Cities & Hotspots

Cairo is huge, connected and opportunity-rich; Alexandria is coastal and more local; Dahab is a small Red Sea base for lifestyle and diving.

  • CairoOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • AlexandriaOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • DahabOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

October to April Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Dust, traffic and heat are the main concerns. Cairo can be hard on sensitive lungs; coastal bases are often easier, but check local conditions.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Cleopatra Hospital and Saudi German Hospital are familiar Cairo private options; Alexandria has strong university and private hospitals. Call 123 for ambulance services.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat by e& and WE offer mobile plans. Uber and Careem cover rides; Talabat covers delivery.

  • Mobile networksVodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat by e& and WE are the main networks. Foreigners should expect passport/residence or e-visa checks for SIM changes and contracts.
  • Ride appsUber and Careem are the practical ride apps in Cairo and Alexandria; Dahab relies more on local taxis, walking and driver contacts.
  • Food deliveryTalabat is the main delivery app in Cairo and Alexandria, with restaurant WhatsApp delivery filling gaps.
  • PaymentsCash is still central. Cards work in malls and larger venues, while mobile wallets and InstaPay-style local banking need more resident setup.
  • Home internetWE, Vodafone, Orange and Etisalat home internet depends heavily on the exact building and line quality. Test before signing.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • ResidenceLonger stays usually mean extensions or residence handling through passport/immigration offices. Do not leave renewals until the final week.
  • SIM documentsVodafone Egypt lists passport plus valid residency/e-visa style documents for many SIM services, so keep status documents available.
  • TaxEgyptian Tax Authority rules, local income and company activity need advice before working locally or invoicing from Egypt.
  • DrivingMost newcomers should use Uber/Careem in Cairo rather than learning traffic immediately. Dahab is a different, smaller-road decision.
  • Admin habitKeep passport, entry stamp/e-visa, lease, Arabic address, landlord contact and embassy details saved offline.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

People who want history, a lower-cost major city or Red Sea lifestyle and are comfortable with intensity.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.