The official language is Portuguese. French, Spanish and dozens of African languages are spoken too.
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The official currency is the kwanza, but US dollars are accepted too. Cash is king and there are few ATMs and foreign cards aren’t accepted. Bring enough cash with you; you can exchange cash at several money exchanges. Kwanzas are not permitted outside of Angola and you are subject to a search at the airport.
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To call Angola from abroad, dial +244. To dial another country from within Angola, dial 00 followed by the appropriate country code (0044 for the UK, for example).
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An additional service charge will sometimes be added to the bill. If it’s not, a 10 percent tip is acceptable.
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Crime is a serious concern in Angola. Most crime occurs between Angolans, but tourists are often targets for pickpockets or armed robbers. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid travelling at night.
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You must be vaccinated against yellow fever if you’re entering Angola from an infected country. Angola has poor medical facilities; malaria, hepatitis A and B, rabies and polio are prevalent. The local water supply is unsafe and bottled water should be used. Avoid having ice in your drinks, as cholera is a risk. Be careful eating street food and eat only peeled fruit and vegetables. Milk should be boiled, or use tinned milk with purified water. There are one or two good private clinics in Luanda, but you will have to pay upon your arrival, and treatment can be pricey. Make sure you carry some form of medical insurance, especially a policy that provides air travel if needed.
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The electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz (round pin attachment plugs).
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