Egypt: Living

Communities of Expatriates

The Number of Expatriates

No official figures.

Blogs For Expats

Forum for expatriates living in Egypt

For Further Information

Living in Egypt

Immigration Authority

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Transportation Companies For Moving/Removals

International Movers

Ranking of Cities

Cost of Living

Cairo is the 57th place in the world in terms of the cost of living, which means it is relatively cheap.

Quality of Life

In terms of the quality of life, Cairo remains behind the threshold of the world's 100 prime cities. There are few green areas and the air pollution is significant due to traffic density.  However, housing conditions can be quite good in the nice areas and there is no stress associated with living in a big town as can be found in western cities.

Sanitary Conditions

According to most of the organizations (WHO), Cairo's sanitary conditions are bad. According to several media organizations (NY Times, Business Week), Cairo's sanitary conditions remain one of its weak points, especially in the massive shanty towns surrounding the city.

For Further Information

World Health Organization

Renting an Apartment

Description of Apartments

Appartment are described according to the number of rooms, the surface area and the amenities. Furnishing is common.

Normal Lease Term

Short as well as long term.

Rental Costs

Generally, the landlord can ask for up to half of the month's rent for a reservation.  The deposit is a maximum of one month's rent.

The advice on whether to reserve or not depends on the area where one wants to be located, whether there is a high demand or not and on the type of accommodation required.  Usually, the landlord likes the tenant to pay for the deposit and the first month's rent in cash.  Landlords do not always offer a tenancy agreement.  Utilities (electricity, garbage collection, etc.) are paid separately.

Agencies or Private Rentals

Renting from individuals avoids having to pay commissions.  For foreigners, given that there are few adverts in Arabic or otherwise, it is often easier to go through an agency.

Rental Agency Websites

Homelidays

Private Rentals Announcements Online

El Waseet: online newspaper of small advertisements in English and Arabic

For Further Information

Awams: Egypt real estate
Living in Egypt: Community Service Association (the for International community in Egypt)

School System

School Level

Egypt has the largest education system in the Middle-East and North Africa.  The public education system is made up of three levels: basic education (4-14 years), 2 years of pre-school and 6 years of elementary school.  High school lasts for 3 years 15-17. Thereafter there is the higher level.  School is compulsory from 6-14 years.  It is free in public establishments.  The reduction of the gap between girls and boys, as well as universal teaching have been achieved. On the other hand, the quality of the education remains low.

International Schools

Teaching through the English medium is widespread (all schools in the urban areas), of good quality and varied. There are some international schools for expatriates: British Interantional School, Cairo, Lycée Français du Caire, Collège Saint-Marc à Alexandrie, Collège de la Sainte Famille au Caire, Cairo American College,  American International School

Health System

Quality of Healthcare

The standards of healthcare in the international hospitals and in certain private clinics is high.  The standard of health care is lower, indeed very low in the public hospitals, especially in the rural areas where the shortage of staff and resources is blazing.

International Hospitals

Given the precarious conditions of public hospitals, it is better to go to international hospitals or in certain private clinics. Having said that, the use of English is widespread (doctors almost always speak it), in all hospitals.  For example the As-salam international hospital in Cairo is recommended.

Health Insurance

Free access to basic medical services for everyone as well as medical and family planning consultations.  Widespread but inefficient infrastructures: lack of medical personnel and drugs, especially in the countryside.  Social security through employement (withheld for retirees, etc.) , however, this concerns mostly public officials, workers in the private sector having no access.  For more information, refer to the countrystudies report.

Accessibility of the Health Insurance Network to Foreigners

No access to the national social insurance system except if the foreigner works for the Egyptian State.

Health System Insurance Body

US Social Security Administration

Health Ministry

Egypt Health Ministry
Central Bureau of Medical Commissions

Tourism and Culture

Religion

Beliefs

93.8% of Egyptians are Muslims. The other religions represent 6.2% of the population. The Copts form the main religious minority and the main Christian community of the East.

Role of Religion in Society

Islam plays a major role in Egyptian social practises, up to the drafting of the legislation.

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