Living in Egypt

Egypt is an ancient land with a rich history, culture, and heritage. It has so much to offer expats in terms of things to see and do, places to visit, and an exciting lifestyle. However, living in Egypt also comes with some challenges. Here are some things to consider.

Why Move to Egypt?

There are many reasons to consider moving to Egypt. The country offers:

• A rich culture and history spanning thousands of years: From the pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, Egypt has some of the world’s greatest historical and archaeological sites.
• An ancient lifestyle: Egypt has a slower pace of life compared to the West. People are warm, friendly, and family oriented.
• Great weather: Egypt enjoys long, hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for those seeking good weather year-round.
• Lower cost of living: Egypt tends to be more affordable than other destinations in the region like the UAE or Saudi Arabia.
• Easy access to neighboring countries: Egypt’s location makes it an ideal base to explore other parts of Africa and the Middle East.
• Natural beauty: Egypt boasts gorgeous beaches along the Red Sea and Mediterranean coast as well as scenic desert landscapes.

Living in Egypt: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Historical and archaeological sites
2. Friendly and family oriented culture
3. Great weather year-round
4. More affordable cost of living
5. Access to regional travel

Cons:

1. Bureaucracy and government inefficiency
2. Traffic congestion in major cities
3. Political instability
4. Potential safety issues
5. Language barrier (depending on your Arabic skills)

The Cost of Living in Egypt: A Comprehensive Guide

While Egypt has a relatively low cost of living compared to other parts of the region, the cost of certain goods and services can seem expensive to expats. Here are some examples:

• Housing: Renting an apartment in Cairo or major cities starts at around $500-$1,000 per month depending on the area and amenities.
• Utilities: Electricity and water bills average $50-$100 per month. Internet access starts at around $20-$30 per month.
• Food: Groceries and eating out tend to be more affordable than in the West. A simple meal at a restaurant costs around $5-$10.
• Transportation: Taxis and Uber rides are relatively cheap, about $3-$5 within cities. Public transport also affordable.
• Personal services: Services like house cleaners, salon visits, and tutoring are quite affordable with rates 50-70% lower than Western countries.
• Consumer goods: Electronics, imported goods, and branded items tend to be more expensive due to import duties and taxes.

Quality of Life in Egypt

Overall, Egypt ranks in the middle in terms of quality of life rankings due to a mix of economic, political, and social factors. Some highlights:

• Health: Egypt performs reasonably well for a middle-income country but still lags behind developed nations on key health indicators.
• Education: Egypt has some excellent international schools as well as public universities. However, quality varies and issues like overcrowding are common.
• Safety: While major tourist destinations are generally safe, petty crime and scams targeting foreigners do occur. There are also security concerns related to political unrest and terrorism.
• Infrastructure: Roads, public transport, and utilities in major cities are congested and strained. Unscheduled power cuts are common outside of Cairo.
• Environment: Egypt faces challenges with air pollution, waste management, and lack of green spaces in urban areas.

A Beginner’s Guide to Egypt Culture

Egypt has a rich culture shaped by its history, religion, and geography. Some key aspects of Egyptian culture:

• Hospitality: Egyptians are known for their friendly, hospitable nature and openness to strangers. Offering guests tea and conversing are seen as a social obligation.
• Religion: Around 90% of Egyptians are Muslim and Islam plays a major role in cultural and social life. Friday is the official weekend day.
• Family ties: Family bonds are highly valued and extended family often live closely together.
• Conservatism: Egyptian society tends to be conservative, especially in rural areas and with older generations. Modest dress is recommended.
• Language: Arabic is the official language but many Egyptians also speak English, especially in the tourism sector. Learning some Arabic phrases will help you connect better with locals.

Best Places to Live in Egypt

The best places to live in Egypt depend on your lifestyle and priorities. Top choices include:

• Cairo: As the capital and largest city, Cairo has the most jobs, amenities and culture. However, it also suffers from pollution, noise and traffic.
• Alexandria: The coastal city offers a more laid-back lifestyle with beaches, parks and a diverse population. Housing options are more limited.
• New Cities: Satellite towns like 6th of October City and New Cairo feature modern developments, detached villas and green spaces but are lacking in culture.
• Red Sea Resorts: Options like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada offer year-round sun with access to beaches, diving and water sports but have more limited amenities.
• Nile Cities: Destinations like Luxor and Aswan have smaller town vibes with access to historical sites and the Nile River but jobs can be harder to find.

Hope this helps give you an overview of some things to consider with moving to and living in Egypt! Let me know if you have any other questions.