Working in Angola (Lobito)

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As the thread title really. Has anyone had experience of working there?
Looks like I could be in the country for 4+ weeks at a time and don't really know what to expect of the place other than heat and massive wealth disparity!

Been told not to carry any sizeable amounts of cash when entering the country or just in general as it's not uncommon for fees and taxes to suddenly appear any time you deal with an official.

 

[Dis86]

Just looking for general advice really.

How not to annoy the locals, any major faux pas to avoid etc.

What is there to do? I don't really drink and don't just want to sit in bars all night every night or linger in my accommodation. Is it safe to head out and about solo?

 

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Accommodation will be paid for me so that shouldn't be a problem. Company owns properties there so may end up in one of those as I believe they're also security patrolled.
Failing that it's pick a hotel of my choice.

Dirty old oil and gas for me!

 

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I dunno but I'm sure according to the sun newspaper (!) it has on average the largest penis size in the world. Just saying. This May or may not have any relevance to this thread.

Dont worry, I'll ruin that statistic!

If I'm in company owned accommodation then yeah, I believe it's a gated community. Sounds like it's going to drive me insane.

Company has its policies on what to do and yeah, don't go anywhere alone after dark is pretty much the main one. Feels odd to go to such amazing places but not be able to truly experience them.

 

[Dis86]

welcome to the oil industry in most of Africa.

You will soon get over the need to explore, human poverty and 3rd world charm

I've been to Africa before, granted north and never encountered something like that. Had free reign to head wherever I wanted.