Maadi, Egypt Report of what it's like to live there - 03/08/08
Personal Experiences from Maadi, Egypt
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I've lived in Guatemala City.
2. How long have you lived here?
2.5 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I work for the U.S. government.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Egypt Air has a direct (12 hour) flight from NY. Otherwise you can connect through Paris (5 hours), Frankfurt (5 hours), or Amsterdam (6 hours).
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mostly large apartments, there are a few villas; about 10 minutes to USAID and 30 minutes and up to U.S. Embassy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Most things are available but imports are expensive. FSOs have access to a good commissary.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More of Consumers Reports BEST air filters for my apartment.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All the usual U.S. fast food and many restaurants of all levels...and everyone delivers.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very available. US$100-400 per month depending upon quality.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Lots of ATMs and many places take credit cards.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic, Episcopal, Fundamentalist.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Several newspapers e.g., Herald Tribune and several Egyptian papers. There are 3 or 4 satellite systems.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The locals really appreciate it if you can greet them in Arabic. You need it also to give directions to cab drivers and know some numbers but a lot of people speak some English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot. Sidewalks are awful, buildings all have lots of stairs to get to the small elevators.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right unless someone choses to drive on the left.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The trains north and south are decent and there's a good subway around Cairo or ramshacked black and white cabs for short trips. Better yellow cabs are here now too.
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You need a 4-wheel drive if you want to go desert camping but the streets are tight so not a Suburban size. Parts are expensive if you don't have APO.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
ADSL US$360/year for 256kbps, US$550/year for 512kbps. You don't quite get the advertised speeds.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Everyone has them and they are fairly inexpensive and work in most inhabited places in Egypt.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Skype or other VOIP.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There are some good vets.
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?
The local economy pays local wages which are low but there are lots of NGOs.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Coat and tie mostly for work, women should cover shoulders and knees when out.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Unhealthy; possibly very much so.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
The biggest security risk is traffic.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Air quality and traffic accidents. Medical care is ok.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
January-Febuary 30-50F with occasional showers; March and April 50-80F - this is sandstorm season; May-October 100F; November-December 60-90F.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Cairo American College-we have kids in elementary and middle school and are very happy.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
CAC doesn't take them but there are some smaller school.
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large.
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?
Lots of socializing, a few clubs, softball is big among expats. There is a large group of expat men with working wives.
3. Morale among expats:
Very good; it's a diverse community and there is lots to do.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's good for families. Life in Maadi revolves around CAC. Singles/couples without kids might like to live in Zamalek, an island downtown
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Amongst Egyptians but I havent seen much amongst expats.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Felluca (sailing) on the Nile, Giza, Sakara, Dashor pyramids, The Citadel, Khan El Khalili (market), tentmakers street, camel market, old Cairo, Coptic Cairo, Egypt Museum, desert camping, great golf courses, Nile cruise, Luxor, Aswan, Red sea beaches, North Coast, siwa, baharia oasis adult softball, kids soccer, basketball, baseball, rugby. The hard part is deciding what you're going to do and not get your your kids overbooked.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Egyptian crafts.
9. Can you save money?
Yes.
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:
Down parka (unless you travel to Europe in the winter).
3. But don't forget your:
Acceptance of a very different culture.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Anything by Maguib Mafouz.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Anything by Maguib Mafouz.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Our family loves it here.
