Language: The official language is Portuguese. About 60 other African languages are spoken including Umbundu and Ovambo. Some French and Spanish is also spoken.
Currency: The unit of currency in
Angola is the Kwanza (
AON), which is divided into 100 centimos. Visitors should bring enough cash for their needs. Money can be exchanged at authorized bureaux de change, of which there are several in
Luanda. US dollars are the most acceptable currency, but only the newer series US dollar bills (with large faces) can be used. Credit cards have only very limited acceptance in some
establishments, and cash withdrawals are not possible, so it is unwise to rely on them. The few ATMs in Luanda do not accept foreign cards, and travelers cheques are not welcome. Kwanza may not be taken out of Angola, and when departing from the airport, travelers can be subject to searches and possible confiscation of any Angolan currency.
Time: Local time is GMT +1.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round pin attachment plugs are in use.
Communications: The international dialing code for Angola is +244. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for
South Africa). City codes are in use. Domestic and international telecommunications services are unreliable with connections frequently lost. This also applies to the mobile network, although there is GSM 900 coverage around Luanda and other main centers provided by Unitel. There are more mobile telephones than fixed lines in Angola. There are some Internet service providers in operation and Internet access is available at most major hotels.
Duty Free: Travelers to Angola over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 500g cigars or other tobacco products; 250ml eau de toilette, 50ml perfume or aftershave; 2 liters wine or 1 liter spirits and gifts or souvenirs to the value of US$500. Prohibited and restricted items include firearms, ammunition or explosive materials; dangerous medicines, foodstuffs or drugs; pornographic material; plants originating from infected areas; gaming machines; pure alcohol; animals without corresponding certificates and stamps of value.
Tourist OfficeNational
Tourist Agency, Luanda: +244 222 372 750.
Emergency110 (Police); 118 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Angolan Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 785 1156.
Angolan Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7299 9850.
Angolan Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 234 1152.
Angolan Embassy,
Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 0049.
United States Embassy, Luanda: +244 222 641 000.
British Embassy, Luanda: +244 222 334 582.
Consulate of Canada,
Harare,
Zimbabwe: +263 4 252181-5.
Australian Consulate, Luanda: +244 222 371 238.
South African Embassy, Luanda: +244 222 330 593.
Irish Embassy,
Maputo,
Mozambique (also responsible for Angola): +002 5821 491 440.
