How safe is Angola for expats?

please tel me my dear friends. im coming sonamet groops. luanda state. company good\bad i dont no. that aria and climeat and security please tel me detiles

Hi Jonny, Angola has made huge strides in recovering from its war-torn past and the safety situation for expats in Angola has improved in recent years. Petty crimes will be the most pressing safety concern, especially at night - it's best to keep aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid movement outside of your residence at night if possible. Most expats have a car and driver provided for them, which is the best option for travelling around Luanda - this will go a long way to keep you and your family safer - as the driver will know the city well, which routes are safer and what areas to avoid in Luanda.

Most expats with children live in Luanda Sul in the southern suburbs of the city. There are a number of good expat compounds here which are well guarded and considered safe. Most of Luanda's English international schools are in this area and with the traffic a real issue and commuting times to consider, living as close as possible to good schools is a must. 

Safety outside of Luanda remains a concern and travel outside of the city should be undertaken with caution. Landmines remain in many areas and you should stick to the main roads and avoid landmined areas, which are usually well-signposted. Travel in rural areas should preferably be done in a convoy of two or more vehicles, which will most likely need to have 4x4 capability. The northern Cabinda region should be avoided - insurgent groups continue to operate in these areas and foreigners have been attached in the past.

I suggest having a read of our Angola expat guide for further information on moving to and living in Angola. The guide is full of useful information about education and schools, culture shock and the cost of living in Angola. We have also just launched our new Moving to Luanda page, so go check it out!

Good luck with your decision! I hope it all works out for you and your family.

You're pretty brave to be going there with your family! I wouldn't quite venture to Angola - but I hear the salaries are pretty good and there are plently of opportunities for expats to work in Angola at the moment. Most expats live in compounds so your family should be fine!

in your expats guide for Angola you mention that there are several English teaching schools in Luanda, but you only mention the international school of Luanda, which are the others? Can you provide me with their contact emails? or websites? thanks

Please read Catherine's comment near the top of this thread for information about security. Her answer is very thorough and should have all the information you need.

Angola's weather is usually quite warm and dry. You can click on this link to be taken to a page for more information about the weather in Angola.

Worked there for 2 years offshore only stayed in Luanda on my day in /out only a madman would take his family out there mate go yourself and leave them at home

People be realistic, dont comment for the sake of promoting bad image just because you dont like the country.

My husband has just accepted a role on Luanda and we have 2 young children, one of school age. I am terrified this move might be a step too far. Please give me some encouraging words, thanks.

HI,

My brother had got a job offer in a company in Angola with a salary of 1600$/month. How sufficient is the salary considering the cost of living there?