Luanda, Angola
Posted by Conscious-Lock-9747@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 12 comments
Hi all,
I’m looking for first-hand experiences from expats living or previously based in Luanda, Angola. My employer may offer me a two-year assignment there, and I’m trying to understand what day-to-day life would realistically look like.
I’ve moved internationally several times for work before, but this would be my first assignment in a developing country. My previous postings have all been in Europe. I’m well travelled, but I’ve never been to Africa, and after reading various posts here and elsewhere, I’m left with a fairly mixed impression.
Some additional context:
- American
- Caucasian / white
- Wife and three children would join me (ages 1, 4 and 6)
- We do not speak Portuguese, but would plan to learn
- Oil and gas industry, so the package would be solid: compound housing, car, private schooling, medical insurance and compensation. We would likely hire a driver.
- Money isn’t a big driver; the opportunity is primarily for long-term career development.
My main concerns are safety and overall quality of life for a family.
Would my wife be able to take our toddler out for groceries, shopping or other daily activities independently? Are there reasonably safe and enjoyable family activities and weekend outings, or does daily life feel restrictive? In general, how limiting is security awareness in practice?
I’m also interested in perspectives on health risks. How concerned should we realistically be about malaria and other common diseases, especially with young children?
Any balanced, experience-based input would be much appreciated.
Pakalee@reddit
Hey 👋🏻
I’m moving to Luanda, Angola on an O&G EXPAT assignment from America too? Might I ask with who - EEAL?!
gamm3@reddit
Your wife could go out "independently" with a driver so I wouldn't really call it independently. Personally, that's one of the things I dislike the most, you're never really independent and we actually are allowed to drive. A lot of the oil companies don't allow their employees to drive. Some people don't care and love having a driver - I miss feeling free to drive (and not nervous about it). I doubt your wife will be taking the toddler shopping because she will probably have a nanny. Americans are the last to fall, but even most of them get a nanny.
You will probably be happy if you're in a compound where the kids run around playing and the social life is great for you. Beach life/night life is great but I personally miss other city life type things.
School is good (if employer is paying for it).
Health will most likely be ok, but it can be nerve wracking if you think about possible emergencies and the younger the kids, the worse it is. We have never gotten malaria (knock on wood), but I know plenty of people that have. Just make sure you test at any sign of a fever and catch it early.
Spicy_food@reddit
Alright, I'm a Portuguese expat and ive lived in Angola for the past 11 years.
Your package is standard in the field and I believe a driver is a given.
Regarding your specific questions, your wife absolutely could go for groceries and any other activity she enjoys going by car. I wouldnt advise walking because the heat is intense and some areas may not be the safest. But if you use a car you will have no issues. I do it daily taking my daughter to school or just going to work.
If you are looking for activities like you would find in a bigger city in the US or EU then forget it. It is restrictive in that way. However the beach life, the having friends over life is heavily encouraged here. Mussulo is an "island" right by Luanda's coast where paradise meets the urban city. 10 minutes away from a business center like Talatona.
What i mean is that there are fewer options to choose from entertainment wise but there are plenty of shopping centers, gyms, restaurants, playgrounds.
In short, i dont feel limited in my outings due to safety. If you drive around I doubt you will even be inconvenienced even less so with a driver, which i can guarantee your employer will provide.
Regarding Malaria or Dengue, ive never had it in 11 years. It does exist, of course, but if there is a place to get it and be treated is in Angola. They know exactly what to do seeing as it is a common thing.
Regarding the people, they enjoy talking and having fun. Very outgoing culture that prioritizes family and a good laugh. They are very respectful and welcoming if you respect them.
Some cons:
Traffic can be a headache. Driving in general takes some getting used to. Roads are poorly marked and maintained and the driving habits csn be abysmal. Some roads, even in business centers, are in poor condition. Sanitation, outside of your gated communities, is lacking. Language barrier. Cant deny this one, English is spoken but you will struggle sometimes getting your point across if you dont make an effort to learn Portuguese. Schools, specially the International ones with higher levels of quality, are obsenely expensive. Hospitals, clinics and pharmacies can often not have specific medication for certain conditions and in my opinion even the private clinics lack in equipment and staff. Tough things have been changing.
In short, the country has seen a larger development in the last few years. Banking services are very good, delivery services like your Doordash are prevalent, UBER like transportation is commonly used. I moved here when I was 25. Im 36 now. It was the best decision ive ever made, working hard and professionalism pays heavy dividends when compared to more saturated markets.
It is a developing country, a growing one, and you will find adversaties but I can also promise you that the reality of the country is a much more positive one than the opinions you may see elsewhere or Online.
Id take the plunge in a heartbeat.
opinto1972@reddit
This.
throwaway_071478@reddit
I am curious, what do you do there? I have interest in working in Angola one day.
Spicy_food@reddit
I manage a Group in the Education and Food business.
Conscious-Lock-9747@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much for taking the time to give such a detailed answer!
North_Artichoke_6721@reddit
I was an oil and gas expat kid (although not in Angola.)
One piece of advice I would give is to make sure your kids do chores and learn how to do things around the house. It’s very easy in a country with cheap domestic labor to let the maid, nanny, gardener, etc. take care of things.
A lot of kids I grew up with had a hard time re-entering life in the US because they simply didn’t know how to do anything domestic at all. And it’s a lot more expensive in the US to have a full staff of household help than it is in the developing world!
One girl I knew showed up at college and had never learned how to put sheets on her bed or run a load of laundry.
Another kid had never learned how to wash dishes or load a dishwasher. Or even clear the table.
So set aside time to teach your kids how life works when you can’t afford multiple staff running your household.
Remarkable_Course897@reddit
Strong agree!!
Stock_Fly3825@reddit
Just be careful, increase your awareness as you know this is no mans land. Traffic is crazy, no rules pratically. Also it is super expensive and to be fair if you are taking your kids I would think twice because this is certainly impact their education because schools there are REALLY bad! So really, really think about it before this move. I would not take my family there. Hospitals are mit great and Luanda, even though is the capital looks really bad..looks like a bug slum.
My final advise, I would definitely avoid moving there.
Least-Concentrate305@reddit
How much salary as a staring someone can expect
Reasonable_Sense5090@reddit
I previously worked in Angola, but it has been quite a few years. I spent over 20 years internationally in the oil industry (field and management positions) with family accompanying me whenever possible. I highly recommend that you accept the position, your growth both professionally and personally will be greatly enhanced. If you are living in a company compound they will probably have organized transportation for family members going shopping while you are working. Your wife and children will have memories that will remain with them for life. My children both with their own families are avid travelers. I am now retired and living permanently internationally. Just do it!