Trying to figure out if buses and metros in Angola take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
My friend and I toured Angola and relied heavily on local mini-buses. We quickly learned that drivers don’t accept cards and have no change - and most rides are under $1. You’ll need small cash for transportation in Angola, not just for buses but also informal shuttles. I recommended carrying about 10,000 AOA in various small bills for ease. It seems primitive compared to what we have in Europe or the US, but it keeps things fast and low-cost once you adjust.
I lived in Luanda for six weeks, commuting via buses and candongueiros. Every transport trip required cash, and exact-change was almost always expected. Fares range between 200-400 AOA. Angola public transport does not accept cards, and there's no metro. Using small notes (500 or 1,000 AOA) is essential, as drivers don’t break large bills. The system is very old-school, but locals are friendly - just be patient and courteous when asking for your stop.
In Luanda, the municipal buses operate on a pay-on-entry system where you hand over a few hundred kwanza in cash. There are no tap cards, apps, or modern ticket systems. Bus travel in Angola requires local cash, and it’s smart to carry coins or small bills. I once tried assuming someone would take a USD note - big mistake. You won’t find any infrastructure for card payments on public buses here, so prepare accordingly.
Angolan cities don’t have metros - just buses and mini-shuttle vans. All of them require small cash fares, usually in kwanza. No card readers, no QR scans, nothing digital. Public transport payment in Angola is strictly cash-only. I used them in Luanda, Benguela, and Lubango with fares around 200-500 AOA, and exact change is essential. Drivers don’t carry change for large bills and won’t stop early for card runs. Keep a handful of small bills and enjoy the local vibe - it’s simple but effective.