Moving to Egypt

Egypt offers visas on arrival or e-visas for many nationalities. Work permits are employer-sponsored through the Ministry of Manpower. Student and family visas are available.

Egypt has a massive labor market but local wages are very low relative to expatriate living standards. Cairo hosts the headquarters of many multinational corporations, NGOs, and international organizations (UN agencies, World Bank), which provide the bulk of expat-level employment. The tech startup scene in Cairo is growing rapidly, centered around the Smart Village and Greek Campus hubs. Most foreign residents in Dahab and Red Sea areas work remotely.

Egypt has a dual public-private healthcare system. Public hospitals (Qasr Al-Aini in Cairo, Alexandria University Hospital) are heavily subsidized but overcrowded, underfunded, and often lack modern equipment. The vast majority of expatriates and middle-class Egyptians use private hospitals and clinics. As-Salam International Hospital, Dar Al Fouad Hospital, and Cleopatra Hospital in Cairo offer good to excellent care with English-speaking staff at costs far below Western levels. A private doctor consultation typically costs EGP 300-800 (USD 6-15). Specialist surgeries that would cost USD 50,000+ in the US might be USD 3,000-10,000 in a good Egyptian private hospital. Private health insurance from providers like AXA Egypt, Allianz Egypt, or MetLife Egypt is strongly recommended. Pharmacies are abundant and many medications are available over the counter at very low prices, though supply of specialized or imported drugs can be inconsistent.

Egypt is digitally active with high smartphone penetration and widespread use of social media and messaging apps. However, digital government services are fragmented and unreliable, with most administrative processes still requiring in-person visits. Mobile internet (4G/LTE) is available from Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and Etisalat (now e&), though speeds can be inconsistent.

Egyptian culture is loud, warm, humorous, and intensely social. Hospitality is deeply ingrained: strangers will invite you for tea, shopkeepers will chat for an hour, and neighbors will bring food. Humor is a national coping mechanism for everything from traffic to politics. Religion, primarily Islam with a significant Coptic Christian minority, is central to daily rhythms: the call to prayer punctuates the day, Ramadan transforms the city's schedule, and religious greetings are universal. Communication is animated, physical, and often louder than newcomers expect. Time operates differently: 'Inshallah' (God willing), 'Bukra' (tomorrow), and 'Maalesh' (never mind) are not just phrases but a philosophy of flexibility. Tipping (baksheesh) is woven into every interaction, from the doorman to the parking attendant to the person who directs you to an empty table. Dress codes are conservative, particularly for women; covering shoulders and knees is expected in most areas outside international hotels and compounds.

• •Baksheesh (tipping) is expected for virtually every service, no matter how small. Carry small bills (EGP 5-20 notes) at all times for bathroom attendants, parking helpers, delivery drivers, and anyone who provides a service.
• •During Ramadan, the entire country shifts to a nocturnal schedule. Restaurants close during daylight hours (some offer screened areas), working hours shorten, and the streets come alive after sunset with iftar gatherings and festive energy.
• •Showing the soles of your feet to someone is considered highly disrespectful. When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor or tucked under you.
• •Always use your right hand for greetings, eating, and passing items. The left hand is considered unclean in Egyptian culture.
• •Egyptians address elders and authority figures with titles: 'Basha' (sir/boss), 'Doktora' (for any educated woman), 'Ostaz' (teacher/Mr.). Using these shows respect and smooths interactions.