How to Find Cheap Hotels in Luanda Angola

You'd almost never know that Luanda, Angola, was surrounded by warfare. During Angola's civil wars, Luanda was largely unaffected by Angola's civil war. Situated on the coast, alongside a harbor and open sea, the city continues to boast the colonial buildings, pineapples and mangoes that remind visitors of other tropical settings. But like other developing cities, Luanda struggles with a disparaging gap between rich and poor.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Computer with Internet access
• Passport or visa

Know Your Destination

1. Obtain a visa before entering Angola.

2. Take a crash course in Portuguese. English probably won't get you anywhere.

3. Exchange your dollars for kwanza on the street rather than the banks, as you'll get a better rate, as long as you know numbers in Portuguese, the exchange rate, and do it discreetly.

4. Expect to put up with lots of garbage, lots of people, lots of run-down buildings and beggars.

Organize Transportation in Luanda, Angola

5. Arrive by plane at Luanda's airport, 4km south of the city.

6. Get a private taxi into the city center.

7. Get around Luanda on the cheap by bus and taxi (a blue-and-white Toyota Hiace). The bus stops are easy to catch with their long lines. If you want a private taxi, look for the 4WDs.

Find Accommodations in Luanda, Angola

8. Prepare to spend big bucks on hotel rooms unless you don't mind staying in a dirty, crumbling one.

9. Skip air conditioning and a bathroom to save money.

10. Find cheap accommodations near Ilha de Luanda to take advantage of its beaches, bars and restaurants.

Be Familiar With Local Information

11. Shop for Angolan art, jewelery and artifacts at cheap prices at Benefica Market. It's best as well as the safest.

12. Mingle with artists at Elinga Teatro, an art gallery/fringe theater, where you can check out their work during the day or get a drink on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

13. Enjoy free live traditional music at Clube Hipico.

14. To book accommodations in Luanda, Angola, call Trip Advisor at 781-444-1113 or visit the link below.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a mosquito net handy for bedtime.
• Check the US State Department's travel warnings regarding Angola. Luanda is fairly safe for travel, but check the situation before making any plans.
• Keep your money hidden in a money belt.
• Leave jewelry and other valuables in your accommodation.
• Keep your bags safe at the beach.
• Cheap accommodations are hard to find in Angola.
• Don't walk alone at night.
• Avoid traveling outside of Luanda unless you're with locals.