recommended to work with a local partner or lawyer who can help navigate the local business environment and regulations.
- It is common to give gifts during business meetings in Angola. It is a good idea to bring a small gift, such as a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine, to show appreciation.
- Business meetings in Angola may start with small talk and personal questions, so it is important to be patient and build rapport with your counterparts.
- It is important to be punctual for business meetings in Angola.
- The official language of business in Angola is Portuguese, but many businesspeople also speak English.
- The currency of Angola is the Angolan kwanza (AOA). It is a good idea to exchange some of your home currency for AOA before arriving in the country.
- It is important to be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations when doing business in Angola.
- Angola has a high rate of corruption, and it is important to be aware of this and to avoid engaging in any illegal or unethical activities.
