Alexandria, Egypt Report of what it's like to live there - 02/12/09
Personal Experiences from Alexandria, Egypt
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I was born in Saudi Arabia and I lived there until I was 10 years old.
2. How long have you lived here?
I have been here for 7 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I am here with my husband - he has been working here for the past 8 years.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
There are no direct flights from the U.S. to Alexandria, but there is direct flight from NY to Cairo, and it's about a 3-hour drive from Alexandria. Most people travel from Cairo directly. And there are a lot of direct flight from both Alexandria and Cairo to Europe, 5 hours to London 3 to Rome and less than 2 hours to Greece and so on.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mostly apartment. You can find villas in town but they are expensive. And there are a lot of villas outside the city about 20 to 30 minutes from town.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Fresh fruit and vegetables are cheap but anything that is not made in Egypt is expensive. They have 3 or 4 major grocery stores around and a lot of little shops everywhere.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino's, KFC, Hardy’s, Chills, TGI Friday ... There are a lot of Italian and French restaurants as well. Coffee shops are everywhere and you can get desert, ice cream and fruit drinks. The prices for MAC meal is about US$5. Most places are reasonable unless you are going for a high-end restaurant
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None that I know.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
They are available and you can get locals or foreigners. Locals will coast you about US$10 a day and foreigners could costup to US$400 a month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes they have a lot of places to work out from the fancy gym in 5 star hotels to Gold’s gym that you can find back home.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
It is mostly safe.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Islam is the main religion here but there are Christians as well.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Show time and Orbit are available satelite dishes are all over. But it's hard to find American papers. I get my news on the internet.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to know some to get around but most people speak English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not good at all.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes there is the regular taxi and they are everywhere. All you have to do is flag them down but the drivers don’t speak English and there is no meter. And there is a taxi limo serves that you have to call and they are nice and have a meter and the drivers are professional. Trains are good way to go to Cairo I recommend the first class train, it take about 2 hours.
2. 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?
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes it is avaiable but a little pricy.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You can’t bring your U.S. phone to Egypt - it will not work. Cell phones are available and air time is cheap.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Vets do house calls.
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual and dressy.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate, being on the Mediterranean helps a lot.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No concerns. People are nice for the most part, and the government is very protective of foreigners.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Really hot during summer with some breezy nights, cold mostly for 2 months during the winter (the winter is about 3 months) and some sand storms during the spring. Nothing alarming.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are American, French, and German schools and different private Egyptian schools.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Only in private clubs.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are a few places around but nothing big. They have several movie theaters around and in summer time it’s normal to be out untill 3 or 4 AM.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Singles and couples more than families.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not more than what you will get back in the U.S.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
You can go to the museums, walk the old parts of town. The best beaches are outside Alexandria, they are mostly private but you can get in for a fee.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
All the old Egyptian artifacts (not the real ones). Gold and silver are cheap as well.
9. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes but I will stay only for 2 or 3 years.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Every place has its good and bad. Don’t let the bad get to you. Have fun and don’t spend too much time looking for the things you miss from home.
