The very thought of moving to Egypt promises a rich story to tell. Despite the lack of flashy skyscrapers, the Nile valley has its unique way of making you fall in love with it – from a street life bursting with the early morning sun to the wonders of the ancient world, still standing today.
However, if you’re an American moving to Egypt for the first time, going there unprepared wouldn’t be such a smart move. To help you settle in your new environment easier, we rounded up some of the most important things you should know before moving internationally.
Is Egypt a Good Place to Live?
We’re all aware that choosing one of the best places to live abroad isn’t simple because many factors determine the quality of life. And the way we think of them won’t be the same, because our needs are different, too.
Then again, there are some universal factors, such as cost of living, job and educational opportunities, healthcare, culture scene, and entertainment, defined as essential by probably each and every person, no matter where they’re at. Believe us, checking these first from the relocating abroad checklist allows you to build a happy life in the target country.
As an expat in a transcontinental country thousands of years old, you can expect to be faced with somewhat chaotic daily life. Besides days being filled with honking, church bells ringing, coffees, and eastern delights, living here is an excellent solution for all those pursuing a spectacular rich culture, exotic landscape, and affordable living.
In fact, according to Expatistan, transitioning to this part of the world is 69% cheaper than staying in the USA. We’ll dig a bit deeper into it throughout the text.
Can a US Citizen Move to Egypt?
When moving across the world, the visa application process is the first thing you should care about because bureaucracy takes time. Remember that patience is the key, particularly when moving to Egypt from the US since the process can last from three up to a whole year.
So, can you move to Egypt? The answer is yes, but unless you’re visiting touristically for 15 days only, you can stay in the country in one of several possible ways:
- Getting a tourist visa – This is an option for all visiting the country touristically. It is valid for up to three months, the most. However, those issued at the Cairo airport upon your arrival are valid for a month only.
- Getting a work visa – If you’re relocating overseas for work, the ideal solution is to obtain a work visa since it enables you to live in Egypt for one to five years. Still remember that a job offer is required to get one. That’s precisely why you need to prepare all the right questions to ask your local employer since they are the only ones that can start the process.
- Getting a temporary residence permit – Any member of the expat communities is the happiest when there’s a chance to get a temporary residence in The Gift of the Nile because it allows them to have a five-year-long peace of mind.
- Applying for Egyptian citizenship – There are few steps in the naturalization process to follow through before an applicant meets the criteria for citizenship. Living there for at least ten years and speaking Arabic fluently are some of the basic requirements. Also, no criminal history and proof of mental and physical health is a must.
To avoid relocation stress, particularly when there’s still coronavirus spreading around, make sure you have all documents needed to travel abroad, not complicate things more than they already are. In a nutshell, if you’re serious about calling the Land of the Pharaohs your new home, don’t be shy to break the language barrier and figure out some good tips for learning a new language. You’ll certainly need all of them because Egyptian Arabic is a major dialect in the Arab world, spoken by millions.
However, you should contact the Egyptian embassy in your home country for any additional information you may need.
Employment Opportunities for an Expat
Although their local economy experienced a rough period, we’re witnessing one of the fastest-growing economies in the Arab world in the last few years. There’s a number of promising jobs in Egypt for American citizens, both national and international. If you’re worried about living in another country, feel free to relax. You can advance your career in The Two Lands if you work in fields of technology, medicine, agriculture, and architecture. And if you’re looking for job openings such as English teachers, tour guides, and bankers, then Cairo is your new home.
Although landing a job here is slightly different from getting a job in Europe as an American, it’s still not such a tall task. To make it easier for yourself, be sure to contact the local expat community to inform you more on the subject, but also check sites like Bayt.com.
Is It Expensive to Live in Egypt?
Whether you’re relocating for love or you are just trying to find some of the best places to live with your family, it’s essential to understand that living overseas is so much more than thinking about what to pack or how to keep in touch with your friends once you finally settle. Knowing the actual cost of starting fresh and all the significant upcoming expenses should be well aware of.
Do not forget you’re going to an almost entirely cash-based continent and that hotels and fancy shops are the only places to use your credit card. Also, housing prices are just a bit higher for foreigners than they are for the locals. For example, monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment can range anywhere from $220 to $370, depending on the area. Strange as it may sound, the same goes for groceries at the marketplace and local stores – their price will never be the same (nor low, either!) if you’re bad in a bargaining game.
Chaotic but Quite Charming Transportation
Someone once said that you could tell a lot about the personality of a nation just by looking at its drivers’ behavior. And as Americans living in Egypt, it may be hard for you to understand all that chaos and overcrowded buses, like there are almost no rules to follow from point A to point B. Add Arabic timetables to the mix, and you’ll get lost. Or be thrilled about it.
Imagine how different it is to move to a cradle of civilization, where taxis are still the most loved form of transportation, although both bus and metro systems are well organized. Don’t even try to compare it to relocating to the Netherlands or other places in Europe. These cultures are so different, and yet both so marvelous.
There are Many Education Opportunities
When moving internationally with kids, it’s natural that you’d like one of the best countries to live in, so you can have more choice when it comes to their education, too. With 8,000 private and dozens of international schools, you have nothing to worry about. Although the second option is the more popular and competitive one – because of the respected IBDP program – it’s not unusual for some parents to choose private schools with a curriculum similar to state schools and more affordable fees.
Moving to Egypt: Can You School Your Children for Free?
Although a massive education reform was implemented, the Egyptian state school system is still quite different from the US system. Also, homeschooling is prohibited by law, and elementary education is compulsory for children 6-14 years old. There is no tuition, which means that all kids are educated for free.
On the other hand, lessons are conducted in Arabic in most state schools, except some are implementing experimental programs, with math and science taught in English and French. However, these are also rare, so expats instead choose the ones accredited internationally.
Things You Need to Know About the Healthcare System and Insurance Before Moving to Egypt
Even though many public healthcare facilities provide their services free of charge to both locals and expatriates alike, purchasing private healthcare insurance is always a good idea. Generally speaking, most Westerners are used to high-standard medical care, so qualifying for local healthcare will probably not be the most suitable solution for you either. Some of the common problems you may encounter with public healthcare are:
- Lack of medical professionals,
- Lack of modern equipment,
- Crowds and long lines,
- Inadequate facilities maintenance.
This is also why you should find private healthcare insurance vital, but do not just buy the first package you run into. Think carefully about your needs, and only then make an informed decision.
Is Living in the Nile Valley Safe?
Whether we’re talking about Cairo, Alexandria, or some other city, it’s just like with any other place in the world – exercising some common sense and precautions will not hurt you. Remember that the cultural differences you’re going to experience will certainly be sky-high, so try not to confuse them with being in danger. Then again, do not walk alone at night, if you don’t have to, dress appropriately, be aware of the moral codes and religious customs. You’re on the safe side as long as you respect the culture of your new home.
Some of the Best Places for American Expats
Most expats prefer large cities when choosing a place to call home, but the truth is your choice will highly depend on your goals. So, if you’d like to be a fast Arabic language learner and one who understands the heart of the Nile Valley, you should start with Cairo and Alexandria.
Both of these are recognized as expat hotspots because of their business and cultural potential. With mesmerizing historical oddities nearby to contemporary party venues, you’ll quickly feel welcome. Beware, though, of Mad Max sandstorms happening once in a while.
To experience some quieter life, you should try Luxor or Aswan, both loaded with beautiful ancient scenery. Luxor is also known as the world’s most fantastic open-air museum because of the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and many other famous historical sites.
To learn more about how to find a proper place for yourself, check out the video below.
Let Professional Movers Help You When Relocating to Egypt
Going abroad means having a ton of responsibilities on your shoulders, and an extra pair of helping hands could light down the burden. With professional packing and other moving services, there’s an opportunity to have the first positive relocation experience ever.
But there’s even more to it. Planning relocation is not simple at all, and hiring a professional international moving company can be of great help when it comes to various customs and regulations you might not know about, such as shipping to Egypt. They’ll inform you in detail about what items you should get rid of (such as alcohol, gold, and silver, religiously and politically sensitive materials, etc.).
So, let yourself be an adventure-seeker since it’s the main reason why you’ve first decided to move to the Land of the Pharaohs and leave the rest to professionals.
