Luanda
Luanda is the capital of Angola
Understand
Portuguese is spoken widely in Luanda, Huambo, Benguela and all the provincial capitals, but elsewhere native languages are more commonplace. Not learning at least basic Portuguese is ASKING FOR TROUBLE!
Get in
The best way to get to Angola is by plane.
By plane
There are flights via Johannesburg, and direct from Europe via Lisbon, Paris and London. TAAG Angola Airlines also has two weekly direct flights to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil
By train
There are a few short passenger lines open but they aren't very safe. Before Independence from Portugal, Angola had a vast rail network which is currently being repaired after years of neglect.
By car
OK in Luanda, and in between main cities, elsewhere road quality greatly decreases. As of 2003 most main roads are in good repair, but don't be surprised if you encounter unexpected problems during the rainy season. In Luanda main streets are paved, but streets in the slums are in disrepair. Driving conditions aren't necessarily what most westerners are used to, and most roads have no lines or signals.
By bus
National Bus Service just re-opened but routes not organized yet. Some local service in Luanda and in-between cities
By boat
Boating and fishing is popular in and around Luanda Bay
Get around
IN LUANDA-NEVER TAKE THE MINIBUS TAXIS dangerous, driven by maniacs
See
Just being in Luanda is a sightseeing adventure. But make sure to drive down the bay. Its beautiful. Also, take a drive outside of the city, but don't go any further that 35 km alone or at night.
==Do==The Iiha de Luanda is where Luanda's elite go to dine and have fun.
Learn
PORTUGUESE
Work
MAINLY IN THE OIL SECTOR, but also in the increasing number of international angola based companies which are investing in Angola now that peace and stability are offering great development prospects for the country.
Buy
Local crafts, they are at extraordinary low prices, check out the Benfica HandCrafts Market just south of Luanda.
Eat
BE CAREFUL when eating out. DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER EVER EVER!!! The majority of restaurants are on "The Marginal" or on "Iiha De Lunada"
Budget
Local Vendors, But own food
Mid-range
Chez Wu Chinese in Angola!!
Splurge
Coconuts, Cais de Quatro, Pimm's, Espaco Baia.
Drink
CUCA beer is good, ONCE AGAIN, DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sleep
Beach bars and restaurants on the Ilha de Luanda stay open until late and are very nice.
Budget
rent an apartment/sleep in the streets
Mid-range
Splurge
Le President Meridien Hotel, the Tropico Hotel, the Alvalade Hotel, the Palm Beach Hotel.
Contact
YOUR EMBASSY AS SOON AS YOU GET THERE
==Stay safe==Don't go out at night alone or into the slums.
Cope
even if you want to do not give beggars money, if you do you will have about 50 surrounding you
==Get out==do all of your activities during the day unless on the marginal or Iiha
External links