Most of the Angolans are African ethnic groups (Ovimbundu, Ambundu, and Bakongo), and some are mixed race. There is also a considerable presence of foreigners in Angola, mostly in Luanda. The foreigners are mainly Portuguese and Chinese. However, you can easily find Americans, French, Indian, Lebanese, Brazilian, and many others.

Safety in Luanda is average for safety among African cities. Don’t venture into the slums. Don’t go out at night alone. Keep your car doors locked at all times. Violent crime has been on the rise, but it is mostly in the slums. The colonial part of the city is generally safe from violent crime; but like most African cities, pickpocketing or muggings are a fact of life. You will greatly reduce your chances of such if you stay low key: no fancy clothes or car, use a money belt, etc. The city is an expensive place to live and Angolans have realized that most expats/foreigners in the city are high-salaried employees from large corporations, so you should especially avoid business attire.

Do not give beggars money; if you do, you will soon have a lot of them surrounding you.

This is Central Africa: many police in Luanda are very corrupt. Check for their identity number (should be located on an arm band near the shoulder) and you may present charges against any abuse. As a visitor, it’s important to carry an authorized photocopy of your passport at all times. Otherwise, you will get an on the spot fine or worse, courtesy of the police. Do not carry your original; the police may ask for it and keep it until you pay a “fine”.

The safest place for tourists is the historic district that has formed around the old fort. Nevertheless, it is not recommended to stay here after dark.

In Luanda, they mainly accept the national currency – kwanzaa. The city has many exchange offices, you can change money at hotels and banks, but it is not recommended to exchange it on the local black market.

Credit card payment is widely accepted in the capital. Those who’re planning to visit local markets and nearby villages should bring cash.

When leaving the country do not take any kwanza to the airport as it is illegal to try to take kwanza out of the country; you may be stopped by the fiscal police and receive a heavy fine (all your kwanza taken and most of your other money) or imprisoned.

It is customary to leave a tip only in large restaurants. This rule does not apply to small street cafes and bars. The standard tip amount is 10% of the bill.

The official language of Angola is Portuguese. However, several other local languages are spoken in Angola, Kikongo, Kimbundu, and Umbundu. These are considered co-official languages.

While Portuguese is the official language of Angola, many Angolans, particularly those in urban, also speak English. This is especially true of Luanda, where English is commonly used in business and tourism. We suggest getting an app on your phone or a good English-Portuguese guidebook and also learning a few common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

Luanda is located near the coast, so fish and other seafood are the everday food for locals. Fans of exotic culinary experiences will have the opportunity to try various types of shellfish and shrimp, as well as other rare seafood. Meat dishes are less common in the city, chicken is mainly used for their preparation. Goat breeding is developed in the region so many restaurants offer their guests dishes of young goat meat. Dairy production is also quite developed in the region, be sure to try some homemade cheese and goat milk yogurt.

Another important feature of local cooking is the minimal use of spices. Locals prefer only chili and garlic. In the process of cooking, all products retain their natural taste. Cassava is considered one of the main regional products. The most common local bread, Chikuanga, is baked from this unusual flour.

Luanda is highly influenced by Portuguese culture. Portuguese beer is widely consumed, although Heineken and Carlsberg make an appearance. Super Bock, Sagres and Cristal (most popular) are popular beers from Portugal. Local beers such as Nocal, Cuca (the most popular, especially the excellent draught version, or “fino” in Portuguese) and Eka. Try Portugalia (Portuguese Beer House) at the beginning of the Ilha, or either of the two boat clubs just on the Ilha for a nice sundowner (Clube Nautico and Clube Naval).

During the warmer months, temperatures in Luanda can rise to the 90sF. The coldest is usually winter-time with temperatures in the high 60’sF. If you’re looking to go to the beaches in Luanda, you’re most likely to get the longest days between sun up and sun down around December. If you’re trying to stay away from the rain, then steer clear of Luanda from early February to late March.

The biggest shopping in Angola is on the streets of Luanda. You can see street sellers everywhere in Luanda, and they will sell you everything. Think of an object, and I have probably seen it in the streets! From toilet seats to food and drinks, from car parts to invoice books and tennis shoes or clothes… It’s really incredible.

The largest shopping and entertainment center in town is Belas Shopping where you can not only buy new clothes and souvenirs but also have fun. This shopping center attracts travelers with a variety of inexpensive shops and boutiques selling beautiful beach outfits and accessories, casual clothes and shoes from world-famous manufacturers. Several large shopping pavilions offer nice souvenirs. After shopping, visitors in the center can relax at one of the cafes or go to the cinema.

Shopping Avennida is largely aimed at wealthy travelers. It attracts fashionistas with luxurious designer boutiques and jewelry stores.

In search of interesting memorable souvenirs, it’s worth going to city markets. The popular market Benfica specializes in the sale of objects of African art. A great place for budget shopping is the Kero hypermarket. Here you can buy literally everything ranging from cheap food and fresh pastries to original memorable gifts. The hypermarket always offers a large selection of high-quality casual clothes and shows, as well as beach accessories of a pretty decent quality.

Keep in mind, due to the prolonged civil war and the recession of the domestic economy, Luanda was recognized as one of the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of basic consumer goods here may be much higher than in many European countries.

At some markets, tourists are offered to buy ivory and ebony products. The sale of such souvenirs is prohibited by law here. There are large fines for their purchase and attempt to export from the country.

Take care when taking photos and using navigation equipment. It’s illegal to use cameras, binoculars, GPS devices or maps near government buildings or infrastructure. Don’t take photos or film people without permission, particularly around government buildings or key infrastructure. Your equipment may be confiscated.

Same-sex relationships were decriminalized in January 2019.

Polio outbreaks occur. check your vaccination requirements with your doctor at least 8 weeks prior to traveling.

HIV/AIS infection rates are high. Take precautions if you’re taking part in high-risk activities.

Insect-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, filariasis, African sleeping sickness, and yellow fever. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.

Medical facilities are limited in Angola. If you become seriously ill or injured, you’ll need to be evacuated to another country with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for medical emergencies. For police dial 113.

Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada – 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas – +1 202-501-4444