Egypt
Pros and Cons of Living in Egypt
Last updated on Oct 23, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Egypt include its rich cultural heritage, its diverse landscape, and its vibrant cities. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the other hand, the political and economic instability in the country can be a source of concern for some. Additionally, the climate can be extreme, with hot summers and cold winters. Finally, the infrastructure in some areas can be lacking, making it difficult to access certain services.
What are the pros and cons of living in Egypt?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Egypt responded:
"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 in Egypt.
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William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in Egypt appreciate most about the local culture?
"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.
"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," said one person in Alexandria.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do expats find most challenging?
"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," remarked one in Alexandria.
"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," explained one expat.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat 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.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Egypt?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Egypt?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Egypt?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Egypt accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Egypt like?
- Is the cost of living in Egypt high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Egypt?
- What are healthcare services like in Egypt?
- Is the cost of living in Egypt high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Egypt?
- What is the weather like in Egypt?
- Are there good restaurants in Egypt?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Egypt?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Egypt?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Egypt?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Egypt?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Egypt?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
