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Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Benguela is a coastal city in Angola, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps, with options for higher speeds in specific areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Angolan Kwanza (AOA). Current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 800 AOA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, with Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers such as Unitel and Movicel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard accepted in most banks and major retailers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, apartments, and hotels, with Airbnb being popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is preferred, but cards are accepted in some places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide good short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as Pensão São Pedro offer affordable rates. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The coastal area near Praia da Lua is popular among tourists for its proximity to beaches and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center offers reliable internet and coworking spaces, making it ideal for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Casa da Culturais, which provides a comfortable space for remote work and networking. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Tchendji, known for its reliable Wi-Fi and ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized by ‘Benguela Digital,’ a local digital nomad community. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The expat community often organizes social events through Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available; no major ride-hailing apps like Uber operate here. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability; local bike shops offer rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia da Lua, known for its scenic beauty and watersports. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAAG Angola Airlines. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | TAAG Angola Airlines provides some international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road access to Luanda and Lobito via the EN-100 highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Benguela has a train station serving regional routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; minibusses are commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel to nearby cities via bus or train services available from the central station. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Geral de Benguela is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Local community centers host wellness programs and classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sport Club de Benguela has a gym facility for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in most guesthouses and local laundries. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Currently, local delivery services are pending; try calling local restaurants directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Moqueca, a fish stew made with coconut milk, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets provide fresh produce; few dedicated vegan restaurants available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelaria São Jorge offers a variety of pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | P markets throughout the city offer affordable food options and local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local markets, social media groups for community sellers, and some international websites. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited grocery delivery options available, mostly through local shops. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Avenida da Liberdade features several bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveja de Angola is a popular local brand. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine shops offering Angolan and Portuguese wines are available. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors selling kebabs and grilled fish along the beach are popular. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local restaurants feature Portuguese and angolan fusion cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Church of the Holy Spirit and the Benguela Railway are notable attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu Nacional de História Natural offers insights into Angola's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old Portuguese fort is a popular historical location to visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Populo is a significant religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnaval de Benguela is celebrated every February with parades and cultural presentations. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town offers rich cultural experiences with art and music. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cine Cazenga hosts various performances and movie showings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Local craft markets are available, showcasing traditional crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music venues frequently feature Angolan musicians. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is emerging, especially in urban neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered through community centers focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries exhibit local Angolan artists and contemporary pieces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The colonial architecture in central Benguela reflects its history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Situation in Benguela remains intertwined with the local customs and practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The surrounding countryside and beaches are excellent for outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Quiçama National Park is a drive away and offers wildlife viewing. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths are available for cycling and scenic walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Clifftop views at area beaches provide stunning views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various coastal spots are ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas allow bonfires; check local regulations before planning. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services provide parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops offer basic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools provide classes in Portuguese. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Libraries in the city provide study and reading areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local hubs for cultural engagement and social activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; mostly available in shopping centers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Benguela has a few gaming establishments for leisure. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €78,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €54,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €80,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income, applicable to residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Currently up to 17%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 14% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, clear rules exist regarding taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, assessed based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads. |