Money and duty free for Angola

Currency and Money

Currency information

Kwanza (AOA) = 100 centimos. Notes are in denominations of AOA2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of AOA5, 2, 1.

Credit cards

Credit cards are not generally accepted. American Express, Diners Club and Visa enjoy limited acceptance. Some larger hotels and resturants in Luanda have started taking credit cards.

ATM

ATMs can be found in major towns and cities, especially in the capital city of Luanda, where there are many major banks and ATM machines. However, many do not accept foreign cards so taking cash is advisable.

Travellers cheques

Traveller's cheques are accepted.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0845-1600.

Currency restrictions

New regulations on currency restricions came into effect on 27 February 2012. Residents may import or export the equivalent of US$15,000 in foreign currency whilst for non-residents the limit is US$10,000. Sums over these respective limits must be declared. If you wish to re-export currency over the US$15,000 limit you will need to show your original declaration form to the customs authority at the airport. The ban on exporting Kwanzas has been lifted and in addition to dollars or foreign currency, both Angolan residents and foreigners may export up to 50,000 Kwanzas.

Currency exchange

Money should be exchanged at official bureaux de change only, which can be found throughout the country, but particularly in Luanda (changing money on the black market is illegal). US Dollars are also widely accepted. Cash withdrawal is not possible.

Angola duty free

Overview

The following items may be imported into Angola without incurring customs duty:

• 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco.
• 2L of wine and 1L of spirits.
• 3 x 250ml of eau de toilette or 50ml of perfume.
• 3 phones, 1 camera and 1 computer.
• General items for personal use, gifts or souvenirs up to the value of AOA142,560 (around US$860).

Alcohol and tobacco allowances apply to travellers aged 18 and over only.

You must declare brand new electronic items.

Banned Imports

Prohibited and restricted imports include goods which infringe copyright and endangered species.

Banned Exports

Prohibited and restricted exports include endangered species and items of historical, artistic and archaeological value.