Angola
Business meetings in Angola are generally semi-formal (business casual). Many Angolan business people dress casually, wearing safari suits and open-neck shirts. Dark colors should be worn for more formal meetings and social occasions. Business cards are essential. As Portuguese is the official language, a knowledge of this is an advantage in business transactions; French and Spanish are
also useful in some regions. Few Angolans speak English fluently. There are limited translation services. Office hours are 0830-1230 and 1400-1800 Monday to Friday; some offices open 0830-1230 Saturday.
Violent crime occurs regularly throughout Angola. Street crime is common in all areas of Luanda, at all hours. Foreigners have been the targets of violent robberies in their homes and hotel rooms. Because of the high incidence of armed robberies and carjackings, travelers are cautioned against airport arrivals after dark. Before arrival, ensure that you have arranged for reliable transportation from the airport. Only unregulated taxis are available at the airport and in Luanda. They are unsafe, a high crime risk and should not be used.
City streets are patrolled by soldiers and police who normally carry automatic weapons. The soldiers and police are unpredictable and their authority should not be challenged. All motorists should stop at nighttime police checkpoints if so ordered. Police officers, often while still in uniform, frequently participate in shakedowns, muggings, carjackings and murders.
There have been police operations against illegal aliens and private companies that have resulted in the deportation of foreign nationals and the loss of personal and company property. Some foreign businesspeople have been forced to sign statements renouncing property claims in Angola before being deported. Independent entrepreneurs in Angola should carry all relevant immigration and business documents at all times.
Travelers should be alert to a number of scams perpetrated by Luanda airport personnel. Immigration and customs officials sometimes detain foreigners without cause, demanding gratuities before allowing them to enter or depart Angola. Airport health officials sometimes threaten arriving passengers with "vaccinations" with unsterilized instruments if gratuities are not paid. Travelers should expect their luggage to be searched, and keep all luggage receipts to show officials while exiting the airport.
Foreigners who must venture outside of Luanda should take appropriate security measures, including traveling in a convoy arrangement, by day, and in groups whenever possible. It is recommended to have someone speaking Portuguese to accompany you. Never carry more money than you can afford to lose. Do not wear ostentatious jewelry or expensive outfits that draw attention. Be aware of your surroundings and the people who crowd around you, especially in the streets and public markets.
Despite refurbishment in many hotels, amenities remain limited. The better hotels have air-conditioning, a private bath or shower, a phone, radio and TV. However, there is a general shortage of accommodation, and it is advisable to book well in advance (at least one month prior to departure); accommodation cannot be booked at the airport. There have been recent reports of foreign guests being robbed inside their hotels, as well as in private homes. In February 2004, two male foreign travelers were murdered in separate incidents. One British citizen was found murdered in his corporate apartment across from the Avenida hotel. The second was an Indian citizen found murdered in his room in the Presidente Meridien Hotel, apparently during a burglary. There were no arrests in either case.
Power and water are generally available in Luanda but there are frequent interruptions to supply. Many homes use generators as a back-up. Water supplied to homes and hotels is not potable. Drink only imported bottled water (checking the seal first) or use a water purification system; boiling water may not be sufficient to sterilize it.
Until recently all calls had to be made through the international operator, booking at least six hours in advance. Direct calls to Luanda (but not to the rest of the country) are becoming increasingly available. Connections are frequently lost on both conventional landlines and cellular telephone lines. Most corporate offices and tourist class hotels have telephones and many have faxes. Many large corporations and NGOs also rely on high-frequency radios for routine communication.
Country code: 244. Telegram services are fairly reliable, but are occasionally subject to delay. Telex facilities are available in main hotels. Airmail between Europe and Angola takes five to ten days. Surface mail between Europe and Angola takes at least two months. There is a fairly reliable internal service. Most correspondence is by telex. Electricity is 220 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are of the European-style round 2-pin type.
220 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are of the European-style round two-pin type.
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There are severe food and drink shortages at present. Tables should be booked well in advance in the few restaurants and hotels. Notice needs to be given for extra guests.National specialties:
• Palm oil beans.
• Calulu (dried fish or dried meat layered with fresh fish or fresh meat, onion, tomatoes, okra and sweet potato leaves).
• Chicken muamba (seasoned with palm oil hash).
• Mufete de Cacuso.
• Farofa (cooked with manioc flour). Tipping:
Where service charge is not added
to the bill, 10 per cent is acceptable, although tipping is not officially encouraged. Tipping can be in kind (eg cigarettes).Nightlife
There are some nightclubs and cinemas in Luanda. Cinema seats should be booked in advance. The Lenarius, a gallery, cafe and ball all-in-one, is situated behind the Ministry of Defence and is open from 1600 until late in the evening.
