Cairo, Egypt Report of what it's like to live there - 05/21/25
Personal Experiences from Cairo, Egypt
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, we’ve also been posted to Eastern and Central Europe.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC. Around 18-20 hours. The city pair flight is now a terrible Jet Blue flight through Doha with a long 14-hour leg. If you connect through London/Frankfurt, you have shorter flights, but layover times make it about equal. Connectivity in general is ok; there are several direct flights to Europe for short vacations and the Doha/Dubai hubs are good for travel east. The R&R cost-construct cap is generous. Flights tend do leave/arrive in the early hours of the morning.
3. What years did you live here?
2022-2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is in two main areas: downtown and Maadi. Since the school is in Maadi, downtown housing is mostly for singles/couples without children. However, there are always more people who want downtown housing than is available, so some singles/couples end up in Maadi.
In Maadi, you can easily walk to the main school, grocery stores, Maadi House (employee association club house with swimming pool, restaurant, playground, etc.), CSA (a community association enclave with cafés, nice shops, gym classes). Commute time to the Embassy is anywhere from 20 minutes – hour, with typical morning commute around 30 minutes, closer to 45 minutes in the afternoon.
Both areas have government-owned compounds and leased housing. Leased housing is much larger but can have odd layouts. Compounds have generators (helpful during frequent power outages during hot months.) We lived in a compound and have really enjoyed it – kids can run around in a contained environment. It’s like living in a dorm – you can find someone to meet up, neighbors to borrow things from, someone to help take your kids to the bus stop if you’re running late, etc. Of course, there’s also the downsides of communal living – people will disagree on feeding the stray cats, children leaving toys around, and generally knowing everything about each other.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are readily available on the local economy; everywhere, including the fruit/vegetable stands, delivers for small fees. Unlike our other posts, the Commissary is a true grocery store with biweekly deliveries. I find commissary prices to be much cheaper than US prices. The PX has a good selection of alcohol. Drinkie’s is a chain carrying locally-made beer, wine, and liquor. There are also delivery options – Tulima Farms for pesticide-free produce, Salt for fish, etc.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
You don’t really need to ship anything. You might not always find exactly what you want when you want it or all in one place, but most things are available. I do order rice paper wrappers and some specialty baking supplies.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Talabat is the main food ordering app. Delivery is cheap. Other places you can what’s app. Food is mostly just ok. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great either. Local restaurants all have the same menu. Filling and cheap is the standard.
In Maadi, Ratio’s, Ratio’s Underground, BRGR (burgers), Grixx (greek), and What the Pho are good. Frank and Co, Estro, and Tipsy Camel have decent food, drinks, and atmosphere.
For more "fine" dining, the only place that has been noteworthy were Sachi and Kazoku (in Heliopolis and New Cairo).
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Flies can be annoying during certain seasons. Other people have had issues with ants, but we’ve never had a problem.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
The Community Liaison Office (CLO) publishes a household survey each year. Household help (cleaners, drivers, nannies) is readily available. Americans pay more than anyone else, but $5-7/hour is the norm. All household must be vetted and be legal residents, so it can be easier to hire an Egyptian rather than a TCN. HR can assist with sponsorship paperwork for a TCN.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes and no. Streets are uneven, street lighting is patchy, stray cats and dogs are everywhere, and sidewalks and crosswalks are non-existent. However, it is safe. I walk in Maadi daily and I’ve never had an issue. Many people bike for short errands. You can run/mountain in Waadi Degla. CAC (the school) is open almost all hours (I forget exactly, but approximately 5 am – 10 pm), so if you have kids, you can go there for exercise/play (big fields, track, swimming pool, weight room, etc.)
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Plenty of gyms and personal trainers. Quality and operating times vary. The Embassy has a gym and trainers on-site if you belong to the employee association.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are widely accepted at established stores, though you’ll need cash for the smaller shops. Some places have credit card machines that don’t work. I use the ATMs at the Embassy, CAC (school), and Maadi House as you can get USD or EGP. Some local bank ATMs limit how much money you can withdraw to a very small amount. The Embassy (and school) have a bank branch inside. You can get EGP or USD and can specify the denominations and transfer money to pay vendors directly (CAC, hotels, etc.)
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You can get by without any, but learning numbers is helpful to identify Ubers, street addresses, etc. There are lots of language tutors available. Most charge around $12/hour. The Embassy has a post language program, but I think people will have to start paying soon.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Uber and Metro are allowed, but “white” taxis, trains (with some exceptions), and public buses are not allowed. Drivers are easy to arrange for both short and long distances and are inexpensive. There are lots of RSO-cleared drivers with their own cars as well. You can arrange for just about anything.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
“Cairo kisses” are inevitable, so nothing too previous. Car work is cheap, so it can all be fixed. Some people get by without a car, but we’ve enjoyed being able to drive to the commissary and to vacation at spots along the Red Sea, etc.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
There are options: the fixer who sets everything up (and your sponsor can arrange ahead of time) or arrange directly when you arrive. Both have positives/negatives. VPNs are a must.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I have Google Fi and a local sim. Everything here runs off of What's App, so I have two accounts. I use my local number for deliveries, ordering, etc. and my US number for the numerous groups (hobbies, school, parties, etc.). I don’t understand the plans or pay structures, but it’s cheap, so I haven’t stressed about it either.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
CLO publishes a survey and people telework. Biggest complaints are about internet. Cairo is a Sun-Thurs post, which can be hard to coordinate if work expectations are Mon-Fri. EFMs with portable careers – therapists, coaches, other services – do well. There were a decent number of EFM jobs at the Embassy, but those have been impacted by the hiring freeze. Local salaries are very low.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Egypt is casual. It varies by neighborhood, but even if women are not wearing a hijab, they usually dress conservatively (shapeless, baggy clothes.) Expats, especially in common expat areas like Maadi, generally wear whatever but anything too short or revealing can draw attention, especially for teenage girls.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There is little violent crime and I feel safe here. There is a significant police and security presence. Driving and crossing the street are probably the most dangerous things here. It can be very stressful driving here at first, but you do adapt once you realize no one follows any sort of traffic laws or normal driving patterns. Yes, while you are trying to turn left, with a blinker on, a motorcycle will absolutely pass you on the left.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is so/so. You’re going to be evacuated for anything serious/complicated. You can get scans and labs done cheaply, but you’re going to want someone else to evaluate them. An exception is WAFI (Women and Fetal Imaging) for women’s health scans; they are great. Eye care is dreadful, but dental care is ok.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality can be bad. During certain times of the year, everyone seems to have the “Cairo cough.” Dust is very fine and insidious. The embassy issues air filters. We also taped our windows.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Food allergies are not recognized here, so you would need to be very careful. Sesame is obviously very prevalent.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Cairo is large and busy post with lots of visitors (CODELs always come on holiday weekends) and direct hires can work long hours. I think it’s easy for people, especially who live in leased housing or without natural affinity groups, to feel very isolated. Cairo isn’t easy to navigate, every rule/policy/store opening hours is inconsistent, etc. It’s wearying. The CLO has previously been super-active, but of the four CLO positions, all but one will be vacant starting this summer and with the hiring freeze, it’s hard to know when they will be replaced. There are mission-wide chat groups for people to connect, along with affinity clubs.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Egypt is hot, but it’s not very humid (other than a little bit in the summer). During the hot months, once the sun sets or if you’re in the shade, it’s ok. It does get chilly; you will not need a parka, but you will need a coat.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Almost everyone attends Cairo American College (CAC). There is also MBIS (Maadi British International School) but only one family has kids there.
CAC is good – it’s not perfect, but it is well-established. Most kids and parents are happy, though some have had different experiences. We had kids in both elementary and middle schools and it has been positive overall. We’ve had some wonderful teachers, coaches, and administrators who have really engaged with our kids, helped them find a passion for learning, and helped guide them. Others have been less so (have been at the school too long, seem to cater to local kids, etc.). Like most international schools, the elementary school operates with the assumption that there is a full-time parent available who can attend things at the drop of the hat in the middle of the day. In my experience, the elementary school principal openly shames working parents. The middle school has been much better.
The school has a very active PTO and Booster Club. Parents gather at the school regularly/daily for socializing.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I know CAC has something, but I’m not sure of the details.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There are a few preschools to choose from and people seem happy enough. Day care doesn’t really exist. Nannies are plentiful though you will want to interview carefully.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
CAC offers afterschool activities. There are also classes at The Field and through Maadi House. Private music instruction is easily available. There’s Little League and a basketball league. Currently, there are active Boy Scouts and Girl Scout groups.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It’s a large expat community. Morale is ok. I think it is rare for anyone to “love” Cairo, but as an expat, you can live a nice life here.
Morale at the Mission can depend; during our three years here, I would say morale has gone down. Some of the incentives to choose Cairo have been eliminated, but as a larger post, it’s going to be one of the few places tandems can find jobs together. I’ve seen EFM morale decline as current leadership doesn’t prioritize EFMs, and that, along with a limited CLO team/events and EFM hiring freeze, will likely drive it further down.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
House parties, felucca trips, meeting up at restaurants, Red Sea diving/snorkeling trips, day trips, some art classes.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes for all.
4. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
It’s Egypt! It’s amazing to be so close to the Pyramids, Saqqara, and Luxor. Diving/snorkeling in the Red Sea has spoiled me for anywhere else.
5. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It's affordable.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
expectations for order.
3. But don't forget your:
patience.
