Top payment methods in Angola: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Angola? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Angola, with a population of around 39.30 million people, has a GDP of approximately 113.34 billion making it the 68th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Angola is the Angolan Kwanza (AOA)
Angola's economy is heavily dependent on its oil and diamond sectors, which together account for almost all of its exports and a large portion of its GDP. It is a member of OPEC, with China being its most significant trade partner for oil exports.
| Country | Angola |
|---|---|
| Population | 39.30 million |
| GDP (USD) | 113.34 billion |
| Global Ranking | 68th |
| Currency | Angolan Kwanza (AOA) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Angola?
The dominant payment method in Angola is the Multicaixa card, the country's national debit card system, which is used universally for ATM withdrawals, online payments, and point-of-sale transactions. Physical cash, the Angolan Kwanza, remains essential for everyday life, especially within informal markets and outside of major urban centers. Mobile payment solutions like Orange Money are also growing in popularity due to their accessibility, allowing users to manage payments and transfers from their phones.
How to pay in Angola
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Angola.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Kwanza) | Cash is a primary payment method, especially for the large unbanked population and for everyday transactions in informal markets and smaller businesses. | In-person |
| Cards (Multicaixa) | The local Multicaixa debit card is the most widely used card in Angola for ATM withdrawals and POS payments. Acceptance of international cards is limited. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Electronic bank transfers are a common and preferred method for formal business transactions and B2B payments. | Online |
| Mobile Money | Mobile payment services are a growing sector, with providers offering solutions for transfers and payments, aiming to increase financial inclusion. | Online |
Traveling beyond Angola? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Angola?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Angola.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.