The Land of The Nile, The Pyramids

& The Temple of Ramses II

Information on Relocating to Egypt

• The capital city of Egypt is Cairo with about 18.3 million people. The political centre is also in Cairo where the President resides. Egypt is a Republic.

• Languages: Arabic is the official language but English and French are widely spoken. The TV programs are in Arabic, French, English and Hebrew.

• Population: The population is about 76.5 million people - 99% are Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers),  1% Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French).

• Expat areas: The most popular areas are in Cairo (Maadi, Zamalek, Mohandssen, Halioples and Kattamyah).

• Housing: Almost all flats come furnished and many landlords are helpful in bringing anything that you might need or want before renting it. Lately Egyptian government has allowed Iraqi citizens to live in Egypt during the war in their country), the prices of real estate has gone up in rentals leases for expatriate levels rentals up to 25%, and availability has become scarcer.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from E£ 3100 – E£ 4350 (around US$ 575 - US$ 795) for an apartment (2 bedrooms) and E£ 6850 – E£ 8750 (around US$ 1250 - US$ 1595) for a house or even higher. The local currency is Egyptian Pound (E£). The local currency is Egyptian Pound (E£).

• Schools: We have the American, British, French and the International school. There are also a lot of private International schools. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: The government-owned Cairo Transport Authority runs buses and tram services in Cairo and also operates cross-Nile ferries. There is a central area flat fare. In addition, there are other buses and fixed-route shared taxi run by private operators. Vehicles normally wait at city terminals to obtain a full load, but there are frequent departures. Fares are three to four times higher than on the buses. Cairo’s suburban railways have been upgraded to provide a rapid transit network, including Africa’s first underground railway. Alexandria also has buses and tramways, with first- and second-class accommodation and distance-regulated fares.

• Bank: The banks are open  Sunday-Thursday 8.30 am - 2.00 pm. Some banks are open till 5.00 pm.

• Shopping: The most interesting shopping area for tourists in Cairo is the old bazaar, Khan-el-Khalili, specializing in reproductions of antiquities. Jewellery, spices, copper utensils and Coptic cloth are some of the many special items. There are also modern shopping centers available, particularly near Tehrir Square. Haggling is expected, and sometimes encouraged, as a way of communication and human contact. Shopping hours: Winter: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9.00 am - 7.00 pm. Monday and Thursday 9.00 am - 8.00 pm. During Ramadan, hours vary, with shops often closing on Sunday. Summer: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - Sunday 9.00 am - 1.30 pm and 4.00 pm – 8.00 pm.

• Climate: Summers are hot and dry in Upper Egypt, humid in the Delta and along the Mediterranean Coast. In recent years the humidity has spread to Cairo and the city swelters in August. Winters are mild with some rain, but usually there are bright, sunny days and cold nights. Spring and autumn are short, and during the 50 days (khamseen) between the end of March and mid-May, dust storms can occur sporadically.

• Culture: Sophisticated nightclubs, discos, casinos and good restaurants can be found in Cairo, Alexandria and most large towns. The nightlife in Luxor and Aswan often includes barbecues along the Nile.

• Public holidays:  January (date varies) Coptic Christmas Day, January (date varies) Islamic New Year, March (date Varies) Birth of the Prophet, April (date varies) Sham el-Nassim (Coptic Easter). April 25th Sinai Liberation Day (Sinai only), May 1st Labour Day, June 18th Liberation Day, July 23rd Revolution Day, August - September (date varies) First Day of Ramadan, September (date varies) Coptic New Year, October 6th Armed Forces Day, September - October (date varies) Bairam Feast (End of Ramadan), October 24th Suez Victory Day, November -December (date varies)Grand Feast, December 23rd Victory Day, December-January (date varies) Islamic New Year.