• Visitors: Ride-hailing or a trusted driver is usually the smoothest choice. Pre-book airport pickup when possible.
• Expats: Consider a regular driver for peak hours and late evenings; self-driving is feasible with preparation.
• Public transport: Blue-and-white minibuses (“candongueiros”) are common but can be confusing for newcomers — most visitors rely on ride-hailing or private drivers.

Ride-hailing in Luanda — Apps & tips

The new international airport is located outside central Luanda. Plan extra time for traffic, agree a pickup point, and keep your phone online to coordinate with your driver. Save your accommodation address offline in Portuguese too.

• Recommended: pre-book a transfer or use ride-hailing from a designated pickup area.
• Cash: have some kwanzas ready (see Money guide).

How to get to/from the new airport • Essential arrival tips

Ride-hailing apps are widely used in Luanda. Install them in advance, keep data active, and meet drivers at safe, well-lit pickup points. Share your live location with your host when possible.

• Before you land: download apps, set payment, and note pickup instructions.
• In-trip: check the plate, driver name, and route; sit in the back and keep doors locked.
• Night: prefer door-to-door drops and avoid walking long stretches.

Ride-hailing apps — download & how-to

• Heavy traffic: plan generous buffers, especially rush hours and around major junctions.
• Street activity: vendors may walk between lanes; keep a calm, defensive pace.
• Informal queues: lines can form outside marked lanes — stay patient and predictable.
• Road surface: expect potholes and, in some areas, unpaved sections; slow down early.

General safety tips

Expect pedestrians crossing outside zebra crossings, including on faster roads. Approach marked crossings slowly and check mirrors before stopping — drivers behind may not anticipate a sudden stop. Locals often switch on hazard lights when slowing at crosswalks to signal to traffic.

Lighting can be limited in some areas and occasional power cuts do occur. Expect some oncoming drivers to use high beams and pedestrians walking on unlit roads, sometimes in dark clothing. Drive with heightened caution.

• Avoid when possible: plan trips for daylight; at night prefer main, well-used routes.
• See & be seen: keep headlights and windscreen clean; switch to low beams for oncoming traffic; reduce speed and increase following distance. If you must stop, use hazards and place a reflective triangle.
• Glare management: use the rear-view mirror “night” position and glance toward the nearside edge to reduce high-beam glare.
• Pedestrians: walk facing traffic, carry a small light/phone torch, and wear bright or reflective clothing when possible.
• Zero alcohol at the wheel: enforcement against drink-driving has increased and penalties can be severe. If you plan to drink, use a designated driver or ride-hailing.

Authorities continue to prioritise road safety; please follow posted signs and local instructions.

General safety tips • Ride-hailing at night

• Licence: carry your national licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). For short visits, a foreign licence may be accepted, but an IDP is strongly recommended.
• Documents: keep vehicle papers, insurance and ID together and easy to access. Having a copy of your rental agreement helps.
• Checkpoints: slow down, be courteous and follow instructions. Hand over documents calmly and wait for guidance.
• If something isn’t clear: ask politely how you should proceed or where the matter can be handled. Avoid discussing details on the roadside.
• Language & support: keep a trusted local contact you can call if communication becomes difficult. With the officer’s permission, use speakerphone so they can help translate and ensure everyone understands exactly what is being requested. Keep the exchange brief, polite and calm.
• Before you set off: save that contact as a favourite and agree a simple plan (e.g., “If I’m stopped, I’ll call you to help with Portuguese and clarify which documents are needed”).

Safety tips

• Observe posted limits: common limits include 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h outside towns and up to 120 km/h on expressways (where signed).
• Secondary roads: outside Luanda, some sections are unpaved — a higher-clearance or 4×4 vehicle may be necessary.
• New to Luanda? Consider hiring a driver who knows local routes, language and procedures — it reduces stress and helps at checkpoints or when asking for directions.

Blue-and-white shared minibuses (“candongueiros”) are the most common option for locals. They’re inexpensive and frequent, but routes and stops can be confusing for first-timers. If you’re new to the city, ride-hailing or a trusted driver is usually simpler.

Candongueiros

• Fuel: use busy, reputable stations; keep some cash (kwanzas) for attendants.
• Parking: choose attended lots or well-lit areas; avoid leaving valuables in view.
• Breakdown: move to a safe shoulder if possible, switch on hazards, place a warning triangle, and call your rental/driver. For incidents, go to the nearest police station if you feel unsafe waiting roadside.

• Police: 113 (in some areas 111)
• Ambulance: 112
• Fire: 115

Availability may vary by location and network. Save your embassy/consulate and accommodation contacts in your phone before you travel.

• Download offline maps (save your hotel and key places).
• Keep an offline translator for Portuguese basics (addresses, directions).
• Carry a power bank for ride-hailing and navigation.