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Living In Cairo As An Expat In 2021

Living In Cairo As An Expat In 2021 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

There’s a lot about living in Cairo that’s hard to figure out from the outside today. Before deciding to go to Cairo, it’s always good to learn about living in Egypt as an expat. In our previous post, you can check the details about living in Egypt. Well said, there were a lot of things expatriates didn’t know about Cairo.

Now, what’s living in Cairo really like? Of course, we’ve written tons of travel stories about Egypt, from guides to interesting facts and downtown Cairo; the benefits of living in this capital city cannot be overemphasized. But in all my years as an expat in this country, I’ve never talked about the suburb where I live?

Guess what! There are many things to know. And that’s because some places are boring while others give extra-ordinary stories to love the place. Perhaps, it could be one of the best places suitable for expat today. Don’t get me wrong – there are some fascinating and exotic neighborhoods in this city.

From the leafy Zamalek full of old villas with Nile views to the historic downtown full of crumbling European-style gems, you’ll always enjoy your life as an expat in Cairo. Have you been surfing the internet to get the right information about living in Cairo as an expat? Look no further and read more.

In this article, we will walk you through the pros and cons of living in Cairo as an expat. Not only is that, but we will walk you through the interesting facts about living in this country as an expat. Would you love to see what we’ve unleashed for you? If that sounds like a yes, continue reading to know better.

10 Interesting facts about Living in Cairo

In recent years, we can tell you that no other city in Africa compares itself to this resplendent magnet city that stands in its ubiquitous grandeur, along with the languid tides of the Nile. These interesting facts about Cairo would help enrich your travel experience. Without further ado, below are these interesting facts.

1.    Home to the largest cities in Africa

Have you ever tried searching for the best or largest cities in Africa? I’m sure you want to skip this and check now, right? Well, save your data and don’t stress yourself. Cairo is located on the banks of the River Nile, and it is known for preserving the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Additionally, it is home to the Tahir Square and the vast Egyptian Museum, which inhabits many Tutankhamen’s tomb treasures discovered by Howard Carter and his men. However, the site of the iconic pyramids in Giza is nearby. In fact, there are many interesting photographs and beautiful panting of Cairo alongside other remarkable facts in the country.

2.    The Pyramids and Sphinx are Located in Cairo

This is one of the center attractions of expat destinations in Egypt. The location of Egypt’s great pyramids was one of the most astounding discoveries since its inception. You’ll undoubtedly enjoy visiting this place as the pyramids are indeed still set in a vast open desert. But also, situated right on the edge of the UNESCO GIZA Necropolis zone, there are large luxury hotels and city sprawl.

3.    Friendly Locals Around

While there are local languages in Egypt, you can still get around and see people speak the English language. That being said, Egyptians are known for being welcoming to strangers and will always be up for having a chat or helping someone out. And of course, it follows that expats who are similarly open and kind will likely make fast friends with the locals.

4.    Range of International Schools

If you’ve wanted to travel to Egypt and enroll your children in some of the best international schools, worry less. As of the time of writing this article, we can tell you that there are more than 20 international schools in Cairo.

In fact, they offer parents some choice when it comes to selecting their preferred curriculum. Moreover, Cairo and Giza happen to be the parents’ choices when it comes to selecting their preferred curriculum. Also, finding a location that’s comfortable for your child to learn is essential, and this is why Cairo is special.

5.    Its Arabic name is Al-Qahirah

Have you ever heard of this fact before? Well, it may sound strange to your hearings, but the Arabic name of Cairo is al-Qahirah, which means ‘the conqueror,’ ‘the vanquisher, ‘or ‘the victorious.’ On the other hand, most Egyptians called Cairo ‘Masr,’ which is the Arabic of Egypt. Meanwhile, Cairo is also called the city of 1000 Minarets and Umm al-Dounia, the world’s mother.

Pros and Cons of Living in Cairo

While there are many reasons to fall in love with this city because of what it offers, always know that no city is perfect. This way, expect some of the bad sides when moving to the country as an expat. With over 200 countries across the globe, one may be wondering why on earth anyone would choose to go to Egypt to live or spend a holiday, right? Well, take a look at the pros and cons of living in Cairo as of today.

Pros

Cost of Living

Cost of living would always be the first thing to mention while discussing one of the largest cities in Africa. For the fact that Cairo is the largest and the capital city of Egypt, its cost of living is still affordable. Are you still wondering how that came to be? Check what we have for you!

Foreign currencies are hugely favored in Egypt because of the favorable foreign exchanges. Aside from that being mentioned, housing, transportation, personal care, clothing, and many others are all within reach and affordable in the country.

Employment Opportunities

It doesn’t matter whether or not you speak the official language of Egypt before you secure a job in Cairo. Moreover, many people who are of foreign nationalities have gotten employment opportunities in diverse sectors of the country’s economy.

Provided you’ve got the right certifications and qualifications for the job you. And this is because; when it comes to Egypt, there are always opportunities, especially in the tourism industry.

Culture and History in Cairo

Culture and history contributed to what makes this nation unique and awesome. About 2/3 of the world’s historical artifacts and monuments are found in this country. Not only is that, but there’s always a museum, a sight, a language, and a historical place to visit in your leisure time when you live in Egypt.

Part of the culture and tradition of this great country is the Arabic language which has always been in vogue for years. Renowned as the cradle of civilization, Egypt and Cairo are your proper place to live and learn Arabic. And some of the biggest iconic landmarks across the globe are located in Cairo.

Livability in Cairo

In terms of overall livability in Cairo, this wonderland scores above average. In fact, the rating is the sum of the city’s data points and factors, and then a weighting of these variables is used to determine a good standard quality of life compared to other cities

 Meanwhile, the livability score considers education, cost of living, crime, and resident’s overall happiness calculated as a predictive index through advanced statistical measures. This way, it is said that the citizens (both the locals and foreigners) enjoy a happy lifestyle in the country.

Low Crime Rate

A low crime rate is another thing to consider when living in a new country or location. In Cairo, crime rates are lower than in other Sparse Suburban areas, nationally and state-wide as of today. Every day, almost half of the population thinks about crime and safety, even today. But if you call Cairo home or are considering relocating here, odds are you shouldn’t worry as much, and it is a significant pro and consideration for living here.

Cons

High Prices

It’s no doubt that the price of any unit in a compound is much higher than any other unit outside. More so, you may be troubled if the compound is surrounded by some buildings that block your landscape and prevent you from enjoying it. Even it could be worse if these buildings don’t live up to the compound’s standards; in such a case, the value of the whole area is reduced.

Overcrowded Mall

You’ll certainly meet all your favorite brands in this city. However, there is a negative side to the mall in this wonderful city. As these famous malls make your compound a destination for several outings, it has a huge number of people, which makes it overcrowded most of the time. Not only is that, but the green spaces may be damaged. In this case, your maintenance deposit will be wasted.

Top 7 Tips to Travel to Cairo in 2021

From Pharaonic eras to Coptic, Islamic, and contemporary times, Cairo has been known as a city that’s rich in cultural heritage. To discover the city’s secrets without running into trouble, you’ve got to know at least some of the basics. Without further ado, below are the top seven tips for traveling to Cairo in 2021.

1.    Know what you want

How long are you planning to spend in Cairo during your first visit? Well, the answer is the key when deciding how you’re going to spend your time here. Whether it’s discovering the secrets of ancient Egypt, exploring Islamic Egypt, or perhaps sampling local food, time management is of the utmost importance. Nonetheless, to get the best out of your trip, consider carefully what you want from your time, especially if you’re not staying for long.

2.    Get yourself a Tour Guide

A tour guide is always crucial when you’re traveling to the country for the first time. If this is your first time traveling to Cairo and you don’t know much about the area, you need to get yourself a tour guide. Besides, you can use Showaround, a website that links you with locals who can help you move around the city and visit the best places. This, however, save you much time and effort in the country or location.

3.    Know what to Wear

Since Egypt is an Islamic nation, knowing what to wear is quite essential. For ladies, wearing revealing clothes is often not recommended. This is because; you’ll probably end up walking a lot, too, which requires comfy clothes and shoes. But, this is especially the case in desert and sandy terrains such as those around the Pyramids of Giza and around. In the end, it all depends on where you’re going in the city. That’s why it’s better to ask your guide or learn more about the place you’re visiting beforehand.

4.    Time to Visit Egypt

Whenever you want to travel, it’s essential to know when you should travel to this country. But we can tell you that the best time to visit Egypt or Cairo is the cooler months of the year: November through March. Moreover, in the southern part of the country, at Luxor and Aswan, rain is said to be unlikely.

Additionally, during the winter months, temperatures can be oppressive. And it can range from 40 to 55 °C (104 to 130°F). In Luxor and Aswan, you can experience dry heat, but up north around Cairo and Alexandria, the humidity can make the heat feel even worse.

5.    Prepare to Tip Anyone

Since you’re a newbie coming to the country for the first time, it would be better to prepare to tip anyone during your stay in the city. This will foster your direction or make you know where you’re going instead of walking endlessly.

Besides, you should prepare to tip the bathroom attendant before or after you might have used the bathroom. Meanwhile, a small change can be hard to come by, so save this for when you need to use the bathroom.

6.    Ensure You Have the Luxor/Cairo Pass

Have you ever heard of this Cairo pass before? Well, it is a ticket that allows you to visit all of the main sites in Giza and Cairo. Meanwhile, the Luxor pass is known as a ticket that allows you to visit all of the archaeological sites on the East Bank and West Bank of Luxor in the city.

Also, you should have it in mind that they are expensive passes, costing $100 to $200 USD, depending on the pass. This means, not everyone can afford it, and that’s why you need to put it into consideration whenever you’re visiting Cairo for the first time.

7.    Photography Passes in Cairo

Remember that you’re coming to the country’s capital, right? Of course, you should prepare for unnecessary bills! Whereas photography passes aren’t considered useful but something an expat needs to enter any tourist attraction in the city.

Also, inside of many tombs, temples, pyramids, and museums, you’ll need to purchase a photography pass in order to take photos with something other than a cell phone, point-and-shoot camera, and many others.

Best Expatriate Neighbourhoods to Consider

The capital city of Egypt, Cairo, is also known as the media hub for the Middle Eastern region. This city itself is quite crowded, much polluted and even over-crowded to some extent. In fact, about half of the numbers of the population in Cairo actually lives in informal settlements that lack infrastructure.

Finding a good location where expats can reside in peace and comfort is very important to anyone who rents or purchases a house in the city. Among many sites and amazing places you can visit in Cairo, it also contains many neighborhoods where Egyptians live and where you could see people speaking English. Below is the expatriate neighborhood to consider.

●        Sarayat El Maadi

Located in the south of Cairo, the suburb is home to over 100 thousand residents, including both foreign residents and locals. More so, the beautiful district of Maadi is close to this area, and other popular places within Maadi are the most populated, having a lot of Egyptians and foreigners.

In this neighborhood, there are plenty of international schools, great sports clubs, popular bars and restaurants, and even educational and recreational facilities such as well-known gyms, fitness centers, and different bars and restaurants.

●        Zamalek

This is another place to take into consideration when you’re planning to live in Cairo as an expat. Located practically on the border of the Nile River, Zamalek is considered one of the more affluent areas in the country. Despite that most Egyptians would face conflict because of the football club, they can admit that Zamalek is one of the best places to reside when it comes to living in Egypt as an expat.

●        Mohandeseen

This name literally means; the engineers in the Arabic language. This place was built in the early 1950s, and it contains many villas and luxurious apartments. But, in the 1970s, the city has faced an urban influence towards the culture and traditions, leading the neighborhood of Mohandeseen to be very crowded and full of household properties that you can pursue to purchase or rent. That being said, good health care and education can also be available and not too far away from this great district.

●        Heliopolis

A Belgium baron set foot in Cairo in 1904 as history disclosed. He started to build the city named Heliopolis, which is almost 10 kilometers away from the city’s center. Not only is that, but this area differs from many other areas in Cairo due to its more modern architecture.

When the city was still in construction and architectural style, it was built uniquely, making it easily remembered yet cherished. Although the architecture didn’t receive much praise or receive world fame in the process, but the architecture is still well preserved as the avenues are broadly designed.

●        New Cairo

Located far from the borders of Cairo, these cities are quite different from the norm that you can find within Cairo itself and other cities in Egypt. They are located more than 15 kilometers from the center of Egypt, where you can find large compounds, natural habitats, and tons of amazing properties such as apartments and villas for rent and for purchase.

Not only that, but the areas are known to be widespread where you can find the majority of the population being part of the middle and upper class of Egyptian residents. Again, these places offer some of the biggest shopping malls available in the city as well as food courts, popular cafes, and famous restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Cairo

What is living in Cairo like?

Living in Cairo simply means a wonderful lifestyle in modern Cairo. This is because; it’s a city much the same as it is in any other city in the world. Here, people get up in the morning, go to school or work, have their meals with family and friends, spend time with lovely people, and go to the supermarket.

Is it good to live in Cairo?

Of course, life is good in Cairo, but there are still some traces of violence scattered around the city. Regardless of this problem, Cairo is one of the best places to enjoy life as an expat in the country. And areas with high-end restaurants and hotels, as well as the many satellite cities, are considered safe places.

Is Cairo safe for a woman?

As a lady visiting Cairo for the first time, you need to adhere to the Islamic mode of dressing to be highly respected. Also, try and avoid going to bars alone or walking alone at night. Statistically, the country is very safe, and the locals are, by and large, very friendly and welcoming to travelers.

Is Cairo a good place to retire?

Egypt or Cairo is a great place to go if you’re looking for a country rich in history and culture with many things to see and do. And while there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring sights, the low cost of living seems to be the reason to retire in the country.

Conclusion

 Life as an expat in a new country will definitely grow your adulthood, womanhood, or manhood. You’ll have to depend on yourself, and this will certainly give you strength and purpose. If you’ve been planning to live in Cairo, it’s always good to know what it entails. Therefore, refer to this guide for more.

Adam Fayed

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