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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Namibe is a coastal city located in the southern region of Angola, known for its beautiful beaches and desert landscapes. |
👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 inhabitants. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 30 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 870 AKZ (Angolan Kwanza). Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and Type F sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Unitel and Movicel; prepaid SIMs are widely available. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Internationally accepted cards include Visa and MasterCard. Local banking options available. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Airbnb has limited offerings. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; cards accepted in some restaurants and hotels, but cash is preferred. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rentals. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include Huíla Oil Guesthouse and Hotel Terminus. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center and beachfront areas are popular with tourists. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Morro de Areia offers more extended stay options and access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | MobiWork is the primary coworking space in Namibe, offering good internet and office amenities. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Central provides a comfortable atmosphere for work with decent internet. |
💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are organized monthly through social media groups catering to expats and locals. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Expats in Namibia & Angola' Facebook group hosts regular gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; however, Uber operates in Luanda but not yet in Namibe. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No major rental services; bicycles can be rented from local shops. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia da Baía Farta is the closest and most popular beach, known for its scenic views. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAAG Angola Airlines is the main carrier connecting Namibe with other cities. |
✈️ Top International Airline | TAAG Angola Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines have international flights from the capital. |
🛣️ Highway Access | The EN100 road connects Namibe to other major cities along the coast. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Namibe train station serves as a transit hub for regional travel. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Currently, there are no formal transit passes; payment is usually by cash for minibusses. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Namibe with cities like Lubango and Ondjiva, with frequent services. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Provincial de Namibe is the primary healthcare facility. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Vida Saudável offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Namibe is a popular gym facility with modern equipment. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are scarce; local laundry services are available. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout and delivery. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Moamba de Galinha, a traditional chicken stew, is a must-try dish. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Portofino Restaurant offers vegetarian meals and fresh salads. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelaria Vaquita is known for its delicious pastries and desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Municipal sells fresh produce and affordable local delicacies. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited local e-commerce; basic supplies can be found on Facebook Marketplace. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery services are limited; larger grocery stores like Shoprite have home delivery. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beachfront area has several bars and pubs that cater to locals and tourists. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Nova Luanda is the main local brewery producing Angolan beer. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Minimal wine bars; some restaurants carry local and imported wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Several street vendors near the beach serve snacks like fried fish and grilled corn. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The hut-style restaurant at the shore offers tasty seafood with a view. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Namibe Fortress is an essential historic site overlooking the harbor. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu do Mar showcases local marine history and artifacts. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Historic colonial architecture is present in the city center. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário is the main cathedral in the city. |
🎉 Annual Events | Festival dos Santos takes place annually in December, celebrating local culture. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The coastal promenade features galleries and local artisan shops. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Centro Cultural Namibe regularly hosts local performances and events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal offers a glimpse into local life and commerce. |
🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at several beach bars, featuring local musicians. |
🎨 Street Art | Murals and street art decorate various areas around the city. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Several locals offer informal cooking classes to learn traditional dishes. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Some small galleries in town showcase local artists' works. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Custom House at the harbor highlights Namibe's trading history. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Local crafts, particularly woven textiles, are a significant part of Angolan heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Namibe Desert is a stunning natural escape for hiking and exploring. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Namibe National Park features unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths along Praia da Baía Farta make for lovely biking and walking routes. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Miradouro do Namibe offers excellent panoramic views of the coastline. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the city attract various bird species, popular for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beach allow for safe bonfires at night. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post services are available for parcels, but slower than in urban centers. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Small electronics shops can handle basic repairs, though specialized services may be scarce. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers offer table tennis, particularly for gatherings and events. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Portuguese classes for expats and travelers. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal is the main library for research and study. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Namibe offers cultural activities and community events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; most gaming occurs in homes or with friends. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are currently no casinos in Namibe. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | At 15%, applied to dividends distributions. |
🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income; expats may benefit from specific agreements. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 17%. |
🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 14%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is applicable, assessed on property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A standard rate of 2% during property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives are available; specific details depend on residency status. |