Alexandria, Egypt

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Sep 24, 2021

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

What do I need to know about living in Alexandria?

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When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Alexandria, 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," explained one expat living in Alexandria.

How do I meet people in Alexandria?

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When we asked people living in Alexandria 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," said 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," added another person living in Alexandria.

Will I be able to find a job in Alexandria?

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When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Alexandria, 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," added another person living in Alexandria.

"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," explained one expat living in Alexandria.

What is life like in Alexandria?

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When we asked people living in Alexandria 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.

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

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"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?

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"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," remarked another in Alexandria.

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

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"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," remarked another in Alexandria.

What are the schools in Alexandria like?

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"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," commented one expat when asked about International American School in Alexandria.