Move to Luanda

Relocation Checklist

Legal setup · Housing · Money · Health · Transport · Daily life

A practical move-in checklist for Luanda, built to help you organise the essentials before arrival and during your first weeks in the city.

Start checklist Arrival tips Everyday essentials

Best use Prepare before arrival, then keep using it during your first month in Luanda.

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Move-in priorities

Set up the essentials first

Focus on legal documents, housing, internet, money, healthcare, transport and local contacts before trying to solve everything at once.

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First week

Confirm your accommodation, activate internet, save emergency numbers, test transport routes and identify nearby supermarkets, clinics and pharmacies.

Good habit

Keep digital and printed copies of your key documents, and save important phone numbers offline in case mobile data fails.

Before you rely on any plan

Confirm the correct visa, residence or work pathway for your situation. Visas & Residency
Check passport validity, blank pages and the name format used on tickets, contracts and official documents.
Keep your yellow fever vaccination certificate accessible for travel and official checks.

Document pack

Save secure digital copies and print copies of passport, visa/residence documents, contract, insurance and accommodation details.
Save your embassy or consulate contact details offline.
Check whether any documents need certified translation or legalisation.

Requirements can change. Confirm official rules with your employer, sponsor, airline, embassy or Angolan authorities before travelling.

Area choice

Shortlist neighbourhoods by commute, school access, safety, traffic and daily services.
Visit the property at different times if possible, especially around peak traffic.

Lease checks

Review rent, deposit, duration, inventory, repairs, service charges and payment terms.
Photograph the property condition before moving in.

Utilities

Check water storage, generator/inverter, power stability and maintenance responsibility.
Confirm internet provider, installation timing, router placement and backup mobile data.

Accommodation Education & Schools

Money setup

Prepare at least two payment cards, ideally from different banks or networks. Money in Luanda
Plan how much cash you need for the first days, including transport, SIM, groceries and small services.
Build a first-month budget covering deposit, rent, utilities, transport, food, health and setup costs.

Phone and internet

Prepare an eSIM or roaming option as a landing backup, but do not rely on it as your only internet plan.
Buy or plan a local SIM after arrival. Unitel is generally the most used operator; Africell and Movicel are also available.
Save important contacts on WhatsApp and offline before arrival.

Money exchange Arrival internet tips

Arrival transfer

Plan your airport transfer, pickup point, driver contact and backup option before landing.
Save your destination address in Portuguese and offline maps.

Daily movement

Install ride-hailing apps such as T'Leva, Kubinga, Heetch, UGO, Yango and inDrive. Ride-hailing guide
Test commute routes before important appointments.

Driving decision

Decide between self-drive, ride-hailing or a trusted regular driver.
Review local road habits, visibility, checkpoints and night travel. Transport Tips

Health basics

Verify health insurance, evacuation cover and accepted clinics.
Save nearby clinics, pharmacies and a preferred doctor or hospital.
Bring essential medication, prescriptions and copies of medical records.

Emergency numbers

Save these numbers and confirm them locally when you arrive:

Police: 111 or 113
Ambulance: 112
Fire service: 115

Save emergency numbers, embassy contact, landlord, HR, driver and trusted local contact.
Review everyday safety habits. Safety Tips

Travel Health Tips

Work setup

Understand local work culture, etiquette and business hours. Work Culture
Add public holidays and key local dates to your calendar. Events

Family and school

Apply to schools early and confirm documents, fees, calendar and school transport. Education & Schools
Map school, work, grocery and pharmacy routes into a realistic weekly routine.

Local contacts

Save HR, landlord, building security, driver, doctor, school, embassy and trusted friends.
Prepare basic Portuguese phrases for transport, shopping, deliveries and emergencies.

Daily essentials

Map nearby supermarkets, pharmacies, fresh markets and convenience stores.
Identify where to buy home basics, cleaning supplies, water, small appliances and phone accessories.
Check which restaurants, shops and services deliver reliably to your area.

Settle in

Choose a gym, club or regular activity to build routine. Gyms in Luanda
Explore local crafts and gift options. Shopping & Souvenirs

Build a life, not just a setup

Find local communities, professional groups, sports groups or school networks.
Shortlist weekend plans: Culture & History, Nature & Adventure and Nightlife.
Save a few reliable places for coffee, meals, errands and downtime near home and work.