Lobito, Angola 🇦🇴
#1812 -12.350686, 13.546431

Nomad Score: 43%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Lobito is a port city located in the Benguela Province of Angola, known for its coastal views and significant historical background.
👥 Population Approximately 182,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speeds range from 5 to 20 Mbps, with mobile data options also available.
💸 Currency & Banking Currency is the Angolan Kwanza (AOA). 1 USD ≈ 850 AOA. Banks present are Banco Angolano de Investimentos (BAI) and Banco BIC.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; it is advisable to use bottled water.
🔌 Power Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C/M plugs.
📶 SIM Card Main providers are Unitel and Movicel, offering reasonable coverage and data packages.
💳 Banking for Expats International cards accepted at major banks and ATMs; some establishments accept card payments.
🛌 Accommodation Accommodation ranges from hotels like Hotel Reconquista to local guesthouses and Airbnb options.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited; cash is preferred, but cards can be used in larger establishments.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb options available, with prices ranging from $20 to $60 per night.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Affordable guesthouses available from $15 per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Lobito Coworking Space offers flexible working options and high-speed internet.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Cafe Delícias serves good coffee and has Wi-Fi suitable for work.
💼 Networking Events Local business groups and expatriate meetups occur monthly; check local Facebook groups.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Informal gatherings at Cafe Chikala every Thursday provide networking opportunities.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App The local taxi system functions well; ride-sharing apps like Bolt are available.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Limited options; local bike rental shops are available.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Samba Beach, located 10 minutes from Lobito, is popular for relaxation.
✈️ Top Regional Airline TAAG Angola Airlines connects Lobito to major cities.
✈️ Top International Airline TAAG Angola Airlines for international flights; connections through Luanda.
🛣️ Highway Access The EN-100 highway provides access to Luanda and other regions.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Lobito Railway Station connects to other key cities along the coast.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Local minibuses operate frequently, but no formal public transport passes are available.
✈️ Regional Travel Travel by bus is available to Huambo and other regional cities via intercity transport services.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Hospital Municipal de Lobito offers standard medical services and emergency care.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited options; private instructors may offer classes in city parks.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness centers available include Gym Tenda and Fitness Club Lobito.
🧺 Laundry Services Services like Lavandaria A Poupança offer laundry for locals and expats.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Local delivery options like Kuky are available, although not widespread.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try Muamba de Galinha, a traditional chicken stew served with funji.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Some vegetarian options available at local restaurants, although options are limited.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Patisserie Nogueira offers a variety of local pastries.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Mercado Municipal de Lobito offers fresh produce and local goods.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Online shopping options like Jumia are available for deliveries.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Local supermarkets offer some delivery services upon request.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Aksua Lounge and Bibas are popular nightlife spots for locals and expats.
🍻 Local Brewery Cervejaria 11 de Novembro is a local brewery known for its lagers.
🍷 Wine Bars Wine bars are limited; local restaurants may offer options from South Africa.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors near the beach serve grilled fish and other local snacks.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Several pizzerias exist, with Pizzaria Kanga being a noted option.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Lobito Lighthouse, a key landmark, offers splendid views of the coast.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Museu de História Natural showcases local artifacts and history.
🏰 Historical Sites The historic colonial buildings along the waterfront are significant attractions.
🕍 Religious Sites Igreja Nossa Senhora da Assunção is notable for its architecture.
🎉 Annual Events The Festival of Lobito is held annually in February, celebrating local culture.
🎨 Cultural Districts The downtown area has a vibrant cultural scene with local artisans.
🎭 Theater Venues Teatro Nossa Senhora do Rosário hosts local performances.
🛍️ Local Markets Mercado Municipal de Lobito is a vibrant market for local goods and culture.
🎼 Music Scene Live music is found at various local bars featuring traditional Angolan music.
🎨 Street Art Local murals can be found throughout the city, showcasing regional artists.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Private cooking classes focusing on Angolan cuisine can be arranged with local chefs.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Galleries featuring local artwork can be found in the downtown area.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Numerous colonial buildings along Rua do Comércio are culturally significant.
🏴 Local Heritage The region's rich maritime history is an integral part of Lobito's identity.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes The surrounding coastline offers beautiful spots for relaxation and activities.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Benguela National Park is a manageable distance for nature lovers.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths The coastal promenade is perfect for walks and cycling.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Viewpoints near the beach and the lighthouse provide picturesque seaside views.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The coastal areas are popular for migratory birdwatching during appropriate seasons.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Samba Beach has designated zones for beach bonfires.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service DHL and local services like Ango Post handle parcel deliveries.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local computer and phone repair shops are found in the city center.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Some community centers have table tennis facilities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Some language schools offer Portuguese classes for expats.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The Municipal Library of Lobito provides study space and resources.
🏘️ Community Centers Various community centers offer cultural activities and gatherings.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited options; few places offer gaming facilities.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls There are no major casinos; local gaming halls exist with limited offerings.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000)
💼 Corporate Tax Standard corporate tax rate is 30%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 25%.
🏦 Tax System Tax residency based on Angolan income earned.
📈 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 CFC rules for foreign subsidiaries.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property tax is based on property value appraisal.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax A transfer tax of 2% is applied during property purchases.