A city abundant in resources and natural beauty, Luanda is an exciting prospect for expats and is brimming with potential. A prominent port city on the west coast of Southern Africa and the capital of Angola, Luanda certainly is easy on the eye with a beautiful bay and pretty seafront promenade.

As an expat moving to Luanda, you’ll likely be coming to the city for a lucrative oil or diamond industry work opportunity. Typically, this work assignment will only be for a few months or years, as Angola is still considered a hardship destination.

Living in Luanda as an expat

Life in Luanda has pros and cons, and you shouldn’t underestimate the challenges you’re likely to face. Indeed, adjusting to the day-to-day may be difficult and slow for many expats.

Working in Luanda can be highly lucrative if you have experience in the mining or oil industries. Other large industries in the city include agriculture, manufacturing, construction and tourism. Most expats come over as part of a contract with a multinational company.

Most of these multinational companies will place their employees in expat compounds. These compounds offer a good quality of life, with large houses, swimming pools and a high level of security, but this often comes at a high price for those who are footing the bill themselves.

The public transport in Luanda is fairly limited. Minibus taxis are abundant but fairly reckless. As a result, you’ll find that you need a vehicle while living in Luanda. That said, due to the dangerous road conditions, having a driver with local experience is the best bet. Cars here drive on the right-hand side.

Healthcare in Luanda is better than in the rest of the country, but even here, public healthcare is below the standards of Western countries. You’ll likely need to invest in private healthcare and private health insurance. Serious emergencies may require travelling to South Africa or another country. Pharmacies are relatively abundant in Luanda, but we recommend bringing chronic medication from your home country.

Cost of living in Luanda

Luanda can be surprisingly expensive. Accommodation is in high demand in the city and will be your biggest expense if your relocation package does not cover it. We advise that you factor this into any contract negotiations before moving to Luanda.

Locally sourced produce is often reasonably cheap, but imported goods are pricey. Overall, though, if you’re earning in a foreign currency, you’ll have a high quality of life here.

Families and children in Luanda

The noticeable inequality between the rich and poor is perhaps the most jarring aspect of a move to Luanda. While much of Luanda’s population continues to live in poverty, you will likely live in an insular expat community in the newer and more affluent Luanda Sul area to the south of the city. This area is home to several international schools and is the best area to live for those with small children.

While there is plenty to keep you and your family occupied on weekends in these expat compounds, many expats choose instead to escape Luanda for the beaches and resorts outside the city. Surfing and nature hikes are popular among expats and tourists alike.

Climate in Luanda

Luanda has a tropical climate, and can get rather humid. With a long dry season and short wet season, you will need to adjust to the hot weather. We recommend staying cool and hydrated to combat weariness or heat stroke.

While there are undeniable drawbacks of living in this African city, expats moving to Luanda with an open mind will likely have a rich and rewarding cultural and financial experience. Nature buffs are sure to love the surroundings, and anyone open to exploring the culture and getting to know the locals will be welcomed with open arms.

Expats moving to Angola’s capital will have much to consider and plan for. Although elements of culture shock may be felt and visa processes can be stressful, Luanda has plenty to offer in terms of its people, cuisine, climate and natural beauty. Expats will undoubtedly experience ups and downs when moving to Luanda.

Below, we’ve listed some pros and cons of moving to Luanda.

Lifestyle in Luanda

+ PRO: Vibrant food scene

Both Luanda’s cuisine and restaurant scene are mouth-watering and vibrant. Angola’s cuisine has deep connections with Portugal and Brazil, but with its own flair. Meanwhile, while Luanda lacks an abundance of museums, it makes up for it in restaurants.

+ PRO: Beautiful people and culture

Angolans are known to be extroverted and friendly. Although you may experience culture shock, making friends in Angola will be a blast once you try to understand the customs and language. Socialising can also help newcomers settle in and see the city from a different view.

+ PRO: Animated nightlife

Luanda’s nightlife is eclectic and vibey. Angolans revel in a good party where they can show off their stylish fashion sense and killer dance moves.

Local culture in Luanda

- CON: Language barrier

This could be a pro or a con, depending on your ability and desire to learn a foreign language. English is not spoken widely in Angola, so language barriers may exist. Learning a few essential words can help you integrate into your new home and show you are putting in an effort. A little goes a long way. Portuguese is the country’s official language.

- CON: Inequality is shocking

There is a stark juxtaposition between the wealthy elite who dress in designer labels, travel in expensive vehicles and own luxurious property, and the Angolan majority who live in informal settlements and lower-quality accommodation. This may be a shock to expats unfamiliar with this extreme inequality.

Safety in Luanda

- CON: Crime is a reality in Luanda

Undeniably, safety is an issue in Luanda. Muggings and robberies do happen, and travelling alone at night, especially as a woman, can be dangerous. You should be aware of high-risk areas.

+ PRO: 24-hour security available

Still, while you should take care, you need not worry too much while going about your workdays and lives. Many international organisations that employ expats have strict safety regulations and organise secure accommodation for their employees, as well as 24-hour guards to monitor workplaces and residences.

Weather in Luanda

+ PRO: Pleasant, tropical climate

Climate can have a major impact on well-being. Fortunately, Luanda’s weather is ideal for most expats. Angola’s geographic location means it has a perfect tropical climate all year round. Luanda is situated right on the coast, meaning there are many beaches nearby that you can enjoy.

- CON: High humidity

Although the weather in Angola is mostly pleasant, Luanda is a humid city and those who are not used to this type of weather can feel sweaty and uncomfortable. Still, the exceptionally hot summers are relatively short, while temperatures are pleasant for most of the year.

Healthcare in Luanda

+ PRO: Many healthcare facilities

As the capital of Angola, Luanda has the most healthcare facilities. There are some adequate private clinics and 24-hour hospitals. Additionally, many doctors and health specialists can communicate in English.

- CON: Inadequate healthcare in general

If you’re from a Western country, you’ll find that healthcare does not compare well to the standards you may be used to. We advise you to get private healthcare and organise health insurance that covers costs abroad, such as in South Africa or Namibia, in case of emergency and complicated procedures.

- CON: Mosquitoes are a nightmare

Not only do these bugs have an annoying buzz and an itchy bite, but they also carry diseases. As a foreigner entering Angola, you should ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date, use insect repellent and learn about the risk of malaria and yellow fever from your healthcare advisors before the trip.

Working in Luanda

+ PRO: Secure and attractive salaries and work packages

Expats often move to Luanda to work as part of a multinational company, most likely involved in the oil or diamond industry. Because of this, they already have secured high salaries and can afford the luxuries available.

- CON: Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork

Bureaucracy seems to be the name of the game when it comes to getting anything official done. The visa and work permit processes are time-consuming and complicated, and it’s likely that you will receive different advice on requirements from different sources.

Education in Luanda

+ PRO: International school options

Although public education in Angola may be lacking, you needn’t worry about finding a school for your children as an expat. There are private, international schools in Luanda that can help smooth the transition for families. Your children can continue a familiar curriculum without language barriers, as there are options for Portuguese, American and British curricula, along with the globally recognised International Baccalaureate.

- CON: Expats must plan ahead

Tuition is expensive and adds to the already high cost of living in Luanda. There is also high competition for space in international schools, so you should contact the schools in advance to secure a place for your children.

Getting around in Luanda

+ PRO: Expats can travel out of the capital

Although getting around the city itself can be difficult, remember that you can travel outside the city for some stunning getaways. You should find out about the road standards and whether you require a four-wheel drive vehicle. We also recommend finding out about the safety and security issues in the area you are visiting.

Angola has much to offer with its warm coastlines, lush rainforests, expansive deserts and savannah environments. These are unmissable for any expat staying in the country.

- CON: Traffic is a nightmare

Like life in any other big city, congestion is a major issue, so we recommend avoiding rush hours if possible. Most expats will need a car, but you may be able to organise a driver through your company so that the stress of driving is out of your hands.

- CON: Reckless vehicles on the road

While slow-moving traffic is one thing, Luanda’s wild minibus taxis, ‘candongueiro’, are another. These white and blue vans zip through the streets. Perhaps expats up for an adventure may be willing to take this risky form of transport accompanied by a local friend for a cheap trip and an interesting story to tell afterwards. That said, it’s best to avoid them, as they often wreak havoc for other vehicles on the road.

Cost of living in Luanda

- CON: Living expenses in Luanda are steep

The cost of living in Luanda is expensive for expats living in the country. Most Western-style goods, products, and services have high markups on them. To top it off, accommodation that is suitable for expats also costs a pretty penny. It’s likely that you must also arrange for backup generators and water tanks, as these services are regularly disrupted, adding to living expenses in the city.

+ PRO: The cost of living is easing

Although Luanda’s cost of living has historically been one of the highest in the world for expats, it is easing and starting to become more affordable for expats. While inflation remains a concern, housing prices in the city are slowly coming down, as Angola’s infrastructure continues to develop.