- Download our Moving to Egypt Guide (PDF)
The pros and cons of moving to Egypt are as vivid as the country itself. The Great Pyramids of Giza are just the start; life as an expat here is layered in ways no postcard can prepare you for.
A clear picture of what to expect can make the transition less jarring. To give future expats a jumpstart, here are some of the major ups and downs of life in Egypt.
Cost of living in Egypt
+ PRO: Highly affordable living costs
The cost of living in Egypt is one of the most attractive parts of life in the country. If you earn in foreign currency, you will likely enjoy a higher quality of life than you would back home. The Egyptian pound has depreciated significantly in recent years, so your spending power in local currency stretches far. Costs are slightly higher in major cities, but everyday expenses from housing to groceries remain reasonably priced.
Accommodation in Egypt
+ PRO: Lots of options
There is plenty of variety in accommodation in Egypt. The property market includes sprawling villas and compact studio apartments alike, so you should have a fairly easy time finding something right for your budget. This is particularly true if you are paid in a foreign currency, such as US dollars. Those on a local salary will have fewer options, but a little effort goes a long way.
- CON: It can be challenging to find a reliable real estate agent
Locals often perceive expats as wealthy, and some estate agents charge higher fees than they would for an Egyptian national. Agents are also known to present expats with a flurry of unsuitable properties and little opportunity to inspect them properly. The result is that you may end up in a home you would not have picked, given more time. Stand your ground and try to avoid overzealous agents.
Renting Expat Accommodation in Egypt
Lifestyle in Egypt
+ PRO: Incredible sightseeing opportunities
Your doorstep here rivals any museum. The lifestyle in Egypt puts the pyramids of Giza and the awe-inspiring Sphinx within easy reach. Luxor’s Valley of the Kings and the temples of Abu Simbel are a short domestic flight away.
- CON: Nightlife depends on where you are
Egypt’s conservative culture means that the mainstream social scene doesn't really feature alcohol and clubbing. Cairo does have a decent range of rooftop bars and hotel lounges in neighbourhoods like Zamalek and New Cairo. Outside the largest cities, Western-style nightlife options are virtually nonexistent.
Culture in Egypt
+ PRO: Friendly locals
One of the real pleasures of Egyptian culture is the warmth of the locals. Egyptians will always be up for a chat or a helping hand, and if you are similarly open, you will make fast friends.
- CON: It can be difficult to adjust
The patriarchal culture prevalent in Egyptian society can be a shock. Western women in particular often have a hard time, as they find themselves the object of stares and catcalls. Generally, the best response is to ignore it. Conservative dress that covers your shoulders and knees can reduce unwanted attention, particularly outside expat-heavy neighbourhoods. When you feel unsafe, do not hesitate to ask a local woman for help.
Local Culture in Egypt
Business Culture in Egypt
Working in Egypt
- CON: Bureaucratic work permit process
Expats who want to work in Egypt will need a work permit, and the process is notoriously bureaucratic. Your employer must demonstrate that no qualified Egyptian candidate can fill the position, and foreign staff may not exceed 10 percent of their workforce. Work permits in Egypt are employer specific and are subject to annual renewals. If you change roles, you start from scratch.
+ PRO: An appealing base for remote workers
Egypt is an appealing base for remote workers and freelancers paid in foreign currency. Cairo’s low cost of living and GMT+2 time zone are hard to beat. The city has a lively startup scene and hosts offices for several multinational companies and international organisations. Business culture is relationship-driven; meetings often begin with tea and conversation before any formal agenda appears. Professionals who take the time to build trust will find doors open more easily.
Working in Egypt
Work Permits in Egypt
Getting around in Egypt
- CON: Chaotic driving
Getting around in Egypt by car is hazardous. The country has a high rate of road accidents, and local drivers are often unpredictable. They may change lanes or turn with no signal, and there’s not much time for others to react. Most expats skip the stress of the road altogether and use ride-hailing apps or hire personal drivers.
+ PRO: Cairo’s growing rail network
The Cairo metro is efficient and affordable, and the rail network has expanded rapidly in recent years. A new monorail line that connects East Cairo to the New Administrative Capital began commercial operations in 2026, and a fourth metro line is under construction. Your options for getting around in Egypt are better than they have been in years, although public transport outside the rail network remains basic.
Public Transport and Driving in Egypt
Education in Egypt
- CON: Local education unlikely to be an option for expats
Public education in Egypt is generally of low quality, and instruction is in Arabic. For this reason, most expat families opt for international schools.
- CON: High education fees and extra costs
Fees for international schools in Egypt are pricey, and the additional costs for textbooks, uniforms, extracurricular activities, and school trips can really add up.
+ PRO: Range of international schools
Expats have real choices when it comes to curriculum, as international schools in Egypt are spread throughout the major cities. Cairo and Giza, in particular, have a large selection.
Education and Schools in Egypt
International Schools in Egypt
Healthcare in Egypt
- CON: Lack of adequate public facilities
Public healthcare in Egypt, particularly in rural areas, falls short of the standards you may be used to. Treatment can be substandard, so private health insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage is strongly advisable.
+ PRO: Excellent private healthcare and qualified professionals
While public healthcare in Egypt may be ailing, private health facilities in Cairo offer specialised care from highly qualified, English-speaking practitioners. You will typically be expected to pay for services upfront and claim from your health insurance later.
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Egypt
Safety in Egypt
- CON: Poor air quality in Cairo
Air quality is a serious concern in Egypt. Cairo regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted cities; average PM2.5 levels sit at roughly eight times the WHO guideline. The smog peaks in autumn when seasonal crop fires across the Delta add to the usual city haze. If you have respiratory conditions, take this seriously; many expats buy air purifiers for their homes.
+ PRO: Low violent crime rates
Safety in Egypt is better than many first-time expats expect. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, and major cities have a visible security presence around residential and tourist areas. The main concerns are petty crime and scams rather than personal danger. Steer clear of border regions like North Sinai, but in Cairo and other expat hubs, day-to-day life feels secure.