Your Expat Community in Cairo

It depends on what you’re looking for. Cairo offers affordable living, a rich history, friendly locals, and endless cuisine. However, expats often mention challenges like heavy traffic, air pollution, and some frustrations with bureaucracy. If you prefer a quiet environment or find the chaos of a big city overwhelming, it may take some adjustment. If you can carve out a space for yourself, you’ll find the city to be rewarding.

Getting your visa or residence permit sorted is one of the first necessary steps. Here’s what you need to know to make the process smoother:

Tourist visas: Many nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival, typically valid for 30 days. This is perfect if you’re exploring options before committing to a long-term stay. Extensions are possible, but it’s better to plan ahead.

Work visas: Planning to work in Cairo? Your employer will usually sponsor your work visa, handling much of the paperwork. You’ll need to provide documents like your passport, education certificates, and a medical report.

Residence permits: Once your work visa is approved, you’ll need a residence permit to stay long-term. It’s tied to your job and is applied for at the Passports and Immigration Office in Cairo. Documents like your housing contract and employment contract will be required.

Egyptian bureaucracy can be tricky to navigate so double-check requirements with your local Egyptian consulate or embassy to ensure you’re ready to go.

Zamalek Located on Gezira Island in the Nile, Zamalek is known for its green streets, upscale cafes, and cultural venues. It offers a mix of apartments and villas, attracting many expats seeking a vibrant atmosphere.

Maadi Situated south of downtown, Maadi is renowned for its green spaces and recreational options. It hosts a large expat community and offers a suburban feel with various international schools and clubs.

New Cairo A new development east of the city center, New Cairo features modern housing options, including gated communities and compounds. It’s ideal for families and those seeking a more suburban lifestyle with amenities like shopping malls and international schools.

Heliopolis Its got historic charm and old architectural beauty. Heliopolis is close to the airport and has a variety of housing options, from apartments to villas.

Accommodation tips:

Renting: Rental prices vary by neighborhood and property type. In Zamalek and Maadi, expect higher rents due to their popularity among expats.

Furnished vs. unfurnished: Both options are available. Furnished apartments are convenient but may come at a premium.

Utilities: Clarify with your landlord what utilities are included in the rent to avoid surprises.

Lease agreements: Ensure you understand the terms, including the duration, deposit, and any maintenance responsibilities.

Your cost of living in Cairo will largely depend on your lifestyle. Compared to other global capitals, Cairo is generally affordable, making it attractive for many expats. Housing options range from budget-friendly apartments to high-end rentals in expat-friendly neighborhoods like Zamalek or Maadi. Dining out is also affordable, with options from inexpensive local dishes like “koshari” to upscale international restaurants. Groceries, especially locally sourced items, are reasonably priced, while imported goods may cost more.

Here's a breakdown of the monthly cost of living for a single person in Cairo:

Securing employment in Cairo as an expat is possible, though it comes with certain challenges. The Egyptian government has implemented policies favoring the employment of local citizens, which can affect the availability of positions for foreigners. However, opportunities exist, particularly in sectors where specialized skills are in demand.

Key sectors with opportunities:

• Education: International schools and language institutes often seek native English speakers for teaching roles.

• Tourism and hospitality: There is a consistent need for professionals in tourism management, hotel services, and related fields.

• Engineering and construction: Ongoing infrastructure projects create demand for experienced engineers and project managers.

• Information technology: The growing tech sector offers roles in software development, IT support, and digital marketing.

Job search tips:

• Networking: Connecting with local professionals and expat communities can lead to job leads and valuable insights.

• Online job portals: Websites like Bayt.com and Naukrigulf.com list job openings in Cairo.

• Language skills: While many businesses operate in English, learning Arabic can enhance your job prospects and integration in the workplace.

Work permits:

Employers typically sponsor work permits, handling much of the necessary paperwork. It’s essential to ensure that your employer is reputable and that all legal requirements are met to avoid potential issues.

**Greetings matter When meeting someone, a handshake is common, but wait for cues, especially when interacting with the opposite gender. A friendly “As-salamu alaykum” goes a long way in breaking the ice.

Dress modestly While Cairo is more relaxed than some other cities in the region, modest clothing is appreciated, especially in religious or traditional areas. Think long pants or skirts and covered shoulders for a respectful approach.

Family is central Family plays a significant role in Egyptian society, and many interactions, even professional ones, are influenced by family ties and values.

Fridays are sacred Friday is the holy day in Islam, and many businesses, especially smaller ones, may close around noon prayer or have shorter hours. Planning your week around this is helpful.

Hospitality
Egyptians are famously hospitable. If invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift—sweets or flowers are great options.

Tipping is expected “Tipping,” or “baksheesh,” is part of daily life. Be prepared to tip for services like taxis, waitstaff, and delivery couriers.

Respect religious practices During Ramadan, fasting hours are observed by many, and it’s polite to avoid eating or drinking in public during the day.

Negotiation is normal Haggling is part of shopping in Cairo’s markets. It’s expected, so embrace the process with a sense of humor!

Public healthcare: Egypt’s public healthcare system offers free or low-cost services to citizens and residents. However, public hospitals often face challenges such as underfunding, overcrowding, and limited resources, which can affect the quality of care. Many locals and expats prefer private healthcare options due to these limitations.

Private healthcare: Private hospitals and clinics in Cairo provide higher-quality services, with modern facilities and shorter waiting times. Many healthcare professionals in the private sector are trained internationally and speak English, making communication easier for expats. Notable private hospitals include:

• As-Salam International Hospital: Known for its comprehensive services and international standards.

• Dar Al Fouad Hospital: Offers specialized care, particularly in cardiology and oncology.

• Nile Badrawi Hospital: Provides a range of medical services with modern facilities.

Health insurance: While public healthcare is available, many expats opt for private health insurance to access better facilities and services. International health insurance plans are recommended, as they offer coverage in private hospitals and clinics, ensuring higher standards of care.

Pharmacies: Pharmacies are widespread in Cairo, and many medications are available over the counter. However, it’s advisable to bring a supply of any specific prescription medications you require, as brand availability may vary and medications are sometimes absent from the market for unspecified periods of time.

Emergency services: In case of emergencies, dialing 123 will connect you to ambulance services. Response times can vary, so it’s beneficial to know the location of the nearest hospital.

Tips:

• Language: While many doctors in private hospitals speak English, learning basic Arabic phrases can be helpful, especially in emergencies.

• Medical records: Keep copies of your medical records and any prescriptions, as this will assist healthcare providers in understanding your medical history.

• Preventive care: Stay updated on vaccinations and take necessary precautions, such as drinking bottled water, to prevent common illnesses.

In Cairo, many locals speak at least some English, especially in areas frequented by expats like Zamalek or Maadi, and within workplaces or international schools. For day-to-day tasks, such as shopping, dining out, or using ride-hailing apps, you can often get by with English.

That said, learning some basic Arabic phrases can make a big difference. Knowing how to greet someone, ask for prices, or even say thank you (“shokran”) shows respect and helps you connect with locals. It can also make navigating less touristy areas and dealing with services like taxis or markets much smoother.

For professional settings, especially in local companies or government-related roles, Arabic is often essential. If you’re planning to stay long-term, picking up conversational Arabic can make your experience in Cairo more enriching and enjoyable. Plus, locals always appreciate the effort!

There are plenty of international schools in Cairo, the downside is choosing which one! Here are some options:

• Cairo American College (CAC) in Maadi

Established in 1945, CAC offers an American curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12 as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It’s accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council of International Schools.

The British International School, Cairo (BISC) in 6th of October City

Founded in 1976, BISC provides a British curriculum leading to IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, balancing academics with extracurricular activities. 

New Cairo British International School (NCBIS) in New Cairo

Established in 1978, NCBIS offers the National Curriculum of England and the IB Diploma Programme. The school serves students from nursery through secondary levels. 

Maadi British International School (MBIS) in Maadi

MBIS provides a British-based education for children aged 2 to 11 years, focusing on a nurturing environment and personalized learning. 

Malvern College Egypt in New Cairo

Opened in 2016, Malvern College Egypt offers a British curriculum, including IGCSEs and A-Levels, and has recently introduced the IB Diploma Programme. 

Considerations when choosing a school:

• Curriculum: Decide between American, British, IB, or other curricula based on your child’s educational background and future plans.

• Location: Consider proximity to your residence to ease daily commutes.

• Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by recognized international bodies for quality assurance.

Ride-hailing apps Apps like Uber and Careem are the most convenient and reliable options for expats. They’re affordable, widely used, and a great way to avoid language barriers.

Cairo Metro The metro is an efficient and budget-friendly way to travel, especially for avoiding the city’s infamous traffic. It’s clean, safe, and ideal for commuting between major areas. There are also women-only carriages. Fares start as low as 3 EGP.

Taxis White taxis are common, but fares need to be negotiated upfront or monitored with a GPS. It’s best to have small bills handy, as drivers often lack change.

Microbuses Microbuses are an inexpensive way to get around, but they’re not beginner-friendly. These shared vans don’t follow fixed schedules and can be crowded, so they’re better for the adventurous.

Buses Cairo has a mix of public and private buses, but routes can be confusing for new expats. Stick to ride-hailing apps or the metro until you’re familiar with the city.

Walking While not always practical due to Cairo’s sprawling layout and traffic, walking is possible in neighborhoods like Zamalek or Maadi, which are more pedestrian-friendly.

Tips for getting around:

• Traffic: Avoid peak hours if possible.

• Safety: Be cautious crossing streets, as traffic rules are loosely followed.

• Navigation: Apps like Google Maps work well but may struggle in less-mapped areas.