Angola

The official currency of Angola is the Kwanza AOA. As of April 2011, 1 USD = 93.0 AOA, 1 EUR = 135.4 AOA, and 1 GBP = 153.6 AOA. It is prohibited to import or export any sum of kwanza, and attempting to do so will result in confiscation of the currency and penalties levied.

Just south of Luanda, the Benfica Handcrafts Market offers the best prices for handcrafts and souvenirs. This is an open market where local artists and artisans display their products, and bargaining is not only acceptable, but recommended. The products range from sculptures and paintings to jewelry, batik cloths and accessories.