Digital Nomad Life in Egypt
Summary: Digital nomads like living in Alexandria, Egypt because of its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and access to the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria is a great place to live for digital nomads because it is a major hub for the tech industry, with many startups and tech companies based in the city. Additionally, Alexandria is a great place to live for digital nomads because of its vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, and beautiful beaches. The best neighborhood to live in Alexandria is the Raml Station area. This area is close to the city center and is known for its vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Additionally, the Raml Station area is home to many tech startups and companies, making it a great place for digital nomads to network and find work. The approximate population of Alexandria, Egypt is 5.2 million people. The weather in Alexandria, Egypt is typically warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Alexandria is approximately $1,000 USD. This includes rent, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment. The cost to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Alexandria is approximately $500 USD per month.
How do I meet people in Egypt?
When we asked people living in Egypt 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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Alexandria.
What is life like in Egypt?
When we asked people living in Egypt what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"New Cairo City is still in its developmental stage. Since I've been here (the first one on my block; not even a paved street) slowly stores are being added and public transportation. I would like to know if there are other Americans in this area, and what they are doing. I'm interested in fitness and seeing things the ordinary tourists do not see. Also bargain hunting for household items," explained one person living in New Cairo City, Egypt.
"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 one expat in Alexandria.
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Egypt can be both exciting and challenging. The country offers a unique cultural experience, with its ancient monuments, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of activities to explore, from exploring the pyramids and ancient temples to taking a cruise down the Nile. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. However, the language barrier and cultural differences can be a challenge for some. Additionally, the political situation in Egypt can be unpredictable, so it is important to stay informed and take necessary precautions," remarked one member in Egypt.
Where should I live in Egypt?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One way to find a place to live in Egypt is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Expat.com, Nestpick, and Housing Anywhere offer a variety of rental options in Egypt. Additionally, you can search for rental listings on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. You can also contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in Egypt. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in Egypt for recommendations. Finally, you can look for rental listings in local newspapers and magazines," said one expat who made the move to Egypt.
What do I need to know before moving to Egypt?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Egypt, they said:
"Before retiring in Egypt, expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to live in. They should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. It is important to understand the healthcare system and to make sure that they have access to quality medical care. Additionally, expats should research the visa and residency requirements for living in Egypt. Finally, it is important to understand the local laws and regulations, and to make sure that they are compliant with them," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Egypt.
"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 person living in Alexandria, Egypt.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Egypt?
"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," remarked one member in Alexandria.
"Expatriates in Egypt appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes ancient monuments, vibrant festivals, and a diverse range of traditional music and dance. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals, who are known for their generosity and friendliness. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's vibrant nightlife, with its many bars, clubs, and restaurants. Finally, expats enjoy the country's diverse cuisine, which includes a variety of delicious dishes from all over the world," explained one expat living in Egypt.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Egypt?
"Expats in Egypt often find the local culture to be quite different from their own, which can be challenging to adjust to. Many expats find the language barrier to be a major challenge, as English is not widely spoken in Egypt. Additionally, the conservative nature of the culture can be difficult to navigate, as certain behaviors and dress codes are expected in public. Expats may also find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in living in Egypt to be overwhelming. Finally, the hot climate and lack of air conditioning can be difficult to adjust to for those coming from cooler climates," said one person in Egypt.
"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," said one expat who made the move to Alexandria.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Egypt for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Egypt for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residency visa. This visa can be obtained from the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport, and proof of your financial ability to support yourself while in Egypt. You may also need to provide proof of your employment status, such as a letter from your employer. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of your health insurance coverage. Once you have obtained the residency visa, you will need to register with the local police station in the area where you are staying," said one person in Egypt.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Egypt?
We asked people in Egypt if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Egypt. It is considered rude to show too much skin in public, so it is best to dress modestly. It is also important to be aware of religious customs, such as avoiding eating pork or drinking alcohol in public. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of local religious sites, such as mosques, and to avoid taking photographs without permission. Finally, it is important to be aware of local taboos, such as avoiding discussing politics or religion in public," remarked one member in Egypt.
"I was in the mobile shop and after arranging our cellphone airtime etc. was asked for the visa, whereupon I pulled out my husband's passport and pointed to our visa. Much to the shop assistant's amusement he pointed out that he wanted the Visa credit card," explained one expat living in Alexandria, Egypt.
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What are healthcare services like in Egypt?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Egypt, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Egypt are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents in Egypt have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Egypt can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. In addition, they may need to obtain a health insurance policy to cover any additional costs," said a member in Egypt.
"Get recommendations for doctors from other expats. Meet them, check them out and see if you like them or not. Most doctors for expats will speak good English, but some doctors in Egypt are pretty arrogant and it may make for a more difficult situation when it comes to getting information out of him/her. Find one you like, get his/her phone number (mobile-cell number) and use it when needed as most doctors do not hire receptionists that speak English well enough to make appts for you," explained one person living in Cairo, Egypt.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Egypt?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Egypt often appreciate the country's rich culture and history, as well as its vibrant cities and stunning landscapes. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in living in Egypt to be a challenge. Additionally, the lack of reliable internet access can be a major issue for digital nomads," said one digital nomad in Egypt.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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Digital Nomads in Egypt offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Egypt.