Angola is a southern African nation offering expats opportunities in oil, diamonds, agriculture, and reconstruction. With development rapidly improving after its civil war ended in 2002, Angola has become an alluring frontier for adventurous expats. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Angola.
Why Move to Angola?
There are compelling reasons to consider moving to Angola:
- Booming oil economy creating opportunities for skilled expats in fields like engineering, logistics and energy.
- Rapid development and infrastructure construction underway, especially in cities like Luanda.
- Up-and-coming expat destination that provides first-mover advantage before it modernizes.
- Pristine beaches, rugged highlands, and wildlife parks ripe for adventure. Home to Africa’s second largest waterfall.
- Rich Portuguese colonial heritage and historic sites like the port of Benguela.
- Low cost of living relative to quality of life and amenities available. Affordable domestic help.
- Tropical climate keeps temperatures consistent year-round, around 25°C daily.
- Laidback, friendly locals with a unifying national pride. Get immersed in Angolan life.
- Direct flights on TAAG Angola Airlines from Lisbon, allowing easy access from Europe.
Living in Angola: Pros and Cons
While Angola has upside, some challenges exist too:
Pros :
- Oil-fueled economic growth and opportunities
- Development and infrastructure improving
- Under the radar expat experience
- Tropical climate and beautiful scenery
- Affordable cost of living
- Youthful, vibrant culture
- Gateway to explore southern Africa
- Abundant natural resources
Cons :
- Visa difficulties and bureaucracy
- Pollution and mosquitoes in cities
- Slow internet and power outages
- Language barrier – Portuguese is essential
- Poverty still affects many Angolans
- High expat salaries can create resentment
- Lack of public transportation
- Health risks like malaria, typhoid
- Criminal penalties for minor offenses
Angola is best suited to intrepid pioneers seeking natural beauty, cultural immersion and untapped opportunities. But underdevelopment poses daily frustrations.
The Cost of Living in Angola
While rising, Angola remains affordable especially compared to Europe. Costs include:
Housing
- Rent around $2,000-$3,500/month in Luanda for modern high-rise apartments.
- Can buy nice homes from $150,000.
Food
- Groceries are reasonable at local markets but imported goods are pricier. $500-$750 monthly for two.
- Eating out is $15-$30 per meal.
Transportation
- Reliable used cars start around $10,000.
- Fuel is $1/liter.
- Taxis are $10 for short trips.
- Flights are pricey.
Utilities
- Electricity around $200/month.
- Satellite internet starts from $60/month.
- Water is trucked and stored onsite for $100-$200/month.
Entertainment
- Activities like nice dinners out, concerts, clubs or sports events run $50-$100 per person.
Healthcare
- Public healthcare is lacking.
- Private healthcare and insurance is recommended, starting from $150/month.
Education
- International schools cost over $20,000/year.
- Public schools are overcrowded.
Taxes
- Low tax rates on income, around 10-15% maximum.
- No capital gains or dividend taxes.
- Sales tax at 10%.
Domestic Help
- Maids, drivers, gardeners and nannies can be hired part-time for around $400/month.
- Full-time for under $1000.
Quality of Life in Angola
Angola offers sound quality of life that’s rapidly improving in major cities as the economy expands:
- Standard of Living – High for those earning expat packages or in the elite class. But poverty remains prevalent.
- Infrastructure – Massive investments in roads, airports, construction. But power and water supply can still be sporadic.
- Environment – Major pollution issues linger after the war, especially with plastic waste and sewage access. Air quality is poor in cities.
- Safety – Crime rates have fallen since the war but petty theft exists in dense areas. Most feel safe walking alone. Police response is effective.
- Education – Literacy is improving but still low around 70%. Public school lacks resources. International schools expanding.
- Healthcare – Public healthcare is woefully inadequate. Private clinics offer decent urgent care. Quality lags the region. Preventative medicine is not the norm.
- Leisure – Angolans relish leisure time chatting in cafes over beers or juices. Luanda has a growing arts and music scene. Sports also popular.
- Economy – Rapid growth and opportunities, especially in oil/gas, construction, agriculture and mining. But unemployment remains high.
A Beginner’s Guide to Angolan Culture
Angolan culture mixes indigenous with Portuguese influences:
- Portuguese is the official language. Learning conversational Portuguese makes daily life far easier.
- Influenced by centuries of Portuguese colonization. Most Angolans are Roman Catholic mixed with indigenous beliefs.
- Cuisine features Portuguese staples like seafood, piri piri chicken, beans and rice along with African dishes.
- Music and dance are integral. Semba and kizomba are popular national styles. Carnaval features energetic parades.
- Family comes first in the collectivist culture. Several generations often live together.
- People are welcoming and friendly with an easygoing attitude, but society can be bureaucratic and hierarchical.
- Society remains conservative with set gender roles, but rapid modernization is changing attitudes.
- Sports like soccer, basketball, boxing, and cycling are popular across all levels of society.
- Poverty and rampant corruption during the war still impact people’s outlooks. But optimism and national pride are growing.
Best Places to Live in Angola
Most expats settle in Luanda but other cities are emerging:
- Luanda – The capital and economic center offers the most opportunities and amenities along the Atlantic coast.
- Lubango – A pleasant mid-sized city surrounded by mountains with a mild climate.
- Cabinda – Coastal hub of the oil industry with swimmable beaches and conserved rainforest.
- Benguela – Coastal town with Portuguese colonial architecture, fishing culture and good universities.
- Huambo – Inland central highlands town halfway between ports and eastern border. Agricultural center.
- Namibe – A desirable coastal desert town with stunning dunes, fishing, and growing tourism.
Angola is an up-and-coming frontier for bold expats able to handle some hardship in exchange for bountiful opportunities and adventures. Those who arrive early get to shape the country’s future.
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