Angola Flights and Travel Guide

Language

The official language is Portuguese. Some French and Spanish is also spoken, as well as about 60 African languages including Umbundu and Ovambo.

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Communications

The international dialing code for Angola is +244. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). Domestic and international telecommunications services are unreliable with connections frequently lost. This also applies to the mobile network, although there is GSM 900 coverage around Luanda and other main centres provided by Unitel. There are more mobile telephones than fixed lines in Angola. There are some Internet service providers in operation and Internet access is available at most major hotels.

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Tipping

If service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10 percent is acceptable, though tipping is not officially encouraged.

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Safety

The main risk for travelers to Angola is crime, particularly in the capital, Luanda, where muggings, car-jackings and armed hold-ups are commonplace. Many civilians are armed. Those for whom travel outside of Luanda is essential should travel only with sponsors who have made arrangements for safety and security support. Particularly dangerous are the north and south Luanda Provinces, where the police and armed forces have been active expelling illegal immigrants and unlicensed diamond prospectors. Cabinda Province is also dangerous; kidnappings and attacks on foreigners having occurred. Leisure travel is not recommended because of the widespread poverty, disease and shattered infrastructure and the vast amount of unexploded ordnance still present throughout the country. Due to recent violent attacks, the border between Angola and the DRC, as well as Angola and the Republic of Congo have been closed until further notice.

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Health

Yellow fever vaccinations are required for entry to Angola if coming from infected countries. Malaria, hepatitis A and B, rabies and polio are all prevalent in the country, which has exceedingly poor medical facilities, and medications are in short supply. Cholera outbreaks also occur. Drinking water should be treated or bought in sealed bottles (avoid ice cubes in drinks) and care should be taken with hygiene and food, particularly street food, while traveling in Angola. In Luanda there are one or two good private clinics, but these are extremely expensive and require on-the-spot payment. Comprehensive medical insurance is therefore necessary, with provision for medical repatriation by air. The water supply is unsafe to drink; use only imported bottled water and avoid eating unpeeled fruit and vegetables. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled; alternatively use tinned milk reconstituted with purified water.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round-pin attachment plugs are in use.

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