luanda

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Learn more about Chevron in Angola

introduction

The following pictures and information are provided to help employees who are considering an assignment in Luanda, Angola, to see what it is like to live and work there.
Luanda is the capital and largest city of Angola. Located on Angola's coast on the Atlantic Ocean, Luanda is both Angola's chief seaport and administrative center. As of 2008, Luanda has a population of more than 5 million people. 

The official language of Luanda is Portuguese. Kwanza is the national currency; however, most stores and restaurants accept U.S. dollars.
Luanda features a hot, semiarid climate. The city receives an average of 323 millimeters (12.7 inches) of rain a year, mostly in March and April, and no rain from June through October. 

The temperatures are fairly stable year round, with the coldest months being July and August (19° C to 24° C or 66° F to 75° F ) and the warmest months being January through April (25° C to 31° C or 77° F to 88° F). Frequent fog prevents temperatures from falling at night, even during the completely dry months from June through October.
Expatriates flying to Luanda will arrive via 4 de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD).

work environment

Chevron owns and operates two office facilities in Luanda: Lenine and Chicala. Chevron also maintains a staff house (which provides lodging for rotators and visitors and food facilities for all employees), a clinic and several recreation facilities.
Lenine Office is located in the central city area. Chicala Office is located in a new master-planned area of the city, overlooking the ocean and close to the Ilha and Marginal area. Shuttle service is provided between the buildings. 

Lenine Office, which is occupied by the Finance organization, can accommodate nearly 200 workstations; Chicala can accommodate 700 workstations. 

Both offices will have approximately 75 percent of the space dedicated to open or shared space or cubicles and 25 percent to single offices. Both of the office buildings have coffee areas with refrigerators and microwaves so employees can bring their own meals. A mail center is located in the Lenine building, which employees can use to send postal, courier and pouch mail. 

The dress code for the office is business casual attire. Formal meetings with the national oil company or other government officials may require a jacket and tie or equivalent business attire.
The staff house provides housing to rotators and visiting business workers. It includes a dining facility for all employees and can be used by family members. The meal price (all you can eat buffet) is a fixed amount per person and is very reasonable. 

The staff house serves three meals a day. Payment for food purchases can be made with cash (kwanza or U.S. dollars) or by setting up a debit card. Meals can be billed to your charge code if you are on a business trip, otherwise payment is expected at the door by cash or debit card. A sponsor charge code must be provided.

housing

For most incoming families, Chevron provides housing in the Monte Belo complex in Luanda Sul, which is close to shopping and the international school. Single employees are currently housed in apartments in Luanda city. A limited number of family homes are retained in Luanda city for management housing.
Monte Belo is an 80-home compound. All houses have four bedrooms and five-and-one-half bathrooms. The bedrooms are on the second floor, along with an outdoor terrace and family area. The downstairs is an open floor plan with a large living and dining area. The kitchen has granite counter tops with a European-sized stove and dishwasher. A covered back porch overlooks the small backyard.

Monte Belo is a gated community with guards on duty 24/7. A state-of-the-art security system is also provided to ensure the safety and security of the residents.

A recreation area is currently under construction within the complex. A company recreation facility, Mulemba, is open nearby. Pets are welcome in the community.

The early morning commute to the city takes approximately 30 minutes, while the home commute is one to two hours, depending on the traffic.
ALNG housing is provided in Luanda Sul at Villa Leticia and other complexes. Houses generally have a minimum of three bedrooms and are within complexes. Security is provided by ALNG and in line with Chevron standards. Furniture is also provided by ALNG.
Single expatriates reside within the central part of the city in several different apartment complexes. A standard apartment unit will include at least two bedrooms and at least one bath. Each apartment complex has security guards on duty 24/7. Pets may or may not be allowed in these units, so it's best to check in advance to see if the accommodations will allow pets.
All accommodations come furnished with major pieces of furniture. Small pieces of indoor furniture and outdoor furniture can be shipped to supplement what is provided.

Electricity: Voltage in Luanda homes is 220 volts. If you have electronics or appliances with a different voltage make sure you bring a converter, adaptor or small transformers.

Telephone and Cable: Chevron supplies cable/satellite and CTN phone service to expatriate homes. 

Mobile Phones: In general, employees are not provided a mobile phone unless it's required for company business. 

Internet: Employees can set up Internet service in their homes by contacting local providers UNITEL or MOVICEL. Employees must pay for Internet services but receive a fixed amount each year to cover some of the costs. 

support services

Chevron's Medical department has clinics for primary health care. Biannual physicals are required and can be completed in Angola or in the expatriate's home country when visiting or taking vacation.


in-country medical services

The Cabinda Gulf Oil Company (CABGOC) Luanda Clinic is a Chevron-run facility located in Avenida Comandante Kwenha. It is open 24 hours a day and is only for the use of Chevron employees, spouses and dependent children. Services include:

  • Primary health care. 
  • Family medicine. 
  • Occupational Health. 
  • Limited secondary care services (gynecology, orthopedics, ultrasound and pediatrics).
  • Emergency assessments - If secondary care is required, Chevron has contracts with a number of quality clinics in Luanda to where the employee and family may be referred.

out-of-country medical services

If care is required outside of the country, employees are required to contact Bupa and arrange payment from Bupa health care insurance.


other health services

Expatriate employees must pay for dental services out of pocket and can seek reimbursement from Bupa.

Expatriates are encouraged to bring sufficient supplies of prescription medication with them, as the medication may not be available in Luanda.

Cleaning, gardening and child care services are available for hire. The most common and perhaps safest way of finding household help is through word of mouth. It's a good idea to ask other resident expats about daily maid service and what days might be available. Always request and verify references before hiring domestic help. Upon request, background checks for household help can be provided by Chevron security advisors. 

Personal household staff salaries are discretionary and dependent on the duties assigned, the size of the family, and whether it's full- or part-time employment. Salaries are expected to be paid in U.S. dollars.
Expatriates and dependents are required to use the company-provided car and driver at all times. This requirement is in place for security reasons. The costs for the drivers' services is deducted from the expatriates pay. Expatriates pay for driver services through monthly paycheck withdrawals. Car maintenance and fuel are provided by the company. One car will be assigned per family.
Expatriates are encouraged not to have local bank accounts. Instead, they can use the cashier's office, located on the ground floor of Chevron's Lenine building, to cash personal checks and receive cash (in U.S. dollars).
Most employees use the Chevron office's mailing room services for their postal needs, both domestic and international.
Guards are posted within complexes or at individual houses in Luanda. They are there 24 hours a day, every day to ensure safety of residents.

education

High school education for expatriate children is available in Luanda at the International School, the French School and the Portuguese School. For an outside-the-country option, the company will cover boarding school costs up to a maximum amount updated annually for expatriate children in grades nine through 12. Expatriates must determine where to send their children. The following Luanda schools are the three most popular among expatriates:

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view slideshows about luanda so you can know what to expect in the following categories:
Introduction
Work Environment
Housing 
Education
Support Services
Transportation
Recreation and Entertainment
Shopping
Additional Information

shopping

A variety of local and imported food, clothing, furniture and household items is available in Luanda. However, goods and services are quite expensive.
Fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, Chinese and Indian products and spices, bakery goods and European and American products can be purchased at major grocery stores throughout Luanda and Luanda Sul. In addition to food items, clothing, appliances, dishes and toys can also be found.

Payment can be made in U.S. dollars in most stores, and money exchanges are available at the cashier.

Major grocery stores include Jumbo, Shoprite and Casa dos Frescos.

Two malls are available in Luanda: 

  • Belas Shopping is in Luanda Sul, and has stores that sell a variety of items, including clothing, groceries and furniture. The shopping center also has restaurants, coffee shops, fast food outlets and a cinema that shows movies in Portuguese and English. 
  • Chamavo is a small mall with clothing, shoes and toy shops.
Luanda area restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines, such as Italian, Portuguese, Indian and Asian foods. A small, but expanding list of restaurants will deliver to homes.
Dry cleaners are available around the city. Most require prepayment and are closed on Sundays.
Available both in Luanda and Luanda Sul, beauty salons offer manicures, pedicures, facials, haircuts and hair coloring.
Stores around Luanda and Luanda Sul sell gifts and decorative items such as fabrics, candles, kitchen appliances and imported items. Note: All Angolan wooden crafts must be certified with an exit stamp, which is good for the year issued.

transportation

All expatriate families are assigned a company vehicle and a driver. Expatriates may also use company-provided shuttles, but may not use public transportation.

Chevron-provided shuttle services ferry employees from Luanda Sul into and out of the city at scheduled times. Most employees take the shuttle in the morning, and those who need flexible times use their drivers or carpool with others, if desired, on the way home while others ride the shuttle both ways.

recreational and entertainment

There is much to see and do while on expatriate assignment in Luanda. Chevron organizes some recreational activities, and there is a very wide range of club activities organized by various groups. In addition, there is also a lot to explore outside the expatriate community. Due to safety and security concerns, Chevron sets restrictions on where expats and their families can travel in Angola. Listed below are some of the areas that have been approved.

Chevron has three recreational facilities open to expatriates and their families: Mussulo Island (two beach properties), Luanda Sul Recreation Center and Cruzeiro House (Luanda city).


mussulo island

  • Chevron offers employees and families and their guests the use of the two company beach locations on Mussulo Island. Amenities include:
  • Lounge chairs
  • Picnic tables
  • Barbaque with charcoal
  • Transportation to and from the beach facility on company operated boats
  • Limited number of recreational equipment such as sailboats, kayaks and volleyball nets
  • The boat, Miss Texas, may be checked out for whale-watching excursions or fishing trips

cruzeiro house

Available to Chevron expatriate families only, Cruzeiro House amenities include:

  • Swimming pool
  • Children's swimming pool
  • Workout room
  • Patio with barbaque
  • Billiards and games
  • Large-screen television

luanda sul recreation center

Available to Chevron families, Luanda Sul Recreation Center amenities include:

  • Tennis courts
  • Basketball courts
  • Football field
  • Walking/jogging track
  • Large swimming pool
  • Changing rooms and showers
  • Jembas is a resort beach area on Mussulo Island and is open to the public. Canoes and paddle boats as well as beach chairs are available to rent. Bungalows and conference facilities are also available for overnight rentals.
  • Ilha de Luanda is an island in Luanda and is very popular during the summer months. It offers very nice beaches and several restaurants. Some restaurants - Caribe, Café del Mar, Coconuts, Bordão and Tamariz - have beach chairs for rent.
  • Alvalade swimming pool: This is an Olympic-sized swimming pool that is open to the public. Patrons can take water aerobics classes and dine at the small restaurant on-site.
    Clube de Ténis de Luanda: An hourly court fee is assessed for play.
  • Fishing and whale watching: Fishing and whale watching are available via the Miss Texas in addition to world-class blue marlin and sail fishing and fishing for wahoo, tuna and dorado. Humpback whales can be sited during the winter months April through October.
  • Golf Mangais: The 18-hole golf course opened in 2011.
  • Clube de Golfe de Luanda: This golf club's nine-hole course is located about 45 minutes south of the city. Fairways and greens are sand and dirt. Golfers are advised to bring their own water, snacks and Astroturf pad.
  • Hotel Trópico: Hotel Trópico offers a full fitness gym, a workout room, aerobics, a swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, and a sauna and spa. 
  • Luanda Hash: This running club is a multicultural group that meets every other Saturday to run or walk through various parts of Luanda. It's a great way to meet other people in the international community, as well as to get exercise.

additional information

The official language in Luanda is Portuguese; English is not usually spoken. To help employees and spouses learn Portuguese, Chevron provides for language lessons.
Chevron reimburses employees for the shipping charge (airfare) of one household pet (for example, a dog, cat or parrot) and up to seven days' kenneling charge, plus legally required quarantine expenses. Livestock and horses cannot be shipped. Employees are responsible for any additional charges, such as airport delivery charges, medical certificates and vaccinations. Employees can use their miscellaneous expense allowance to pay for these additional charges. Current rabies and health certificates are required to import pets. Exporting requires a certificate from the government which can be obtained.

Several organizations have been developed to foster a better understanding of the needs in Angola and afford an opportunity to contribute to the local community.

  • Amizade is a fund-raising organization open to women of all countries and backgrounds. Recipients of these funds include the pediatrics section of the Josina Machel Hospital, the TB/Aids Sanatorium, numerous schools, orphanages and a leper colony.
  • The International Community of Angola (TICA) is a social group for women from around the world to develop friendships and exchange information. Through various activities, TICA offers an opportunity to learn about the cultural aspects of Angola, as well as promote interest in social issues. Guest speakers are often invited to meetings to address current topics or social issues that relate to Angola.
  • American Women of Angola Association (AWAA) aims to provide friendship and support among the American women living in Angola. In addition to monthly meetings, AWAA hosts special events, such as parties, speakers, field trips, happy hours and special interest groups.
  • The International Cooking Club (ICC) is a social organization that promotes sharing of the rich culinary diversity among all who participate. Monthly meetings provide an opportunity to exchange ideas on cooking techniques, food preparation and new recipes, as well as to sample the wonderful foods of the world. Everyone is welcome to join.
  • Luanda British Women (LBW) is for women who hold a British passport or who are married to British passport holders. Women from any Commonwealth country may join. It's a social group that holds monthly meetings, usually with a speaker, and has various social functions.
  • Viking Club provides a comfortable and quiet setting for expatriates to connect with others in the international community. A bar is available with snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Guest speakers are invited occasionally.

There are many opportunities for volunteering in the community, a few are listed below:

  • Beiral is a retirement home for the elderly in Luanda and for the refugees from other provinces. Volunteers play Bingo with the residents every other Wednesday. Knowledge of Portuguese is not necessary.
  • Chevron Volunteer Opportunities Program (CVOP) is an employee-sponsored community development program. The CVOP committee selects, organizes, and manages community service projects. Through this program, employees and their families have the opportunity for social and cultural interchange with the local community.
  • Mama Muxima is a school/orphanage run by an order of Catholic nuns. Volunteers meet at the orphanage daily to work with the children. Knowledge of Portuguese is not necessary.

Luanda recognizes many religious faiths. The following is a list of some local churches.

  • Igreja de Carmo is an English-speaking Catholic church.
  • The Luanda International Christian Church is an English-speaking, interdenominational church.
  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints offers services in Portuguese and English.
  • United Methodist Church offers services in Portuguese and English.

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