Living in Egypt

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 10, 2022

Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees talk about what it is really like living in Egypt. They offer advice about meeting people, cost of living, finding a home and more.

What do I need to know about living in Egypt?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Egypt, they said:

"Be very prepared not let the backward ways and slowness and unorganized ways get to you. Relax and take it for what this country is great for which is cultural, beauty, great food and fun in the sun," said another expat in Alexandria.

How do I meet people in Egypt?

When we asked people living in Egypt about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"The British Club and read the free newspapers for groups that meet once a week or so," remarked another expat in Alexandria.

"There is Alexandria American ladies group. It is unofficial social gathering for the American women’s who live in Alex. They meet once a month for coffee and planning events. The group is involved with the American center as well. There is another group called Alexandria women association. They meet every Monday for coffee and they do mostly charity work around Alexandria and it is open for all expects not just Americans," explained one expat living in Alexandria.

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Will I be able to find a job in Egypt?

When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Egypt, they reponded:

"Jobs are not easy to find but companies like to hire people from other countries. The travel/tourist business is good. If you can teach English or even tutor kids is a great job to get," explained one expat.

"There are international schools in here American, French, and German and if you have the right qualification they really pay well. There are several American companies in here and they work with government contracts. I don’t recommend coming over without having a job first," said another person in Alexandria.

What is life like in Egypt?

When we asked people living in Egypt what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"In Egypt, Family is number one but going for coffee is right up there as well. Going to the mall (Carfor) seems to be a big deal here," said another expat in Alexandria.

"New Cairo City is still in its developmental stage. Since I've been here (the first one on my block; not even a paved street) slowly stores are being added and public transportation. I would like to know if there are other Americans in this area, and what they are doing. I'm interested in fitness and seeing things the ordinary tourists do not see. Also bargain hunting for household items," remarked another in New Cairo City.

What do expats in Egypt appreciate most about the local culture?

"The people are very friendly and try and help wherever they can. The sense of safety is also a surprise. The delight in finding things that I am looking for is wonderful," explained one expat.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Very dirty, smelly, busy, noisy place. Nothing is the way you would expect it to be, and it's difficult to get many things done," explained one expat living in Alexandria.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Egypt accepting of differences?

"Very friendly people and excepting of most but don't ever forget that being Muslim is very important to people here. They like people from all over to visit because this means having a good tourist business," said another expat in Alexandria.

"Egypt is a Muslim country and there is a large percentage of christens as well. They live in harmony for the most part. Most people like expects and as long as you don’t offend any one you will be fine," added another person living in Alexandria.

What are the schools in Egypt like?

"I would put a thumbs-up and tell you to go ahead. Misr American College is the ideal school for your children. Its small community, foreign teachers, polite students, elite class, good reputation, effective methodologies, warm welcome, and strict yet relaxed atmosphere make it the ideal elementary, middle, and high school for expatriates and Egyptians," said another parent with children at Misr American College (MAC) in Maadi .

"CAC is a decent school but very schizophrenic. Be ready to live in a state of constant change if you stay more than 2 years or so. They are always rearranging/changing the curriculum, schedules, class and testing policies. Nothing remains the same for more than a year or so and at times I feel like my child has been a guinea pig when policy changes are made at the expense of consistent learning. It stresses out the kids, especially high school age, because they are always trying to figure out what the expectations are. The administration/teacher turnover has been rapid in the past 5 years which adds to the unsettled feeling at the school. Add in the revolution of the country last year and it makes for a very stressful environment that the administration fails to recognize," commented one expat when asked about Cairo American College in Maadi.

"High school classes and teachers have been great! Middle and elementary teaching and professionalism is more questionable. I've heard these teachers talk about student's and parent's in the community - very worrisome. Find out who are the more experienced and professional teachers from someone who can give you first-hand information," explained one expat in Maadi, Egypt with kids at Cairo American College.

"High school classes and teachers have been great! Middle and elementary teaching and professionalism is more questionable. I've heard these teachers talk about student's and parent's in the community - very worrisome. Find out who are the more experienced and professional teachers from someone who can give you first-hand information," wrote an expat living in Maadi with children attending Cairo American College.

"It's a good school. The principal knows each child by name and somehow knows each family and its situation. She is very caring and demands that her staff educate the whole child. She defends the children as if they were her own and makes sure they get what they need in the way of growth and development. I really like her alot," said one commented one expat when asked about International American School in Alexandria.

"My advise is to go and see it for yourself, and you will be able to judge from the satff, academic directors and school facilities. You will like it..," mentioned one expat living in Giza, Egypt.

Expat Health Insurance

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Expat Health Insurance

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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