Africa
Money, cards and tipping in Angola
AOAKwanza
Money in Angola
Mostly cash Luanda hotels and big restaurants take cards, but acceptance is patchy and foreign cards are often refused. Carry euros or dollars to change. US$1 ≈ Kz927.38 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not required; 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added.
- ATMs: Few ATMs accept foreign cards; withdrawals are limited, so rely on Multicaixa machines at major banks and bring spare cash.
- Paying by phone: Multicaixa Express and local QR payments need an Angolan account; visitors cannot rely on Apple or Google Pay.
- Price level: about 35% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luanda | Mostly cash | Cards work in big hotels and some malls; most places want cash. Foreign cards often fail at ATMs, so bring euros or dollars to change at banks. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Angola?
Not required; 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added.
Is Angola cashless?
Mostly cash. Luanda hotels and big restaurants take cards, but acceptance is patchy and foreign cards are often refused. Carry euros or dollars to change.
What currency does Angola use?
The Kwanza (AOA). US$1 ≈ Kz927.38 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Angola
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.