How to get there

Angola possesses an international airport, namely, 4 de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda, where the Angolan national airline, TAAG – Angola Airlines, as well as several international airlines operate, guaranteeing travel from and to Angola.

Accessing Angola’s provinces may be made by air, as Angola offers a network of airports that covers the entire territory.  In the main capitals there are some asphalted airports, but the great majority is packed soil.
Arrival by boat is ensured by the ports of Luanda, Lobito and Namibe.

Angola possesses three railroad lines, linking the main maritime ports to the interior of the county, however operation of those lines is temporarily restricted, due to damages caused during the civil war and the lack of maintenance thereof.
Road access is available by means of a network of roads existing throughout the country with major national roads in a bad state of disrepair, and interrupted stretches of road.

Passport, Visas and Customs
To enter the country, tourists must hold a passport and a visa issued by a Consulate of Angola in the country of origin.  In order to request a visa, applicants must present, among other documents, passport, one photo and a completed visa application.
On arrival in Luanda, tourists may choose to follow the green line, if they don’t have anything to declare, or the red line, should they have items that are subject to customs taxes.  Personal effects are exempt from any taxes.

Clothing
Climate is hot and humid during the rainy season (from October to April), and dry and temperate during the dry season (from May to September).  Light clothing is used all year long in the coastal areas, so tourists should remember to bring their bikinis and bathing suits. If visiting the interior, warmer clothing is recommended.

Water and Electricity
Although water quality in Angola is fair, we recommend that you do not drink it, especially since good quality bottled water is available. Angola uses 220/240v 50hz electrical current, however, power failures and/or sudden electrical current variations may occur.
Transports
There are some car rentals companies in the country.  Public transportation in the main Angolan cities is still scarse.  In order to be able to drive, visa holders must possess an international driver’s license, or a local driver’s license.

Lodging and Travel Agencies
Over the last few years, Angola has invested in tourism infrastructures, and tourists will find more lodging options in urban centers than before. In the Provinces, lodging offers are usually guaranteed by inns (pensões) and hostels
There is a wide choice of travel agencies, mainly in Luanda.

Shopping and tipping
Urban centers offer a wider variety in terms of shopping and fairs offering different products.  Most retail establishments are open:
Monday through Friday: 08:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 2:30 – 6:00 PMs
Saturdays: 08:00 AM – 12:30 PM
As a general rule, retail shops are closed on Sundays.

Tipping is not mandatory, however people may tip according to the quality of the service rendered.

Currency and exchange
The national currency is the Kwanza whose parity to the dollar suffers frequent adjustments throughout the year, thus we recommend that national currency be bought from a local Bank.

Banks and exchange houses offer currency exchange.  No local currency may be taken out of the country.

Bank hours:
Monday through Friday: 08:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Health
In order to enter the country, it is necessary for travelers to present their yellow fever vaccination certificates.  During their stay, travelers are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites, which may carry malaria, as well as be cautious regarding the consumption of food and water, in order to avoid intestinal problems common to tropical climates. Should the need arise for immediate health care, travelers have the option of well-equipped hospitals and clinics. There are pharmacies in every province in Angola.

Telecommunications and Postal Service
The ‘Empresa Correios de Angola’ (Angolan Post Office) has branches located in the main municipalities in the country, guaranteeing a quality service.  There are also companies in Angola providing express courier services.
In terms of telecommunications, there is a land-line operator company that allows for easy internal and external communications either by phone, fax or internet, as well as two cellular phone network providers.
Internet access may be had from hotels and inns, as well as from some Cyber Cafés, although more options are available in the larger urban centers.

Long-distance calls
In order to dial internationally, please dial the access code ‘00’ followed by the country code (USA: 001; Portugal: 351; Spain: 34,...) and the phone number.  In order to dial from abroad to Angola please dial the international code, then dial Angola’s country code: 244, followed by the phone number.