Luanda - Post Report Question and Answers
Can you save money?
With the unofficial exchange rate and the lack of things to do, yes. - Apr 2016
Yes. The COLA is super high - currently 60% - and there is nothing to buy here besides groceries and an occasional meal out. Beaches are free. - Mar 2015
Yes. The irony is that while travel outside of Angola and activities are expensive, most people just stay put and make due with what you have. You get a 50% COLA but there is just little to spend it on. - Aug 2014
Probably not. Luanda is consistently ranked one of the most expensive cities in the world for expats -- and with good reason. The cost of life here is high. It's also very expensive to travel either domestically or internationally. It's about US$500-700 per person round trip just to fly to South Africa, more to Europe or other regional destinations. A "long weekend" trip for a family of 4 to South Africa will be at least US$3,500-- maybe more if you go on safari or do something special. Hotels here in Angola are expensive (US$300+ in Luanda, over US$150 in the provinces) and the provincial hotels are basic at best. - Jul 2013
No, you must leave often for sanity, goods, and relaxation. - Apr 2013
yes, everything is so expensive, so you won't want to buy many things here - Aug 2011
No. - Aug 2011
Nope, not a chance. The most expensive city in the world. - Apr 2009
