Moving your belongings to Angola
Are you considering emigrating to Angola or moving to another destination in southern Africa? Transpack has expertise in moving your belongings and complete household furnishings internationally to various destinations in Angola. Do not hesitate to request a tailor-made quote without obligation for your move to Angola!
Angola in a nutshell:
Capital: Luanda
Population: 34 million
Currency: Angolan kwanza
Official language: Portuguese
Moving to Angola
There are several options available to get your gear to Angola. You can opt for sea freight, with the choice between a whole container or shared load, or air freight if you want it quickly. Moving professionals such as Transpack are always ready to provide you with extensive support. Regardless of your choice, it is important to understand the paperwork and customs regulations required to ensure a smooth transition. Transpack can also provide you with good advice on these administrative tasks.
How long does it take for my belongings to arrive in Angola?
Shipping time to Angola for your belongings can vary depending on several factors. Generally, air freight is the faster option compared to sea freight, mainly because ships call at multiple ports as stopovers during their journey. This can result in extra time needed to handle intermediate stops and possible waiting times in busy ports.
Transpack, as an experienced moving partner, keeps a close eye on these aspects and will always inform you if there are expected delays due to traffic or other circumstances. They aim to give you a reliable estimate of the shipping time, with an average delivery time to Angola ranging from 6 to 10 weeks. It is reassuring to know that Transpack will support you during this process and keep you informed of the progress of your shipment.
Sea freight to Angola
Moving your belongings abroad by sea freight is becoming increasingly popular. This option is not only friendlier to your wallet than air freight, but is also an environmentally friendly, efficient and safe choice to get your belongings to your new destination. In addition, Transpack has a convenient sea container service available that you can use when moving your belongings to Angola.
Do I need a visa to live in Angola?
When you take the step to move to Angola, it is likely that you will need a visa. Angola has a variety of visa types, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. If work is the reason for your move, you will usually need a work visa. This often means that you will need to be sponsored by an Angolan employer and meet specific visa requirements.
To study in Angola, a student visa is required, which in turn requires proof of enrolment at an accredited educational institution in Angola. If it is for business purposes, a business visa may be required, depending on your business activities. And if you are planning to stay in Angola for a long period of time, for example for family reunion or retirement, you may be eligible for a residence visa. This usually requires you to prove your reason for being there and meet specific criteria.
It is essential to contact the Angolan embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date visa requirements and application procedures. These can vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you require. Make sure you submit your visa application well in advance to avoid possible delays.
Living in Angola
Living in Angola can be a unique and exciting experience, but it is important to understand that the country, like any other, has its own challenges and advantages. We have listed some important aspects for you below.
Benefits of living in Angola
1. Natural beauty
Angola is home to breathtaking natural beauty. The country boasts a wide variety of landscapes, from vast savannahs to lush rainforests, from immense mountain ranges to scenic coastlines. Inland, you’ll find national parks like Quiçama, where wildlife roams freely, including elephants and lions. The coast is lined with golden sand beaches, fringed by azure waters, a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
To give you a good idea of Angola’s natural beauty, here are some must-sees.
Angola is home to some of the most breathtaking places in Africa. Here are a few must-see destinations:
- Parque Nacional do Iona (Iona National Park): A game reserve in the southwest, with a diverse ecosystem of desert dunes, salt pans and a rich fauna, including rare species.
- Deserto do Namibe (Namib Desert): One of the world’s oldest and driest deserts, with surreal landscapes and impressive sand dunes. Ilha do Mussulo (Mussulo Island): A paradise peninsula with beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, ideal for relaxation and water sports.
- Kalandula Falls: One of the largest waterfalls in Africa, surrounded by lush greenery, a breathtaking spectacle for nature lovers.
- Parque Nacional da Kissama (Kissama National Park): A nature reserve near Luanda, known for its diverse fauna, including elephants, giraffes and lions.
- Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo (Black Rocks of Pungo Andongo): An intriguing formation of black rocks in a unique landscape, located in the Malanje region.
- Luanda: The bustling capital with a mix of modern architecture, historic forts and lively markets, offering an insight into Angola’s rich history and culture.
These places offer a glimpse of the diverse and enchanting beauty that Angola has to offer.
2. Cultural diversity
Angola is a true melting pot of cultural diversity, anchored in a rich history and heritage. With numerous ethnic groups calling the country home, it is a vibrant mosaic of traditions, languages and customs. Major ethnic groups include the Ovimbundu, Bakongo, Lunda and Chokwe, each with their own unique cultural traits and languages.
Angola’s linguistic mix perfectly reflects this diverse society. While Portuguese is the official language and is used as a lingua franca, indigenous languages such as Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo and Tchokwe are widely heard.
3. Hospitable population
The Angolan people are known for their warmth and hospitality, often making foreigners feel instantly welcome. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cities or visiting remote villages, you’ll be greeted with smiles and open arms. Local traditions and customs are shared with open arms, and you’ll find that people are proud of their culture and love to share their stories. Whether it’s sharing a traditional meal, attending a festive event, or simply chatting with a local, their friendliness and warmth add to the country’s charm.
4. Economic opportunities
Angola has developed rapidly in recent years, offering business opportunities in various sectors.
Angola has undergone rapid transformation in recent years, creating a wealth of business opportunities in various sectors. Entrepreneurs and investors are finding room to grow. Whether you look at the thriving energy sector, emerging technology industries or opportunities in agriculture, Angola offers fertile ground for business success.
Challenges of living in Angola
1. Health care
Health care in Angola varies from region to region, with some areas having limited access to quality medical care. The quality and availability of health facilities can vary, with urban centres generally being better equipped than rural areas. It is essential for everyone to be aware of this variability and take precautions.
2. Education
In Angola, there are educational institutions, but it is important to note that educational facilities and standards can vary considerably, especially in remote locations. In urban areas, you will generally find better-equipped schools with access to more resources and qualified teachers. However, in remote areas, schools may face limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of well-trained teachers.
This variation highlights the challenges facing the education system in Angola and the inequalities in access to quality education. It also highlights the need for investment in education, especially in remote areas, to ensure equal educational opportunities for all children.
3. Safety
In general, Angola is a fairly safe destination for expats. However, like many other countries, there are areas with security issues, so it is essential to stay informed about the current situation and take the necessary precautions. Major cities in particular can be prone to crime, such as pickpocketing and theft.
It is advisable to follow local advice, stay informed about the current security situation, and be careful with personal belongings, especially in busy or remote areas. In addition, it can be useful to stay in touch with local communities and expat groups for up-to-date information and support. A good understanding of local culture and customs can also contribute to a safe and enjoyable stay in Angola.
4. Infrastructure
Infrastructure in certain parts of Angola can be limited, significantly impacting transportation and access to essential services. Roads, especially in rural and remote areas, can be in poor condition, making travel difficult and time-consuming.
This lack of well-developed infrastructure can also impact access to basic services such as healthcare, education and electricity, especially for those living in rural areas. It is important to take this into account when planning travel or settling in certain parts of the country.
How your time in Angola looks will depend greatly on your personal circumstances, where you are and why you are there. Thorough research and preparation before moving to Angola is essential. It can also be valuable to connect with other expats and local communities to get a better idea of what life in the country is like.
If you are curious about what moving to Angola entails, what you need to consider and what the costs can be, then Transpack is the right place for you. You can request a free and quick quote for your move to Angola on the quote page. Take a quick look and discover more.