Money and payments
Cards and cash
ATMs are common in cities but the maximum withdrawal amount (in 2024) is usually 60,000 Kz (BIC bank, red logo) or 40,000 Kz (BAI bank, blue logo) which can be quickly spent if you pay everything with cash.
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Africa · Middle AfricaOutline guideCountry in Southern Africa
Photo: VOA News, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Angola is a beautiful nation in Central Africa endowed with lovely waterfalls, rivers, national parks, and coastlines. There is plenty to do and see.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Angola.
Cards and cash
ATMs are common in cities but the maximum withdrawal amount (in 2024) is usually 60,000 Kz (BIC bank, red logo) or 40,000 Kz (BAI bank, blue logo) which can be quickly spent if you pay everything with cash.
Portuguese
Portuguese is the official language of Angola, the second-largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world, and is understood by virtually everyone. For clarity, Angolans speak standard Portuguese (European Portuguese).
Be careful: when eating out, do not drink tap water, ask for bottled mineral water instead.
State-of-the-art medical care is virtually non-existent in Angola; the country has one of the lowest average life expectancies in the world, the country is ideal for many tropical diseases, and a significant portion of…
Since Angola is rarely visited by tourists, you may attract unwanted attention from the locals. This indicates curiosity rather than hostility.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the massive, overcrowded, chaotic, and incredibly expensive capital of the country, filled with nightlife and culture, a jarring mix of wealthy expats in the oil industry and the masses of destitute migrants from the rest of the country.
the most tourist-friendly city in one of the world's least touristy countries, with a strong Carnavale tradition, pretty oceanfront, and by the nation's best beaches.
the wealthy capital of oil-rich Cabinda Province
the center of the Ovimbundu region, one of Angola's larger cities that suffered greatly during the civil war, surrounded by much natural beauty.
a beachfront city, basically part of Benguela, which is the epicentre of Carnavale celebrations.
M'banza-Kongo is a city of 175,000 in Northern Angola, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
a good base for exploring the mountainous escarpment in the center of southern Angola.
the steepest mountains of Angola, with scenic drives (4x4 only), opportunities for adventurous hikers, and some spectacular views, most notably the Tundavala Gap.
one of Angola's most famous sights, near Malanje.
a beautiful extension of land in the south of Luanda that's famous for its natural beauty; explore some of its local cuisine such as ‘pirão’, funge, and moamba.
Places in Angola on the World Heritage List.
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
The population center of the country and home to the capital Luanda
Northern area mostly bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo with significant areas of rainforest
A series of irregular, high escarpments which drop steeply to the nation's best beaches on the Atlantic coast
The most arid region of the country with savanna plains and the northern continuation of the Namibian desert
The "empty" part of Angola, savannah plains intersected by five great rivers
Northern exclave on the Atlantic ocean with a huge proportion of the nation's oil reserves, beautiful rainforests, and an active secessionist movement
Public transport and paid services in Angola.
By train
Angola’s rail system is finally being restored with the help of Chinese firms after more than 30 years of disuse.
By ferry
A passenger ferry links Luanda with the oil port of Soyo and the enclave of Cabinda. Timetables and operators have shifted over the years, so inquire at the harbor for the most current information.
By plane
TAAG Angola Airlines offers scheduled flights around the country departing from Luanda to Cabinda, Catumbela, Dundo, Harare, Huambo, Kuito, Lubango, Luena, Menongue, Moçâmedes, Ondjiva, Saurimo, Soyo…
By car
The main roads in Luanda and the provinces are in relatively good condition. However, during the rainy season (November to April), bridges and even roads can be washed away by water.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Angola.
Finding apps for Angola…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Luanda · International · LAD
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Luanda
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 29° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 27° | 25° | 25° | 26° | 28° | 29° | 29° |
| Avg. low | 25° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 24° | 21° | 19° | 19° | 21° | 23° | 24° | 25° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 25 | 38 | 68 | 79 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 16 | 37 | 29 |
| Humidity | 76% | 76% | 77% | 81% | 80% | 80% | 82% | 81% | 80% | 78% | 78% | 77% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$115
Per person, per day
Luxury
$305
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $65 | $180 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $25 | $55 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $45 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Angola due to crime, health, unrest, and landmines. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Crime Petty crime, assaults, and armed robberies are common. Other crimes, like burglary, occur, but with less frequency. Health Medical services in Angola are limited. Adequate trauma and ambulance services are not widely available. Even a minor health issue may require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Unrest Demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. They may disrupt transportation and other essential services. Landmines Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Angola. Many locations with unexploded landmines and ordnance are marked. However, some may be unmarked or hard to spot. Reconsider Travel to the Luanda greater metropolitan area due to risk of crime.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Cabinda Province, except Cabinda city FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cabinda Province, except to Cabinda city. This is due to separatist groups carrying out targeted attacks on foreigners and the risk of kidnap. Border areas in Lunda Norte Province FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 1km of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Lunda Norte province, except for official border crossings and their access roads. This is due to poor conditions, insecurity and banditry. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO:…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Angola.
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