Currency in Angola – Angolan kwanza AOA

Travelling to Angola

Angola’s economy is among the fastest growing in the world due to its strong mineral and petroleum reserves, especially since the end of the civil war. Despite this, the standard of living remains low for the majority of the population. But its oil, diamonds, natural beauty (and even dinosaur bones) are attracting business travelers, tourists, and paleontologists.

Can I use Credit Cards in Angola?

Travellers are advised that cash, called Kwanza in Angola, is the payment of choice throughout the country, except for at major hotels. Angola’s currency is the Kwanza (Kz or AOA). Not all ATMs in Angola allow access to foreign accounts, and when they do, fraud concerns are present and the charges are exorbitant. Credit cards have limited acceptance and American Express, Visa, and Diners Club may only be used in large hotels and high-end restaurants. There are many ATMs in town, although they rarely accept foreign cards. However its ATM network is growing all the time.

Importing or exporting any amount of kwanzaa is illegal and attempting to will result in penalties, confiscation, and possibly even imprisonment.

The overall picture painted in Angola shows one of increasing stability. While there are lingering elements of the country’s civil war – poverty, poor infrastructure and government and police corruption – the country is much improved from the way it was before.Areas like Luanda and Cabinda remain high on the no-go list for many government-run travel sites due to the possibility of political unrest and attacks on tourists. However, you can still see areas of Luanda if you exercise caution.

Are Visas needed for Angola?

Make sure your passport is valid for six months past your last day in Angola and that there are two blank consecutive pages available for the visa. You should also have a yellow fever vaccination card with you, in case an official should ask to see it at the airport. You must get a visa for Angola before leaving for your trip. The main international airport is Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, located right outside of Luanda. From the airport, you can grab a taxi into the city center.