A Complete Guide for Moving to Egypt From the US

Relocating to Egypt is the best choice for ones seeking adventure and business opportunities, alongside experience of a mysterious ancient world – it is one of the world’s oldest civilizations with an extremely rich cultural history dating back for more than 7,000 years. Relocating across the world rarely gets more thrilling than this!

Is It Hard to Move to Egypt? The Process of Getting a Visa

So you could avoid relocation stress about whether or not you are going to get your visa before the relocation day, it is always better to initiate the process a lot in advance. Everything should be finished in three months, but there are cases where the process lasted a whole year, so arm yourself with patience.

There are three types of visas you could get:

• Travel visa – it could last for 90 days the most (those ones that are granted upon your arrival will be valid for just 30 days.) However, before you opt or travel in the first place, make sure to check if there are some restrictions concerning traveling abroad during coronavirus – today, it is a necessity when relocating to another country.
• Work visa – when you obtain it, it would be valid for one year, with the possibility of extending it up to five years. Note that you could look for a job while having your travel visa, but before you start with a new job re-entering the country on a work visa is needed. It is crucial to remember that you can’t apply for a business permit by yourself -the appliance process must go through your local Learn which documentation you must acquire before relocation and ensure to have all documents needed for traveling abroad.

• Temporary residence permit – it is a much simpler option for expats. In addition to that, it also allows you to be a resident for five years.

How to Get Citizenship After Moving?

Before you are allowed to apply for Egyptian citizenship, you must live in the Land of the Pharaohs for at least ten years (consecutively.) In addition to that, a few more requirements are needed, such as:

• Fluency in Arabic,
• Proof that you are healthy, both physically and mentally,
• Evidence that you don’t have any criminal record,
• Egyptian employment,
• Enough savings on your account.

So, do Americans living in Egypt have to learn the language? If you are serious about making the Gift of the Nile your new home, it would be best to explore your options about learning the language abroad and acquire some good tips for learning a new language. Your efforts will pay off in the long run when you finally apply for citizenship.

If you don’t know where to start, don’t miss the opportunity to watch the following video and learn a few most common Arabic phrases.

Jobs in Egypt for American Citizens – Where Could You Work After Moving to Egypt?

Can a US citizen move to Egypt and expect to have a good job with a satisfying salary? Egypt’s becoming an Arab leader in the economy sector, so the answer is yes. It is especially true if you plan to move to Cairo or Alexandria, which are homes for many international companies. The possibility of finding a good job position increases if you work in fields such as medicine, engineering, technology, architecture, or you are qualified to teach the English language.

However, less formal jobs, such as bartending, waitressing, and the like, are harder to find – with a slightly higher unemployment rate, the official hiring policy implies that Egyptians have primacy in the hiring process. That is one of the reasons why your future employer needs to provide an explanation for hiring a foreigner. Of course, there is always an option of remote job positions, just keep in mind that the internet service could be a lot slower compared to what you are used to. It could also affect the ways you could contact and keep in touch with your friends, so make sure to think of some alternative ways if needed.

Is It Expensive to Live in Egypt?

The Gift of the Nile has to offer quite affordable expenses when it comes to utility bills, the cost of transportation, rent, or even buying a property. Not only that – the cost of living is even smaller if you decide to live outside the city center. For example, rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the center is approximately 370 USD, while the same-sized apartment costs around 220USD outside of it. In addition to that, it is good to know that housing prices in Cairo are higher than in other well-developed cities, like Alexandria. You could search your housing options in person or online on websites such as Ahlein.

When it comes to groceries, the situation is a little bit different – those sold by local people at the marketplace are a lot cheaper than what you could get in western-style supermarkets. However, it is imperative for you to become the master of bargaining – people could set the initial price that is twice the value of a product you want to buy.

Bank Services and Currency Brokers – How to Manage Your Money?

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound, which is equal to 0.064 USD. There won’t be a problem with finding a bank and ATM machines, especially in the city centers, even more because Egyptians have bigger faith in bank facilities than digital banking. Note that credit cards are used in urban areas, but the further from the center you are, the more likely it is that you’ll need to use cash.

Opening a local bank account is highly recommended, so you wouldn’t have to pay the fee when converting your money to the Egyptian pound. On the other hand, when in need to convert USD to the country’s official currency, services from exchange brokers could be a better solution for you – they could usually help you by offering a better rate than the bank would.

Education Choices for Your Children

If you are relocating with kids, education will be one of your prime concerns. If so, you’ll be happy to find out that there are few excellent choices for expats. US citizens often opt for either private or international schools. The second option would provide the best education for your children, with the best teachers, but you must be prepared to secure the place for your kids in advance, as well as pay costly fees. Note that Egypt’s law system prohibits homeschooling.

Does Egypt Have a Free Education System?

From the age of six to fourteen, children could go to public schools free of charge, but expat families will rarely choose this option. Egypt’s public education system is a lot different than the one in the US, and its programs are not accredited internationally. That is not the case with international schools and the curriculum they incorporate – it is a much better option if your finances allow it.

Egypt’s Healthcare Services – The Importance of Health Insurance

Basic universal health coverage is provided for all people on this country’s territory free of charge. However, keep in mind that you are probably used to a higher healthcare standard, so it is always better to purchase health insurance that will cover the treatment in private medical facilities. It should go without saying but remember not to settle for less just so you could save your money – carefully reconsider each option and choose the best.

Is It Safe to Move to Egypt?

It is true that Egypt’s facing some safety issues, but the government is doing everything in its power to overcome them. However, you need to follow some common sense and take caution (as you would in any other foreign country) – try not to walk back home alone at night, don’t be rude to strangers, double-check everything you are signing, and so on. Follow the advice you would be given, respect the common dress code, and don’t insult the Islamic religion –  if you want to live in another country, it’s imperative that you respect its culture.

Egypt’s Expat Life – How to Overcome Cultural Barriers After Relocation?

There is no denying it – you are bound to experience a vast culture shock after you move to this destination. The way Egyptians lead their life probably has a little similarity to what you are used to. Open-minded westerners may find the influence of Islamic religion and patriarchy on everyday life odd, so it would take some time adjusting to a different country and different, more conservative mentality.

Aside from breaking the language barrier and learning Modern Standard Arabic (Literary Arabic,) you need to learn to open your mind and accept that different cultures have different values. If you want to move abroad, check to see if you are comfortable with them. – it would be best if you could research the customs of Egyptians beforehand so they would welcome you with open hands when the time for living overseas finally comes.

Best Places to Live In for American Expats

More than a third of all expats in the Land of the Pharaohs are Americans – ensure to research expat communities and learn from ones who went through similar life changes as you. Most US citizens are located in large cities, but this destination has so much more to offer than that. Before you contact an overseas moving company and decide if you are going to choose moving by air or if you would prefer moving by sea, take the next cities into consideration:

• Cairo – as a capital city, it’s Egypt’s cultural and business hub, which is appealing for most of the American expat You are most likely to find suitable job opportunities here, and when you feel you need a little trip to boost your spirit, remember that Giza pyramids and their eternal secrets are not too far away. If you are in love with ancient history, one of your favorite places will be The Egyptian Museum located in Cairo. On the other hand, know that this city doesn’t lack nightlife experiences if that is what you prefer more.
• Alexandria – the second-largest city, it has all the amenities and benefits of the capital but for more affordable prices. In addition to that, making a home from the country’s north coast guarantees the beautiful scenery to look at while walking down the ancient streets.
• Hurghada – alongside Sharm-el-Sheikh, the area around Hurghada offers some of the best beaches around the globe. Amazing places to relax, swim and enjoy yourself are a necessity if you keep Egypt’s hot and humid climate in mind. Those with more adventurous spirits will be enamored with amazing activities near this city, such as diving in the Red Sea.
• Luxor – a city with many historical landscapes, Luxor will provide you with peace and quiet from the big cities. Ancient landscapes, such as the Temple of Karnak or the Valley of the Kings, will leave you breathless each time you visit them. And for important facilities and amenities, know that the city of Qena is relatively close.
• Ismaila – this city is ideal for those who want to live near Cairo and enjoy all its benefits but without the disadvantages of big city life, such as noise, bad traffic, and air pollution.

Shipping to Egypt – Dos and Don’Ts

When moving internationally to this part of the world, on your relocating abroad checklist must be a thorough research of objects for which shipping overseas is not allowed. After you contact an international moving company and hire their packing services, make sure you are familiar with what to pack when moving abroad and which items you should not bring, such as:

• More than 34 oz of alcohol,
• Gold and silver,
• Literature that is offending to Islamic beliefs, as well as politically sensitive material,
• Obscene material, and the like.

Narcotics, firearms, and weapons are commonly prohibited items all around the globe, but the interesting fact is that you are not allowed to relocate birds into Egypt’s territory. Note that your inventory will be subjected to thorough investigation upon your arrival, so make sure to pack fragile items carefully, so they survive the relocation.

When it comes to shipping your car overseas, ensure to know the regulations before you contact an overseas shipping company to help you move your vehicle. For example, know that you must be the original owner of your car and that your car can’t be older than one year from the date of its manufacture.

Save Some Time for Walking Through the Streets of History

The Gift of the Nile always stands on a crossroads – it represents a connection between thousands of years old history and modern times, as well as a culture that has risen from Northern African, Asian and Mediterranean life. Nothing will compare with living your everyday life on the ground where one of the world’s greatest civilizations was built, with the chance of almost breathing history all around you. So, no matter your reasons for relocating, ensure to take a moment each day to appreciate the magnificence that will surround you.