Luanda Shopping

There are lots of ad hoc grocery shopping opportunities in and around Luanda. This one is just north of Luanda in Cacuaco - maybe about 25 km up the coast on the main road that goes by the refinery. A lot of the produce that comes from these roadside markets is grown locally, and purchasers are cautioned that these goods must be cleaned very carefully before consuming. A lot of these goods are imported.

I found the markets to be very busy and interesting places, with stiff competition between the young boys to be the one you choose to accompany you to carry your purchases and to provide you with the plastic bags to carry your goods. Enterprising lads!

What to buy: Take a good look around and buy what looks good. It is worthwhile to sit in one of the cabanas that usually abut these markets and drink a gasosa (soft drink) or a beer, in order to get an idea of the flow of the place.
Best to go with a guide, though.

Intermarket is the best located grocery store in Luanda, being right by the port and protected by a guard in the parking lot. They sell most foods and some drug items, and housewares, and have a small household furniture section as well.

What to buy: Food items are basic, but they have the staples, plus milk and some cheeses. They typically do not have bread. The deli is questionable, healthwise. Cleaning supplies are good, vegetables are iffy.

What to pay: Prices are ok, and they have a bank in the store to change USD and Euros into the local currency, kwanzas. Exchange rate is usually competative with street. They will take dollars if the bank is not open.

One of the Biggest supermarkets in Luanda. There is another one not far from Jumbo called Shoprite which has just opened this year.

What to pay: normal prices for Luanda