Foreigners Living in Egypt
How is the life in Egypt as foreign resident?
If you have visited Hurghada at least once, you certainly did not miss the fact that it is not a typical Egyptian city. A large part of its population is made up of foreigners, and within a few days you will find that you are in a relatively cosmopolitan place. Foreigners not only visit Hurghada all year round but have also been living in large numbers in recent decades. Many of them settled here with their Egyptian partners and families, many came here to enjoy the beautiful weather, the sea, the sun and the pension. People of working age often work online with their home country, but many also engage in local services, especially tourism. We also often encounter questions of curious clients, how foreigners live here and how Egypt could be a second home. In this short article, we will try to answer at least some of the questions we answer regularly.
Hurghada is not typical Egypt
There is, of course, a difference between how foreigners live in a seaside tourist resort like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, and others are living inland, Cairo or, conversely, in the south of the country in Luxor. On one side, there are foreigners living in Alexandria and Cairo, who came here, for example, to work for international companies, and on another side, foreigners who try their luck on their own in the relatively uncertain environment of a tourist city. But they live here. As tourists or residents, active or passive.
Quite often you read on social networks that Egypt is a country cheap to live in. That´s true and that´s not true as well. Compared to European cities and housing costs, Egypt certainly looks more favourable, although prices here are still rising from year to year, especially for the last 10 years. This is just beneficial for foreigners who have their savings and income from abroad. It is not easy for a foreigner to work in Egypt if it is to be legal, with a work permit. Families with children often have the dilemma of how best to educate their children because private schools are relatively expensive. However, residents’ children can attend schools with a British, German, American or French curriculum. Teaching in private schools is usually bilingual or trilingual, with Arabic and English being the main languages, following French and German.
Living in Egypt — yes, or no?
Once you decide to live in Egypt, it is important to consider the way of living. Foreigners can rent or buy apartments in personal ownership. It depends on how long you want to live here, where you want to live and what comfort you require. A simple apartment in the city centre will be different in price from an apartment in a compound with a private pool or private beach.
Eating is pleasant if you can cook from fresh ingredients and prepare meals with lots of fruits and vegetables. You can buy at local supermarkets at reasonable prices. You will have to reach into your pocket a little deeper if you want to eat in restaurants and use the food delivery. The menu at local businesses is cheap, but if you want to change a typical Egyptian diet for anything else, it will go into the money in the long run.
In a case you need a car, you can buy or rent one. The price of fuel is adapted to the overall economy, advantageous to the foreigner’s point of view, but demanding for the locals. Driving in Egypt would be a chapter in itself…
It is difficult, but not impossible, for a foreigner to open a bank account in Egypt. Conditions vary from bank to bank, but a minimum residence visa or work permit is required. Of course, it is also possible to use your international bank cards, the money from the account can be withdrawn in cash, in local currency. The conditions for withdrawal from an ATM abroad are determined by your bank, the withdrawal price is between 3–15 euros. You can pay by bank card in larger supermarkets and department stores. Smaller establishments only accept cash payments.
And what is the overall environment you might want to move into? You can handle it if you can adapt. The Egyptians are very friendly, but they tolerate their cultural and religious customs. Especially in cities outside tourist centres, it can be difficult for a foreigner to adapt. Egypt is and always will be an open tourist destination. Whether you can really live here, you must decide for yourself. And at least for a while to try it outside the hotel.
