Living in Angola

"Before retiring in Angola, expats should be aware of the country's political and economic situation. Angola is a developing country and the cost of living is relatively high. Expats should also research the availability of healthcare and medical facilities, as well as the quality of the local infrastructure. It is also important to be aware of the local laws and regulations, as well as the cultural norms and customs. Additionally, expats should research the availability of banking and financial services, as well as the cost of living in the area they plan to retire in. Finally, expats should ensure that they have the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Angola," wrote a member in Angola.

"Expats in Angola often join clubs and activities such as the Luanda International Community Association (LICA), which organizes social events and activities for expats. Expats can also join the Luanda Expat Network, which is a social network for expats living in Angola. Other ways that expats meet people when living in Angola include attending local events such as festivals, joining language classes, and attending church services. Expats can also meet people through online forums and social media groups dedicated to expats living in Angola," said one expat in Angola.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Angola can be both exciting and challenging. The country is rich in culture and history, and offers a unique experience for those looking to explore a new place. Expats and digital nomads will find that the cost of living is relatively low, and the country is full of friendly people. However, the infrastructure is still developing, and the language barrier can be a challenge. Expats and digital nomads should also be aware of the political situation in the country, as it can be unstable at times. Despite these challenges, Angola is a great place to explore and experience a different culture," explained one expat living in Angola.

"Crime is a problem in Angola, with reports of violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping, as well as property crime such as burglary and theft. Drug trafficking is also a major issue in the country, with organized crime groups operating in the region. Corruption is also a major problem in Angola, with reports of government officials and police officers engaging in bribery and other forms of corruption," wrote one member in Angola.

"Angola is a culturally diverse country, with over 20 ethnic groups and many different languages spoken. People in Angola are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of peaceful coexistence between different ethnic and religious groups," commented one expat who made the move to Angola.

"The International School of Luanda (ISL) is one of the best international schools in Angola. It is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an international curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. ISL is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The school offers a rigorous academic program, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, problem solving, and communication. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Bilingual School of Luanda (BSL) is another excellent bilingual school in Angola. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational day school offering a bilingual curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. BSL is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The school offers a rigorous academic program, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, problem solving, and communication. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art," said one parent with children at in .

"ESCOLA is great for children who are young and for whom the travel would be long. Classes tend to be small as the age rises. The school and teachers are stable and care a lot for the children. LIS is the larger environment, outside of the city but that may be fine for a family living in the southern suburbs. I particularly love the IB philosophy but it also doesn't suit everyone. ESCOLA is a more classic educational philosophy. There is also quite a large difference in fees: ESCOLA being less expensive because they did not undertake such a large development plan in 2002 when moving down south," commented one expat when asked about ESCOLA and LIS in Luanda.

"The cost of living in Angola is generally considered to be high, with the cost of basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation being particularly expensive. Prices for imported goods and services are also high due to the country's weak currency. In addition, the cost of utilities such as electricity and water can be quite costly. Despite this, the cost of living in Angola is still lower than in many other African countries," remarked one expat living in Angola.

"The cost of living in Angola varies, depending on the city or town you are in. Generally, larger cities, such as Luanda, are more expensive and have a higher cost of living than smaller towns or rural areas. Rent for nice 1 bedroom apartments in Angola can range anywhere from around 100 USD to 250 USD per month, depending on the city. Meanwhile, nice 2 bedroom apartments usually cost from 180 USD to 350 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Angola is typically around 15 USD per person," commented one expat who moved to Angola.

"Angola offers a variety of recreational facilities for its residents to enjoy. Popular activities include fishing, camping, and hiking in the country's many national parks and reserves. There are also several beaches along the coast, providing opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and other water sports. For those looking for a more urban experience, Angola's cities offer a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and theaters. Additionally, Angola is home to a number of sports clubs and facilities, offering a range of activities such as football, basketball, and tennis," mentioned one expat inAngola.

"The climate in Angola is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from warm to hot throughout the year. The rainy season typically runs from October to April, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the northern part of the country. The dry season runs from May to September, with the hottest months being December and January. The coastal areas tend to be more humid than the inland areas," remarked one expat in Angola.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Angola is the Restaurante O Pescador. Located in the capital city of Luanda, this seafood restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh fish dishes, as well as traditional Angolan cuisine. The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. Another popular restaurant in Angola is the Restaurante O Rei do Camarão. Located in the city of Lobito, this restaurant specializes in shrimp dishes, and is known for its delicious and unique flavors. The restaurant also offers a variety of other seafood dishes, as well as traditional Angolan cuisine. Finally, the Restaurante O Rei da Carne is a popular steakhouse located in the city of Luanda. This restaurant is known for its high-quality steaks, as well as its wide selection of other meats. The restaurant also offers a variety of traditional Angolan dishes, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family," said an expat in Angola.

"People living in Angola typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop at street vendors and small shops. Shopping malls are becoming increasingly popular in Angola, offering a wide variety of goods and services. Additionally, online shopping is becoming more popular in Angola, with many online stores offering delivery services," said one expat living in Angola.

"To visit Angola, foreigners must first acquire a visa. As of June 2019, the application process requires an online form to be filled in, followed by payment of the visa fee and uploading of relevant documentation. This includes an application form, a copy of a valid passport, proof of previous travel within the Schengen Area, and two passport sized photos. After the application is submitted, the documents are verified and the decision on the visa application may take up to 60 days. To apply for residency in Angola, applicants must first register at one of the country’s Inmigration and Passports Offices. The application process includes submission of various documents such as a valid passport, a marriage certificate (if applicable), a doctor’s certificate, a certificate of good health, proof of financial support, employment contract, and others if necessary. As of June 2019, the residency application process is expected to take from six months to one year," mentioned one expat inAngola.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Angola are generally considered to be expensive. The cost of medical care is high, and the quality of care is often not up to international standards. Additionally, health insurance is not widely available, and those who do have it often find that the coverage is inadequate. As a result, many people in Angola are unable to access the healthcare they need due to the high cost," commented one expat who moved to Angola.