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Egypt: Safety for expats in Egypt:
Cairo is a very safe city. I lived in there for 2 yrs and never had any problems, real or imagined. My early teen son would wander all over Maadi with his pals and I never felt at ease...he did not have that same freedom when we moved back to the States! My wife and her shopping friends would wander about all over the Khan and no problems. The Egyptian people were usually very curteous, pleasant and helpful to us. However, tipping of boabs, caretakers or even of ordinary folks for some extra help or favor will be appreicated as wages are frightfully low.
Egypt: Moving to Maadi from US:
Hello;
I have been traveling back and forth to the Middle East since 1983 and prefer Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Cathay Pacific and Air France in that order.
Lufthansa and Air France have plenty of semi-direct flights from Chigago, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas, or SF with a stop off in Paris or Frankfurt. I prefer Denver and avoid JFK. I also avoid the UK stops. I like the semi-direct flights on one air line as you can check your heavy bags all the way thru at your point of origin. Hope this helps
Rob3
Egypt: USA Scout Troops:
My kids were Scouts in Cairo. Try the information clerk at the Cairo American College (CAC) or the British School in Maadi.
Robert
Israel: US Expat Life in Israel?:
Hello;
I have thought about working and living in Israel and would appreciate any comments, suggestions or general input on what it is like as a Christian to live there? Are there any special problems or social issues in Israel if you aren't European looking?
I have lived and worked in the Middle East on several occasions before without any problems at all. However, with all the news about Israel, I do have some concerns about general everyday safety and security there. Is it safe to drive about the country side and explore the sights? Are there areas where an American expat family just shouldn't go?
Some forum posters have made some comments about the rudeness in Israel and does this apply to everyone there or just the city folks? or just the...? And is this rudeness extended to expat children and teenagers who would be trying to make a go of it in a new school in a different locale?
Any Tips & Tricks about moving to and living in Israel would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance for your help.
Robt3
Egypt: Possible move to Cairo:
Good luck on your job prospects and possible move to Cairo. I lived in Cairo for two years and Egypt is a great place to work and live and the people are especially pleasant and courteous.
However, as with anyplace new or different, there are some caveats. Happily, with Egypt these are neither major nor insurmountable. Here are some general random rambling notes on Working & Living in Cairo:
I would first check on the credentials and authenticity of the school you are going to teach at. Make sure it is a real place, that takes good care of its employees, that you would like to work there and that they will pay you a decent/fair salary on time in US Dollars. If the pay is in local currency make sure you can convert it and send it to the States. Also with local currency, make sure you have an inflation/US Dollar value agreement in place so that if the Egyptian Pound takes a dive in the exchange rates, then you are adequately protected.
If you can, I recommend that you first visit Egypt on a fully refundable R/T ticket ahead of reporting to work at the school so you can see first hand your work environment and accommodations, all before you sign any contract. That way if it is not up to your expectations you are not obligated and can have a nice visit and return home. Maybe you can work this in as a proviso in your contract negotiations.
If you are teaching at the American University Cairo (AUC), Cairo American College (CAC), the British School, or the French School the above is not really necessary as they are reputable schools. Of course, there are numerous other reputable schools in Cairo but these 4 I know about. Some schools try to get the words English , American or International somewhere in their name which may or may not actually lend to any authenticity or legitimacy of being either one.
If the school is providing living accommodations, make sure it is in a safe area and either near the school, near reliable public transportation or they provide a car or van w/driver, etc.. The city buses are not really suitable for a female expat to travel on but the Metro subway/light rail system is quite safe, reasonably fast and mostly reliable.
If accommodations are provided make sure the utilities and telephone are provided for (including hook ups) and paid for. Its just less hassle all around if the school does this.
If the school doesnt provide accommodations, the living allowance provided should be at least $1,000 to $1,800 a month for rent and $200-$300 for utilities. Make sure your phone line is set up for computer internet access at the special dial up rate and not a limited use conversation rate which could other wise result in a phone bill over a 3 mos. Period of $800 to $1,200!! Also, the school should provide the services of a go getter, real estate agent, or some other assistance in helping you find a place to live. Again, its a whole lot less hassle all around if the school provides you a place to live and/or pays the rent and utilities.
I wouldnt recommend bringing a car to Egypt because of all the import hassles and most schools will not pay for you to do so anyway. The driving and traffic is quite hectic and not for the timid or fainthearted. Sort of like Rome or Mexico City on a bad day. If you insist, wait a while and buy a used car locally for about $1,000 to $2,000. And before the deal is final, make sure the title is clear and can be reregistered in your name without any hassle. The school should be able to recommend a car broker/go getter/ fixer who can take care of the paperwork (and stand in line for hours) for a nominal fee.
Taxis are plentiful at all times of the day and very very reasonable. Expat women should preferably ride at a minimum of two and always in the back seat. Learning simple directions in Arabic will help out tremendously.
We lived in Maddi, a nice tree lined expat and middle class Egyptian suburb south of Cairo that is very pleasant and quite suitable for families with children. Other areas of Cairo are perhaps more to the liking of singles and maybe closer to the downtown action and hotel night life.
For more general information about the old parts of Cairo check out these links:
Download the AUC Faculty Handbook at:
http://www.aucegypt.edu/facstaff/downloads.html
Walking Tours:
http://www.aucegypt.edu/walking_tours/
http://touregypt.net/cairo/cairoislamic.htm
Overall, working and living in Egypt was a pleasant experience that I would recommend to anyone with a sense of adventure. Good luck!
Robt3
Korea: Chinhae (Jinhae) Moving - Living Tips?:
Hello;
I have an opportunity to take a position in Chinhae, Korea. Would appreciate very much any tips or suggestions out there for an American family w/ teenagers. i.e. what to expect in general?; where to live? what to avoid? what to bring? what NOT to bring? should we bring a car or buy a used one locally? any input on the Busan International School? what are the local family events and activities we can seek out? what are the travel activities most popular with the expat families in southern Korea? etc...
Many thanks for your inputs.
Egypt: Renting in Cairo:
Hello Tom;
I lived in Cairo for 2 years and it's a great place! People are friendly and lots to see and do. A lot of Americans and other expats live in Maadi as we did. I liked it there and would suggest it. My son played Rugby and in talking to the parents at practices it seems that a fair amount of Brits lived all over Cairo but quite a few were near the Brit Club in Mohandassen (sp?). The Brit club magazine is a place to start. The Volume One Book store in Maadi has rental ads posted outside.
If your'e going to stay for any length of time be sure you have a resident visa or get regular extensions on your tourist visa. Also, be sure to have your return ticket when you apply for these.
If you befriend a local and develop a trust relationship, they can help you out with these matters. Otherwise, check with your emabssy or expat club members as they know all the tricks and tips.
One way to get a place to rent is to just walk down the street in an area you find appealing and talk to the Bohabs (doormen/caretaker) at the various apt buildings. They will tell you if an apt is available (or know of another place that is), and if you look presentable and non-hippyfied, will show you the apt. If interested, you can ask the Bohab for the landlord's address or phone number. Chances are the landlord lives nearby (if not in the building) and the Bohab will introduce you. Be sure to give a small tip say 5 - 10 pounds for the apt showing and info and if you take the apt tip the Bohab again. Everything is neogtiable in Cairo so bargain hard for the rent and anything the apt lacks all up front right away. If not negotiated or agreed upon it will almost never be provided later without additional cost.
The expat Community Center in Maadi is another place to check for apt rentals. Also check the bulletin board at the expat schools such as CAC, British School, Cairo American University, etc.
The better the neighborhood and the fancier the apt the highter the rent. An average small apt in an average area with avg. furniture and appliances can be had for as low as $250 USD a month but figure say $500. You can get a nice small apt in a nice area for $750. Figure up to $1,500/month for a newer large 4 bedroom in an upscale area. Be sure to negotiate for the landlord paying for all utilities and repairs, fixing appliance breakdowns, providing a place to park and making sure the apt is ready for phone and computer line hook up at his expense.
There's lots more to consider but that's all I can think of right off hand and this should get you going. Hope this helps,
Robert
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