Living in Angola

General Information on Luanda

This section provides brief introductory information on various aspects of life in Luanda in alphabetical order.

Banking and Credit Cards: The banks in Luanda are not considered suitable for private use. Keeping stateside accounts is recommended. The use of credit cards in Luanda is extremely limited and one needs to check with the business before attempting to use them.

Communications: Telephones are not very reliable, and it can sometimes be quicker to deliver messages personally. Short wave radios and cellular telephones are widely used. Very few people rely on the local postal service, it is considered extremely unreliable. The number of Internet service providers in Luanda has increased recently, so it is worthwhile comparison shopping after your arrival. Some popular providers are NCR (SNET), Netangola, and EBONET.

Currency: The local currency is the Kwanza (Kwz). It is not convertible on the international market and cannot be taken out of the country.

Electricity: Electricity is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Electric service in Luanda is unreliable. As power outages are frequent, all Embassy residences have a generator. It is recommended to use voltage regulators to protect appliances from the regular power surges. Transformers for U.S. appliances are also necessary.

Garbage: Garbage dumpsters are placed in various locations around the neighborhoods, but they are infrequently emptied. There is no door-to-door garbage collection.

Gas: Sonangol is the distributor of bottled gas.

Housing: There is a shortage of good accommodation. Rental/leasing prices are exorbitant.

Language: Portuguese is the official language and is almost exclusively spoken. French is also spoken to a lesser degree. English is spoken rarely. A basic knowledge of Portuguese is extremely useful. A number of native languages are spoken, among which are Kikongo, Kimbundu, Tchokwe, Ovimbundu, Umbundu, Nganguela, and Fiote.

Radio: The local radio stations are FM 94.5, 95.5, 96.5, 97.5, 98.5 and 99.5. The stations play a variety of music, including traditional Brazilian, American (rock, pop, and R&B), and classical. They also have daily news programs in Portuguese. Short-wave frequencies, including BBC, VOA, and European stations can also be found.

Religion: Angolans practice indigenous beliefs primarily (47%), followed by Roman Catholicism with 38% of the population. The remainder of the people practice Protestantism (15%). There are several different churches in Luanda, with most of the services being conducted in Portuguese. There are also an English language Catholic service on Saturday evenings at 5:00 and a Protestant service on Sunday mornings. (See the Interests section of the Welcome Packet for more on churches).

Satellites and Television: There is one local TV station, TPA. Satellite TV is available through a few local companies, including Multichoice and Jembas. Satellite dishes cost approximately $1,000 to purchase and have installed. The satellite receiver costs approximately $500 locally and subscription service runs about $700 per year.

Transportation: Roads have had little maintenance over the last twenty years, so potholes are numerous and large. Vehicles drive on the right side of the road. Public transportation is not suitable for use by Embassy personnel, though the relatively new Macon taxi service may be an (expensive) option.

Water: It is necessary to have an emergency supply. Most Embassy housing has water pumps and storage tanks for such purposes, which need to be refilled on a regular basis. Tap water is unsafe for drinking and must be boiled or treated. Bottled drinking water is available in stores.