Language:

Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Cost of Living:

Living and working in Egypt is far more affordable than Europe or the United States.  However, housing can be very expensive in the larger cities such as Cairo because of overcrowding.  In some cases, there may even be a waiting list to get an housing in these cities.

Visas and Work Permits:

A visa and work permit are both required to work in Egypt. Many times your company will obtain your work permit for you. If not, the paperwork necessary for obtaining a residency visa, work permit and driver’s license, is best handled by a hired facilitator to cope with constantly changing requirements.

Cultural Differences:

If you’re a single woman, you may be ignored when you want something done a certain way. As a last resort, ask a man or an Egyptian to intervene on your behalf. While women are not required to wear a higab (headscarf) or a robe, be sensible and conservative in your wardrobe choices in public. At a minimum, keep your legs, breasts and stomachs covered.

            A man who expresses himself physically in public to a woman (it doesn’t matter if she is his wife) incurs the belief that she is, to put it politely, "loose". Holding hands in public is becoming more socially acceptable, but beyond that, restrain yourself.

            To admit that one has made a mistake is to lose face. If you understand that saying “It’s not my fault” is a cultural norm, you will be able to deal with it.

      Egypt is an Islamic country. Respect the religion and don’t try to convert anyone to yours

Job Search:

Some growing job sectors right now are tourism, trade and investment, basic education, government, health. A good list of recruitment companies in Egypt can be found here: http://www.el-shella.com/jobs.
Another good site to visit: http://www.jobsinegypt.com/Job/index.asp

Money and Banking:

While there are many Egyptian-based banks, dealing with them and their outrageous fees is not appealing. You can also deposit checks, but you will pay an outrageous sum for the privilege. Money machines are available nearly everywhere.

            Most expatriates keep a reasonable number of dollars or Euros in a safe at home and exchange them through jewelry stores and markets at a more favorable rate than those offered at banks and travel service companies.

            Payment for nearly every service or purchase requires cash. In hotels, some grocery stores, restaurants, and shops, one can use a credit card, but the cost of the convenience often includes the credit card fee charged to the merchant by the service company. It is extremely rare for one to pay by a foreign or local check.

Safety and Security:

The greatest hazard living in Egypt is not from terrorists, but from Egyptian drivers.  
            The Egyptian government posts uniformed police and undercover officers at all the tourist sites and in the residential areas where expats live. Unlike most major cities, crimes against persons are rare.

            The recent wave of terrorist attacks is unusual. Stay in touch with your embassy to receive alerts about any situation.

            Egypt is not immune to the Western drug epidemic. While illegal substances are available, it is against the law to buy, sell or use them. If you’re caught you’ll be deported, or put in jail, or possibly suffer the full consequences allowed under the law: the death penalty.

            For complete safety and security information please visit:  http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html