Living in Egypt

Most immigrants to Egypt live in Cairo. However, with the expansion of tourism, many can now be found in Luxor and in the coastal resorts. Around 30,000 expatriates from Europe and the US now live in Egypt, experiencing a way of life that's 180 degrees from the one they were accustomed to in their homeland. For those struggling to adjust, the Community Services Association offers help in the form of language classes, cultural education and more.

Most visitors to Egypt need a visa. A tourist visa is available from your own country in advance. If you have a job to come to, you'll also need a work permit. The usual protocol is that your employer will source this.

If you're travelling to Egypt to look for work, you can settle on a tourism visa and apply for temporary residency. Egyptian visa requirements do, however, differ according to your country of origin, so it's wise to contact your local Egyptian embassy well in advance.

There are two clear groups of expatriates in Egypt. Those who secure employment before arrival, and tend to be paid in US dollars. These people are quite affluent, as living costs in Egypt are fairly low. Those who travel and then find work earn Egyptian pounds and tend to have slightly less disposable income.

Making a success of living in Egypt means making lot of new contacts, learning at least some Arabic and mixing in with the hectic pace of life. For families, international schools are plentiful and some employers will pay school fees.

Where to live? Some areas are more multi-cultural, some more family oriented and some more hectic. The El Maadi area of Cairo is a favourite spot for families with children, while Mohandiseen is the place for young professionals. As always, the best advice is to rent at first to get a feel for your environment.