Local Fact - Theft from stationary or slow-moving cars is common in downtown Luanda .
Expat Precaution - Keep valuables out of sight and don ’ t use mobiles or laptops while in traffic . Be aware that a high proportion of the civilian population is armed .
Local Fact - The Angolan government is extremely sensitive about outsiders entering diamondproducing areas , and failure to produce the right documentation when travelling in these regions can result in detention ; not a pleasant experience for anyone !
Expat Solution – Driving to Angola ’ s northern and southern Lunda provinces should only be done if absolutely necessary . If it cannot be avoided , be sure to verify beforehand what will be required of you and have all your documents in order .
HEALTH ISSUES AND CONCERNS
War in any country brings disease in its wake ; some waterborne , some spread as a result of cramped living conditions with little or no sanitation .
A Polio outbreak in 1999 posed particular threat in Angola . To control the epidemic and protect further contamination , an extensive immunization program was undertaken by UNICEF , in partnership with the World Health Organization ( WHO ), Rotary International , the Government of Angola and other partners .
Local Fact – Yellow Fever is rampant and whenever there is an epidemic , extra special care must be taken .
Expat Precaution- It is strongly advised that expats review their contracts to ensure they have adequate provision for healthcare . Immunization is a pre-requisite to enter the country anyway but there are also basic precautions that can be taken to avoid other illnesses , especially waterborne disease ; like never drinking untreated water ( or cleaning teeth in it ) and being sure to peel all fruit and veg prior to consumption .
LANDMINE DANGERS
The civil war in Angola began in 1975 and continued , with some interludes , until 2002 . Landmines are still widespread , especially in more rural areas .
Local Fact - Landmine clearance projects are still underway and although areas with suspected landmines are usually clearly marked , this is not always the case and accidents are frequent .
Expat Precaution - Expats should stick to main roads and avoid driving off the beaten track as much as possible . Expats must be encouraged to educate their children about the danger and ensure they do not wander into possible areas of risk – children are unaware and being forewarned is being forearmed !
DEALING WITH CULTURE SHOCK
Expats arriving to Angola should come prepared to be challenged and with at least a basic understanding of the complex nature of this destination – Challenges range from the emotional and psychological difficulties of living a parallel local reality : witnessing the extreme poverty of many locals whilst living in a protected and ‘ luxurious ’ expat existence ; to professional , where integration within the workplace can prove difficult .
Disparity of life style between expats and locals is shocking , and even more shocking is the internal disparity between rich and poor citizens of the same country – one must be mentally prepared to cope with the emotional impact this reality can have . But this is a challenge common to all ‘ hardship assignments ’ wherever in the world they are located . Educating the assignee and family members before the move can do a lot to prepare them for the local and expatriate contrast
Pre arrival cross cultural input is essential and being armed with a good understanding of the complexities and challenges facing a country which , within a lifetime , has transitioned from colonization ( under Portugal ) to civil war and then oil wealth .
Many foreigners retreat into an ‘ expat bubble ’ until their contract is over and they can go home , OR they chose to do something active within the local community and throw themselves into trying to do something to ‘ give back ’ ; volunteering at a local orphanage , organizing food distributions or teaching children to read and write . There are many opportunities for those willing to get involved !