Benguela, Angola 🇦🇴
#1811 -12.579004, 13.403711

Nomad Score: 44%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Benguela is a coastal city located in Angola along the Atlantic Ocean with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant local markets.
👥 Population Approximate population of 600,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 15 Mbps, with options for 4G networks available.
💸 Currency & Banking Currency is Angolan Kwanza (AOA). 1 EUR ≈ 800 AOA.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; it's recommended to purchase bottled water.
🔌 Power Standard voltage is 220V, with Type C and Type M sockets.
📶 SIM Card Major providers include Unitel and Movicel, available at local shops or kiosks.
💳 Banking for Expats Common payment methods include cash and some acceptance of credit cards at larger establishments.
🛌 Accommodation Options include local guesthouses, Airbnb, and serviced apartments available through various platforms.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited; cash is preferred, but cards may be accepted at hotels and larger shops.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Available through platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Affordable hostels are found in the city center, with prices around AOA 6,000 per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Benguela Coworking Space, located in the city center, provides a good environment for remote work.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Café do Mercado is a popular choice with reliable internet and a nice atmosphere for working.
💼 Networking Events Local expat meetups occur monthly, often announced through Facebook groups focusing on Benguela.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Regular community events can be found on platforms like Meetup.com and Facebook groups.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Use local taxis or the Bolt app for ride-hailing services in Benguela.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Limited options for bike rentals; consider electric scooters from local shops.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Baía Azul beach, just 15 minutes away by taxi, is the most popular beach destination.
✈️ Top Regional Airline TAAG Angola Airlines serves regional flights efficiently.
✈️ Top International Airline TAAG Angola Airlines also operates international flights from Benguela to major cities.
🛣️ Highway Access Accessible via EN100 highway connecting major cities in Angola.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub The main train station is located in central Benguela, connecting to Luanda and other cities.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Limited public transportation options; taxis are more common.
✈️ Regional Travel Buses and shared taxis are available to nearby cities like Lobito and Catumbela.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Hospital José Banga is the main healthcare facility in Benguela.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited options available, but some hotels offer spa services and fitness classes.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness clubs can be found in major hotels, such as Hotel Miradouro.
🧺 Laundry Services Various laundry services available around the city; look for 'Lavandaria' signs.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Tushare is a popular choice for food delivery services in Benguela.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try Mwamba (a local fish stew) which is popular in coastal areas.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Few options, but local vegetable dishes can be found in markets and restaurants.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Sweet Love Patisserie is known for its local pastries and cakes.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets such as Mercado Municipal offer budget-friendly food options.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Local e-commerce service B2B Angola is gaining traction for shopping needs.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Limited options; consider large supermarkets for in-person shopping.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area The waterfront area is popular for bars and nightlife.
🍻 Local Brewery Cerveja ZAP is the main local beer brand found in many bars.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited options; some restaurants offer a selection of Angolan wines.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Popular street food can be found at various night markets around the city.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Several Italian and Portuguese restaurants are available, reflecting local tastes.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Fort of São Pedro da Barra is a prominent historical landmark in Benguela.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Museu Provincial de Benguela showcases the local history and culture.
🏰 Historical Sites The Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Populo is a notable church with historical significance.
🕍 Religious Sites Many beautiful churches can be visited, including the Cathedral of Benguela.
🎉 Annual Events Carnaval de Benguela is a significant cultural event celebrated in February.
🎨 Cultural Districts Explore local neighborhoods such as Prenda for authentic experiences.
🎭 Theater Venues Centro Cultural de Benguela often hosts cultural performances and events.
🛍️ Local Markets Mercado Municipal is the main market offering local crafts and food.
🎼 Music Scene Local music venues host traditional and modern Angolan music performances.
🎨 Street Art Explore the alleys of Benguela for vibrant street art pieces.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Local chefs may offer classes focusing on Angolan cuisine.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Local galleries showcase contemporary and traditional Angolan art.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Various colonial architecture can be seen throughout the city.
🏴 Local Heritage Benguela has a rich maritime history reflected in its festivals and local crafts.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes The nearby Serra da Leba offers spectacular views and hiking opportunities.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Kissama National Park is a few hours away, famous for its wildlife.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Coastal paths provide scenic routes for walking or cycling along the beach.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Visit the viewpoints around Baía Azul for stunning sunset views.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The wetlands near the city are ideal for birdwatchers.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Beaches like Baía Azul have designated areas for bonfires.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local courier services available, check with national providers like ENI.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Find local shops for smartphone and electronics repairs.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Local community centers may have table tennis tables available.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes A few language schools offer Portuguese classes for expats.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Public libraries are limited; consider cafes as study spots.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers often host events for expats and residents.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited; but local cafes often host gaming nights.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Casinos are scarce; however, some establishments offer gaming machines.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. AOA 35,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AOA 1,400,000)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. AOA 28,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AOA 1,120,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. AOA 30,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AOA 1,800,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. AOA 25,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AOA 1,500,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. AOA 32,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AOA 2,560,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. AOA 24,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AOA 1,920,000)
💼 Corporate Tax Standard corporate tax rate is 30%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 30% withholding tax applied to dividends.
🏦 Tax System The tax system is based on worldwide income for residents.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%.
🧾 VAT Standard Value Added Tax rate is 14%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, Angola has strict CFC rules governing foreign subsidiaries.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property taxation is based on the cadastral income.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Transfer tax is 2% for property purchases.