How to move to Egypt: the complete guide - Expat Focus (2023)

Despite some political turmoil, Egypt may be an easier choice as a job destination than one might think: after all, the country has been a multicultural hub for centuries and there are many expats working in the region today. The work permit application process is complex and can take a long time (some expats report waiting up to a year for a permit), but it is not impossible. If you already work for a company with branches in Egypt, you can also apply for a vacancy.

You need a work permit to legally work in Egypt, but you can apply for one if you don't already have an employer. However, it is recommended that you receive a job offer before your flight if you are planning to work in Egypt.

If you are applying, you must contact the nearest Department of Labor and submit the following documents:

• Passport (you also need a valid Egyptian residency status)
• 7 passport photos
• 2 copies of your employer's articles of incorporation
• 2 copies of your tax identification card
• 1 copy of your employer's business register
• 1 copy of a letter of guarantee from your employer
• 2 copies of your academic qualifications (may need to be apostilled)
• Licenses required to practice your profession (such as a medical license) and any local government approvals related to your specific area
• a letter from your employer explaining why it is necessary to hire you as an expatriate (hiring local workers has priority in Egypt)
• a test showing that you are free of HIV/AIDS
• Egyptian State Security Service approval certifying that you do not pose a threat to public or national security (you can contact the Ministry of Labor to obtain this)

You will also have to pay a fee for your visa.

Qualified English Language Teachers (TEFL) are always in demand at private educational institutions, but you can also find work in other qualified fields such as architecture, medicine, pharmacy and engineering.

Casual work such as a waiter is also possible, but the country's economy has been in a recession since the Arab Spring and Egypt currently has high unemployment, which can make it difficult to obtain casual jobs. However, some recruitment sites list vacancies in the hospitality industry. Speaking Modern Standard Arabic is an advantage if you want to work in this industry.

Most job vacancies are in Cairo, mainly in international companies, and the city already has a large number of expatriates working there. Alexandria has a number of maritime industries such as B. Dry Bulk Shipping and if you have experience in this sector it might be worth checking out the vacancies here.

Egypt officially has a maximum workweek of 48 hours from Sunday to Thursday (Friday is the Islamic day of prayer), although 42 hours is more common. However, you may have to work a 6-day week, in which case the hours worked per day will be less. As an Islamic nation, Egypt may have reduced working hours during Ramadan, but this is unlikely to apply to foreign employees unless they are also Muslim.

For private sector employees, annual leave is 26 working days per year. In the public sector, employees are entitled to 32 days a year, from 50 to 34 and from 55 to 36. Egypt currently has 14 public holidays.

If you are pregnant and have worked for a certain period, normally 10 months, you are entitled to maternity leave: this includes 90 days of leave. A company cannot ask you to return to work until 45 days after the birth of your child, and it is illegal to fire you while you are on maternity leave.

Outside of the public sector, there is no adequate minimum wage in Egypt. In this sector, it is currently LE 1,200 (approx. USD 174) per month and is set by the government. There is no minimum wage in the private sector: you must negotiate your base wage with your employer. Foreign employees often receive higher salaries than Egyptians, especially in international companies.

Your spouse can work but must apply for a separate work permit: he cannot work as your dependent. Also remember that social security and public health insurance in Egypt are not at the same level as European or North American countries and it is recommended that you have enough money to live on as well as private health insurance if you are thinking of Move . you plan to work here and intend to bring your dependents with you.

Vacancies

You can send unsolicited solicitations to companies in Egypt.

There are several recruitment websites covering the region and you can also explore some of the job boards online. As mentioned above, secondment can also be an option if your current employer is active in the region.

candidacy for a vacancy

It is advisable to translate your resume into Arabic unless you intend to work for an international English-speaking company.

Employers must not be discriminated against based on gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. The country does not criminalize same-sex relationships, but it must be said that Egypt is not particularly LGBT friendly.

qualification and training

It is recommended that you have all copies of your qualifications translated into Arabic and apostilled.

For UK (UK), European Union (EU) and United States (US) citizens, applying for Egypt tourist and business visas is a straightforward process. Indeed, tourists from these regions traveling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba for a maximum of 15 days do not need a visa, this is due to an entry stamp provided upon arrival. However, if you wish to travel outside these areas, you must apply for a tourist visa. If you are in these areas without a visa and your plans change and you have to leave the area, you can usually buy a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport.

Single and multiple entry visas are available; both are valid for six months and allow for a stay of up to 60 or 90 days.

For citizens of the following countries, visa approval must be sought from the relevant authorities prior to entry: Iran, Tunisia, Somalia, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine, Ethiopia, Sudan, Mauritania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, Israel, Afghanistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Seen

When entering Egypt, you will need a tourist or business visa, depending on the nature of your visit. You can apply for a visa prior to your arrival online or at the nearest Egyptian consulate. Alternatively, you can purchase one upon arrival at the airport before reaching immigration. Visas issued on arrival are valid for 30 days instead of 60 days.

To obtain a tourist visa you will need:

• A passport with at least six months validity
• Two recent color passport photos
• A completed application form
• The visa fee (£20, payable in British Pounds, US Dollars or Euros)

Children with their own passport, including infants, need their own visa.

People traveling to Egypt on business must apply for a business visa that requires:

• A passport with at least six months validity
• Two recent color passport photos
• A business cover letter from your UK employer
• An invitation letter from the Egyptian company you are visiting
• A completed application form
• The visa fee (£20, payable in British Pounds, US Dollars or Euros)

Applicants should note that both visas require you to attach your yellow fever certificate if traveling from or through a high-risk area. People visiting Egypt from the UK do not need a yellow fever certificate.

If you intend to work in Egypt, you will need a work visa. You can look for work on a tourist visa, but you must leave the country and re-enter the country with a work permit before starting work. Work permits are valid for one year, but can be extended for up to five years. It is worth noting that these permits have an annual limit so that at no time will more than 10% of the country's workforce be made up of foreigners. The work permit must be requested by your employer.

Common documents required for a work permit include:

• A valid passport
• Seven recent passport photos
• A copy of your university degree
• Evidence of relevant experience
• Results of medical tests, including an HIV negative certificate
• Copies of birth and marriage certificates for all dependents included in the application
• A copy of your job offer

In addition, the company that wants to hire you must provide the following:

• The description of the job you are applying for
• A list of foreign workers
• Copies of tax records from the previous year
• Company registration documents

Lastly, you need to provide the 1,000 EGP fee, which comes to almost £50.

Obtaining a work permit can be a long and tedious process and can take anywhere from three to 12 months. It also requires a significant commitment from your prospective employer, who must meet many necessary requirements before permission can be issued.

residence

Although a work permit gives you the right to live and work in Egypt, it can be difficult to obtain. A better option for expatriates is often to apply for a temporary residence permit. This allows people to reside in the country for one, three or five years at a time and is relatively easy to acquire. You must apply at the local police station with your tourist visa, valid passport, passport photo and a completed application form in both English and Arabic.

If you were born in Egypt before May 29, 1952 or have lived in the country for at least 20 years, you are automatically eligible for a residence permit.

citizenship

You can apply for citizenship after living in Egypt for 10 consecutive years. You must be at least 21 years of age to apply, although younger dependents may be admitted at the request of a parent or guardian. You must show that you are mentally and physically healthy and provide a certificate that you are HIV negative. In addition, you do not need to have a criminal record and prove that you are fluent in Arabic. Finally, you must be gainfully employed in Egypt and be able to prove your savings to be eligible.

Once you obtain Egyptian citizenship, you will no longer need to obtain or renew visas or permits. You also won't have to renounce your original citizenship.

Many expats purchase private health insurance even if it is not a residency requirement, because health care in the host country is expensive or certain treatments and procedures are not available.

When purchasing health insurance, be sure to consider factors such as the policy's annual and lifetime limits, whether there are any exclusions that may affect you, whether you are limited to treatment by certain types of health professionals, and whether the policy covers the emergency evacuation. for medical treatment.

Potential health insurance buyers are often looking only for the lowest premium cost before actually considering the specific benefits and areas of coverage they really need. Some plans are cheaper for a reason. They often include large voluntary deductibles for future claims and can severely limit the benefits received by the plan. Customers must first define their needs, determine the specific area of ​​coverage they need, and then determine their annual health insurance budget. Only then should they finally look at the premium comparisons.

Don't buy a plan without carefully studying the wording of the policy. When in doubt, ask and complete all application forms only to the best of your knowledge and belief, if you are completely satisfied.

Important questions for the insurer:

1. Does the plan allow for a cooling off period, cancellation and full premium refund?

2. Does the plan offer "moratorium" or "full enrollment" and is it necessary to undergo a medical examination before joining?

3. Does the insurer offer a 24/7 hotline from anywhere in the world (toll free)? Most insurers already offer this option.

4. Are pre-existing conditions excluded at the time of admission and, if so, for how long are they excluded?

5. Are all nationalities accepted or are there restrictions on locations? Some insurers only accept expatriates abroad and not locals in an overseas plan.

6. Does the plan allow you to continue coverage without interruption for your entire life? In most cases, insurers continue to offer coverage to existing customers year after year, regardless of age or claim history, although the premium rates charged can increase dramatically with age.

7. Does the insurer allow any doctors, consultants or hospitals under the plan? Are there any restrictions on this? Most international plans do not place restrictions on hospitals or doctors, but almost all require their hotlines to be called first before hospital treatment is approved.

8. Does the insurer offer direct settlement of hospital bills worldwide, regardless of location (or do you have to pay first)?

9. What are the carrier's procedures for outpatient claims? Does this require pre-authorization or if stated in the plan can you just pay and claim? How long does it take to get the insurance money back? 14 days? 28 days?.

real estate rental

If you are moving to Egypt for work, your employer is likely to have a lot of experience finding accommodation to rent so take advantage of this as the best way to find a property is by word of mouth. You can also sign up with a realtor, but keep in mind that the industry is unregulated. When a third party helps you find a property, it's common to pay a search fee, often equal to a month's rent.

You can sign up with a real estate agent, but you can never pay a commission upfront. Agents may try to rush you into expensive rents with a higher commission, or rush you into every property on their books. Be sure; State your requirements and don't ignore them. Specify the number of properties you would like to see in one day and allow time to see each one.

There are some websites that can help you find rental properties in Egypt. Some popular examples are as follows:

•Ahlein
•OLX
•Waseet

Do not accept a verbal agreement. Make sure your rental agreement is signed and notarized, with copies for you and your landlord.

A deposit of three to four months rent is customary with the subscription. You must describe and cover any pre-existing damage and identify who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. If the landlord says he's going to fix something, put that in writing as well.

Properties may be described as "empty" or "unfurnished", but still contain some furniture. If these are not included in the rental agreement, you are responsible for all repairs. The lease agreement must also provide for notice periods. A 30 day notice from you or the owner is fair and normal.

You are responsible for setting up and paying for all utilities. Keep records of all contracts and payments, as this is proof that you paid your bills and did not give the address a bad name. You are also responsible for all utilities you own, such as: B. Meters, pipes, wires and cables. Before moving, check the condition of all these items and note any existing issues in your lease.

Rents typically increase by 10% per year. If you are asked to increase your payments after the first month, decline. After six months, it's a reasonable request. Depending on how long you expect to stay in Egypt, you could try to negotiate a lower overall percentage increase and find out what that means on a monthly basis. Make sure this is included in your lease.

Many buildings combine offices and residences. Check which businesses are in the building, as your customers and employees may be eating in available parking spaces.

The main destinations are Alexandria and Cairo. Alexandria is cheaper, with properties costing between LE1700 and LE3200 (£87 and £163) per month. An apartment in Cairo costs an average of LE 2,000 (£102) per month and a three-bedroom house costs an average of LE 4,000 (£204) a month.

You need air conditioning; Summer temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius. If there is a sandstorm, you must stay indoors.

When you are in Cairo, try to place your life and activities (home, children's school, work) on the same side of the Nile. It's horrible having to cross the river regularly.

Cairo is a desert city and dust will seep into your property even if your windows and doors are tightly closed. Electrical devices, in particular, should be cleaned frequently.

For national security, the authorities maintain a database of which foreigners are staying and where. Your landlord must provide you with a copy of your passport.

If you live in an apartment building, you have athin– a doorman who lives in the same house and does errands and errands for about 20 LE per month. Don't try to be independent of his services, he can be your best friend as long as you keep your relationship professional.

Word that a foreigner has moved will get around, and for a month or so, people will call to offer services like ironing or cleaning. If you don't want this, politely and politely decline. If you have onethin, leave it to him to fix them.

Your landlord should have copies of recent utility bills and bills for all utilities in your property. Use this to check what is available and/or currently in use. Be sure to confirm that they really do relate to your specific property. You may be informed that the property is gas heated. Make sure it has a meter, which means it's connected to the mains. If there is no meter, the property may require bottled gas, which you will need to purchase. Also note that the gas may have been cut off while the property was vacant. As it is your responsibility to set up all utilities and services, you do not pay any deposits to the landlord for this purpose.

Phone bills are not sent to customers. Approximately every six months, newspapers publish the willingness to pay. You can then call your telephone company to find out the amount and pay it. Keep copies of the account for yourself and the owner.

Power outages can occur once a day, each lasting approximately five minutes. If you have something that relies on electricity, like a computer, get an uninterruptible power supply and turn everything off when you leave the house for an extended period of time. It's also a good idea to get a small flashlight for nighttime power outages.

Single women generally do not live alone. Single people should be careful when entertaining single visitors of the opposite sex, as this can create an unwanted reputation for both parties. The fine print in your rental agreement may contain rules for guests that give your landlord the power to evict you if you break them. It is also not considered appropriate for single men and women to live together, even as platonic roommates. Buying a cheap pair of wedding bands protects your reputation and avoids problems with your neighbors and landlord.

The Egyptian currency is the Pound and uses the same symbol as the Pound Sterling which is "£". However, it is worth much less. If you see a price in pounds, make sure you know what type it is.

buy real estate

The following websites deal with properties for sale:

•Ahlein
•OLX
•Waseet

However, the most reliable way to find a property to buy is by looking for areal estate agent. This is a man known to everyone.thinon the street who knows what to buy. ask everyonethinin the area where you want to live who are the localsreal estate agentis and arrange a meeting.

Foreigners with a residence visa can acquire residential properties, but owning properties does not guarantee the extension of the visa.

As individuals, foreigners cannot own non-residential property, agricultural land or land that can be converted into farmland for agriculture. Instead, they would have to form a corporation that would own the property.

In some parts of the country there are limits to the amount of property a foreigner can own; they usually cannot own more than two. If you are not shopping in a typical expat destination, seek legal advice on this.

The market is made up of resale or turnkey properties (ready to move into) and plan properties (which can be at any stage of construction, including properties that are not yet in shape but exist on paper).

Off-plan properties generally require a down payment of 20-40% of the purchase price and may allow for multi-year interest-free payment plans. They will be registered as complete lots at the time they are habitable.

Other than that, all stages of the buying process are the same as for the turnkey properties listed below.

By law, the sales contract must be written in both Arabic and English. You need an independent lawyer who can review the terms of the contract in Arabic and English. You can do all the due diligence checks: the seller's history; all necessary property and building permits for the property; and if there are debts on the property you will inherit as the new owner. They also ensure that all taxes and utility bills due on the property are paid prior to the date of purchase.

Always agree on your attorney's fees before proceeding, and be sure to choose one with experience in real estate sales. Don't contact a lawyer just because the seller recommends it.

After confirming the price with the seller, you typically pay a holding deposit that secures the property and takes it off the market. This is normally non-refundable.

Then the purchase contract is drawn up. It details everything about the purchase including: the property (location, street name, building number and floor number); your details; the seller's data; exactly what you buy; Confirmation that the building was built under government license; a date for final transfer and closing; and the form of payment. You sign two copies and pay another deposit as specified in the contract. The seller then signs the contracts, keeps one copy, and returns the other.

At this stage, you can register your purchase immediately or wait until it completes. There are two types of registration. Local registration (also known as the Court Validity Suite) is handled by a local attorney and takes anywhere from two to six months to complete. National registration takes place at the Cairo Land Registry Office and can be time consuming for new properties as the owner or developer cannot start the process until it has been built. The process from there can take 18 months, after which they have to transfer the registration to the new buyer. Therefore, most buyers choose local registration first and, where possible, national registration.

Once everything is completed according to the contract (meaning you've paid the asking price and, in the case of off-plan properties, the property is ready to move into), you can take possession at any registration stage where was found.

An entire off-plan property does not necessarily have water, water heater or electricity installed, so you may need to take care of this after purchase.

Egyptian law allows landlords to sell buildings without giving a share to the buyer of the land on which they are located. Therefore, when buying an entire building, make sure that the contract states that you will own the land on which it is located.

Make sure the building you are buying is registered in the seller's name and that your ownership, and therefore the sale, is enshrined in law. Many older buildings are unregistered and can be the subject of disputes between family members claiming ownership. Your lawyer will need to verify the transfer chain.

Mortgages are rare in Egypt, although there is no obstacle for foreigners to have one. Some developers may offer their own loans, but carefully review the terms and interest rates if you choose this option and seek independent legal advice.

Consider whether you want (or can) move your belongings yourself or need the services of a moving company that does international removals. Unless you're traveling light or traveling only a relatively short distance by road, you'll likely need professional help checking your belongings. Request quotes from several companies first and make sure they visit your home to assess your needs. It may be worth paying an extra fee to have your moving company pack your belongings for you, especially if they are being transported to a faraway country and need extra protection for the long journey. Be sure to bring to their attention anything fragile or valuable that needs to be wrapped and wrapped very carefully.

Before accepting an offer, make sure you know exactly what is included in the price and whether the service to be provided meets all of your requirements. For example, does the service include packing and unpacking your household items? What about dismantling and assembling furniture? If you want to store something in the destination country while looking for accommodation, does the price include final delivery and unpacking at your home or do you need to organize the collection of items? Get an accurate estimate of the expected arrival date of your items and get the contact details of the agents handling the move in your destination country. Make sure the mover is informed in advance of any practical considerations such as: B. the lack of a lift to your apartment or possible parking issues.

If you hire a moving company, you may need to get insurance for your belongings. Whether or not this is the case, make sure you have adequate insurance for anything of real or sentimental value that may be lost or damaged during the move. Take the time to complete or carefully review an inventory of your movements, as this forms the basis of any insurance claim for loss or damage. Find out if insurance is included in the moving quote or if you have to pay extra for it.

The mover must process all customs and import documents on your behalf, but if you are arranging the move yourself, you will need to find out what documents are required and what import duties and taxes will apply (and whether you can be exempt from them). ). . ).

Be sure to book any important documents needed for your trip, such as passports and airline tickets, and keep them handy in your carry-on luggage.

QUICK LINK:egypt health insurance

HIO covers around 60% of the Egyptian population and provides basic care to staff, students and widows through its own hospitals and clinics. It was originally intended to provide universal coverage to all citizens, but coverage has declined over the decades since its inception.

The CCO contracts with individuals and companies to provide inpatient and outpatient care in certain Egyptian provinces such as Cairo and Port Said.

In 2019, the Egyptian government undertook a review of the national health insurance and is in the process of introducing a new system that aims to provide truly comprehensive health insurance under a more unified authority, the General Health Insurance Authority. Work is also underway to create a list of taxpayers and an electronic patient register, with each family having its own doctor and health center (approx. 20,000 patients per center).

It is organized by WHO in cooperation with the Egyptian health authorities and its fundamental principles are based on need rather than ability to pay. It is organized on the principles of compulsory enrollment and subsidy for the poor: everyone is enrolled in the system and no one can drop out. The Egyptian government has pledged to protect any citizen who cannot afford medical care. Currently, this new legislation does not apply to foreigners.

The new system started in Port Said with 11 general and specialist hospitals and 32 other health facilities and is expected to operate across the country by 2032. In addition to serving the poorest citizens, it aims to enable patients to choose their primary care provider and reduce individual health care costs. Half a million people have enrolled in the new program and more than 6,000 surgeries have been performed.

The second phase of the new program will start in 2021-2023 in Luxor, Matruh, Red Sea, Qena and Aswan provinces. The third phase, from 2024 to 2026, will take place in Alexandria, Beheira, Damietta, Sohag and Kafr Al-Sheikh provinces.

The fourth, from 2026 to 2028, will take place in the provinces of Beni Sweif, Assiut, Minya, New Valley and Fayoum; the fifth phase (2029 to 2031) in Daqahliya, Sharqiya, Gharbiya and Menoufiya provinces.

The final phase will take place in 2031-2032 in Cairo, Giza and Qalioubiya provinces.

Today, many expats take out private insurance or return home for treatment, or travel to Dubai or the UAE, mostly for major surgery. It is likely to remain so in the new system.

You should check with your employer if you are covered under a group package. If you wish to explore the possibility of making voluntary contributions ('registrations') to the scheme, you should contact the Ministry of Social Solidarity (MOSS).

Travelers are advised that they can spend Sterling Pounds, US Dollars and Euros in restaurants and shops in Egypt's tourist areas. However, you can often get a better conversion rate by withdrawing local currency from an ATM and spending it. So this is recommended for anyone living in Egypt.

Egypt uses the Egyptian pound, which is subdivided into 100 piastres, or 1,000 millimeters. All coins and banknotes have values ​​displayed in both Arabic and English.

On the streets, you will see prices advertised as LE, which is an abbreviation for the Egyptian pound. This derives from the French term Livre Égyptienne and reflects the enduring legacy of the influential French community established in Egypt in the 18th century. Commercial bank websites will abbreviate Egyptian pounds as EGP.

The abbreviation for piastra is pt.

Most Egyptian coins are in the form of banknotes. These are 25 and 50 pt and 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 LE.

The only coins are 25 and 50 pt and 1 LE.

Larger notes should only be used under appropriate circumstances. Stall owners, merchants and cafe owners will struggle to find enough change when trying to pay a small bill with a 100 LE note and will likely refuse to accept it.

In fact, the main problem with Egyptian money is the struggle to accumulate enough bills and small denomination coins to cover all tips and small purchases. Once you master this, you'll manage your money like a local.

Using debit and credit cards in Egypt

Although Egypt is relatively poor and has experienced much political and economic turmoil since 2011, communities and businesses are rapidly embracing modern technology.

The acceptance of debit and credit cards is no longer restricted to luxury hotels and restaurants in major tourist spots. Egypt is by no means a cashless society, but any business that sells food, services or goods to middle-class customers for a reasonable amount will accept card payments. Mobile payment devices are being adopted in greater numbers than ever before as widespread Wi-Fi connections make this technology more accessible.

According to the UK websitetrading machine,VISA is the most popular credit card in Egypt.

Of course, if you're in a small shop or cafe in a remote area, there's a much better chance that they'll only accept cash.

ATMs and bank branches in Egypt

The population of many countries on the African continent shows a strong preference for digital banking. However, Egypt is different. While digital banking is increasingly being used as a means for Egyptian individuals and companies to organize their financial affairs, the general preference for bank branches remains. As a result, Egypt has a higher number of bank branches per capita than many other countries in the world.

Bank branch hours vary. They are usually open Sunday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 2 or 3 pm. Some branches have extended opening hours, meaning they don't close until 5pm. m. or even 7 pm. m., usually in the centers of the busiest cities.

Every bank branch will have ATMs, but many other places have these machines as well. Some of these charge fees, so check the amount on the screen before proceeding. Your own bank or credit card company may have their own fees that are not displayed on your screen. So make sure you are aware of them.

If you are using a debit or credit card from your home country and a conversion is made to Egyptian pounds, you may be charged a conversion fee and the exchange rate may not be the most competitive on the market. Therefore, if you have been living in Egypt for some time, it is worth opening an Egyptian account in the local currency.

If you are using an international card and the screen asks if you want to select Egyptian pounds or your local currency, select Egyptian pounds. While both options issue Egyptian pounds, the conversion rate processed by the ATM owner is likely to be worse than that of the cardholder.

Is your money safe in Egypt?

Of course, when you open a bank account in Egypt, you want to know that your money isn't going to disappear overnight.

For 30 years under Mubarak, fraud and bribery remained a normal part of business life. Tax evasion was, and probably still is, widespread in all walks of life.

In March 2017,cairo senereported the victimization of an HSBC whistleblower who subsequently lost his job, although his evidence led to the dismissal of several employees who committed fraud. This suggests that there are still significant cultural attitudes to overcome when it comes to detecting fraud and irregularities.

Egypt experienced several years of great political turmoil. Serious terrorist events and the constant threat of terrorism have severely affected the tourism industry and, in turn, caused significant economic damage to the nation. It may take some time before Egypt can be considered a politically and economically stable country.

However, the Central Bank of Egypt is at the forefront of banking reform and regulation. For more information, see theoxford business groupSite web.

You are much more likely to fall victim to a scam which can happen in any country. Phishing emails, unsolicited phone calls, people pretending to be from your bank, fake ATMs, sending money to online romantics you've never met - these are all scams that everyone should be aware of. Somehow these scams are successfully finding new targets every day, despite the fact that victims continue to appear on TV, radio and newspapers.

Banks in Egypt

Accordingcorporate finance instituteThe top banks in Egypt in 2017 were:

●Agricultural Credit, 79 branches

●HSBC Bank Egypt, 60 branches

●alex banco, 210 branches

●National Bank of Qatar, 215 branches

●international commercial bank, 174 branches

●National Bank of Egypt, 413 branches

●arab bank, 28 branches

●bank of cairo, 150 branches

●bank sir, 511 branches

●Audi table, 45 branches

Each of these banks offers a full range of products, including checking and savings accounts, debit and credit cards, and loans. Many also offer other services such as child and youth accounts or business accounts.

Mortgages are an evolving market; you will not be offered a residency visa and strong evidence that you have a low risk of long-term default.

When choosing the bank that's right for you, consider access to English-speaking staff and local branches, as well as the fees charged for different types of banking services. Small fees can accrue when you have a lot of activity on your account.

There are many ways to send money from one country to another. As always, expats can save themselves a lot of hassle and expense by doing a little research and finding the best deal.

international bank transfers

For most expats, currency transfer means regularly transferring small to medium amounts from an existing bank account at home to a new bank account abroad in the local currency. This could be pension payments, social benefits or other income.

Your home bank will usually be happy to help you out. You can set up facilities with them "on demand" where you send them a fax or phone, give them a secret code or two, tell them the amount in question and they transfer it to your new bank and automatically convert it into the appropriate local currency. Some banks also allow you to make international payments online. Whichever method you choose, transfers usually take 3-7 days, although 1-2 day transfers are generally available, but be prepared to pay extra for them.

You can also set up recurring transactions that are automatically processed on a fixed day of the month. Many mandatory pensions and social benefits can be paid directly into your new bank abroad, without going through your home bank. Some private pension organizations may also offer the same service.

When you initiate an international money transfer for the first time, the sending bank or institution will ask for several codes that identify the destination bank. A menudo will ask you for the IBAN (International Bank Account Number), the BIC (Bank Identification Code) or the SWIFT codes, but do not panic: your new bank will give you them and it is possible that it is already in your new checker or Bank statement.

When it comes to fees, you will most likely have to pay a flat fee per transaction. Additionally, there is often a percentage fee charged for the currency conversion itself. You may also find that the receiving bank charges fees for receiving the transfer. Fees vary by bank, but can add up quickly; check with your bank(s) for applicable fees.

In general, it is generally cheaper to transfer larger amounts than it is to transfer smaller amounts more frequently. However, if you need to transfer amounts of at least a few hundred pounds/dollars on a regular basis, or if you need to make a larger one-time payment (for example to buy a house), consider the services of a currency broker. .

You take out ATM/ATM

Thanks to modern technology, most people abroad can go to an ATM and withdraw money in local currency directly from their local bank account. This is a useful option for expats, but beware: many banks charge high fees to use this type of service. You may also find that there are withdrawal limits (as a safety measure) even if you have significant funds in your main account.

You can also use VISA or Mastercard credit cards to get cash this way, and if you want to withdraw cash quickly and avoid interest charges, that's fine, but again, credit card fees for cash withdrawals can be high. Check prices carefully.

forex broker

Forex brokers (also called currency brokers) offer significant advantages over traditional banks. First, brokers can usually offer a better rate than your bank. Second, the whole process is more transparent: many banks require you to accept whatever exchange rate is available on the day they process your transaction, whatever it is and when it is, but a specialist broker offers greater agility and even allows you to you make the graph. Of course you want it in advance.

Forex brokers are smaller companies than the big banks, so always check their background carefully. Ask existing expats about their own experiences and recommendations before choosing a company to suit your own foreign exchange needs.

A good agent will discuss all options with you and allow you to make the best decision for your circumstances. Using a broker usually offers the following advantages:

1) Forex brokers often offer better exchange rates than major banks. Forex brokers have access to the interbank rate and don't have the high costs that banks have. This means they can usually offer better exchange rates.

2) Using a free market monitoring/order service: This allows you to tell your forex broker your target or budget exchange rate and they will call you when that rate is reached. With the rate changing every few seconds, forex brokers can act as your eyes and ears in the market.

3) Ability to fix the exchange rate in advance through a futures contract. If you know you will need to exchange/transfer funds in the future but don't have them yet, you can reserve a fee in advance with a futures contract. During this time you will be exposed to exchange rate fluctuations, so a futures contract is ideal if, for example, you've agreed to buy a house and want to lock in the rate now, but won't be making any payments for a few months.

Savings from forex brokers can range from 1 to 4 percent on the exchange rate alone, and specialists typically do not charge to send funds abroad, unlike banks, which often charge exorbitant fees or charges. If you are immigrating and transferring a large sum of money, for example real estate receipts, a foreign exchange company can save you thousands of dollars.

Egypt is an ancient country that has traditionally been the crossroads of several trade routes, both sea and land, and if you're moving here to live and work, you'll need to know a little about the languages ​​spoken here.

The official language of Egypt is Literary Arabic, also known as Modern Standard Arabic, which is the standard written form of the language among several dialects. Arabic has been spoken in Egypt since the 7th century AD. C., when it replaced several local Semitic languages ​​such as Syriac and Assyrian as the dominant language.

The colloquial language is Egyptian Arabic, spoken by about 68% of the population, which is based on the Cairo dialect and is composed of elements of Arabic, Coptic, Turkish, Ottoman, French and Italian. There are then a large number of minority languages, some forms of Arabic itself, but others completely different, such as Coptic and the native language Siwi Berber. Other languages ​​spoken by the many waves of immigrants from Egypt include:

• Adigue
• armenian
• English
• French
• Greek
• Italian
• Español

Nubian languages ​​are spoken in the south of the country, around Aswan, as is Saidi Arabic. African languages ​​like Amharic are also common currencies. It is estimated that there are around 16 languages ​​in total in Egypt.

Thus, one can see that Egypt is a country where several languages ​​are spoken. If you live and work in the country then the ability to speak and read Modern Standard Arabic will be extremely helpful and it is recommended that you learn some basic phrases before entering the country such as:

• To welcome
• counting
• Adresses
• Days of the week/months of the year
• Vocabulary for shopping and eating out, including eating out
• Some basic medical vocabulary (for example, making an appointment with the doctor)
• some basic banking vocabulary (eg opening a bank account)

Learning Arabic is not easy: you have to learn a different alphabet, and both pronunciation and grammar can be challenging. It will take considerable time to master the language, especially if you are starting from scratch. It's a good idea to carry a good phrasebook with you when you're out and about rather than relying on digital methods if you're somewhere with limited Wi-Fi or cell phone coverage.

Many Egyptians speak basic English, and some people speak it fluently, whether they learned the language in school or university, or whether they lived in western countries like the United States and returned home. It is estimated that around 17% of the population speak English at home.

However, it would be unwise to rely on this and try to survive on English alone. The older generation can speak French, which historically has been one of Egypt's main languages ​​since the 18th century, but English is gaining popularity across the country. Banknotes, postage stamps and some street signs are now in English in addition to Arabic. The Egypt Daily Press is published in English.

There are several English speaking universities in Egypt:

• BUE (British University in Egypt)
• FUE (Future University in Egypt)
• University of the Nile
• AUC (American University of Cairo)

In Egypt you will find ample offers for formal learning of the Arabic language. Most schools are located in Cairo or Alexandria and are suitable for all language levels. Nasr City in Cairo offers a wide range of group or private lessons, but be clear about why you are learning the language (e.g. if you want to learn the Quran in Arabic or just pick up some local vocabulary) . daily use on the road?)

If you hold a TEFL certificate, you may want to explore the option of teaching in Egypt. Qualified TEFL teachers are always in demand at private educational institutions. Most jobs will be in Cairo, although you can find work in Alexandria and possibly other cities: however, some educational institutions have been affected by political unrest across the country in recent years.

It is always easier to get a job in international education if you have at least a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate.

Ideally, you will also have experience with teaching programs such as the Cambridge English exams or IELTS (International English Language Testing System): the test of English for study, migration or work. It is also helpful to have some experience teaching the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). It assesses analytical, written, quantitative, verbal and reading skills in written English for use in admission to graduate management programs such as the MBA.

Most institutions prefer at least a bachelor's degree: the general rule is that the more qualifications you have, both in TEFL and academic subjects, the easier it will be to find a job. You need a work permit, but the hiring season is year-round. You can expect to earn between $400 and $2,700 a month, depending on where you teach and the level of your institution. You will typically teach a week of 20-25 hours. There are a variety of teaching options available from public schools, international schools or private business English classes. Some contracts include flight and accommodation packages, but you should check this carefully. You can apply to a TEFL agency.

Translation and interpreting are job opportunities but you will need a high level of Arabic and qualified translators and interpreters are preferred.

Egypt's post-revolutionary government initiated major reforms to the education system to improve accessibility and quality. It will take many years for the program to be fully effective, including training more teachers and establishing more technical/career programs. Egyptian spending on education remains somewhat low, around 4% by OECD reporting standards. The literacy rate in Egypt is below 75%, although young people are much more likely to be able to read and write.

Basic education in Egypt is compulsory for ages 6 to 14 and tuition is free at all levels.

You will find that the education system here is very different from the UK or the US. The system is vast, with more than 20,000,000 students to serve, served by 50,000 state schools and at least 8,000 private schools, in addition to dozens of international schools.

Instruction in public schools is in Egyptian Arabic, although there are several experimental language schools where subjects such as math and science can be taught in either French or English. If your child needs private Arabic lessons to be accepted into the state system, it is best to arrange this privately in advance or on site upon arrival.

The current curriculum at all levels is controlled by the Ministry of Education. It is divided into several levels:

• Preschool (optional before age 6)
• Primary education (from 6 to 11 years old)
• Preparatory high school (12 to 14 years old)
• Secondary school (15-17 years old) or
• technical/professional programs (15 years or more – undergraduate)

After completing compulsory secondary education, students must decide whether they want to continue their general studies at upper secondary level or, alternatively, attend a technical school or a vocational course. Topics here include teaching, medicine, construction, engineering, IT, agriculture and many other fields. The duration of studies depends on the chosen subject, but is usually between 3 and 6 years.

Higher education is provided by colleges or universities and tuition fees remain free for Egyptian citizens. There are also a significant number of foreign students who continue their studies in Egypt.

Homeschooling is not allowed under Egyptian law, although some Egyptian families find ways to enroll their children in a school that denies them attendance, but they still need to pass all state exams. This can be problematic for expat families and it is recommended to check with local expats who have tried this route to their children's education.

Private schools generally have a similar curriculum to public schools, but are increasingly used by middle-class residents and foreigners who feel they could give their children a better education than what the state provides.

There are also a large number of international schools, around two dozen of which offer the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). The IB is recognized by continuing education institutions around the world for those who wish to continue and enter foreign universities.

These are just some of the international schools in Egypt:

• British School, Alexandria (English, IGSCE, A Levels)
• Schutz American School, Alexandria (USA, Kindergarten through Grade 12)
• Canadian International School, Kairo (Ontario High School Diploma)
• British International School, Kairo (UK National Curriculum bis A Level)
• Malvern College Egypt, Cairo (UK, Level A and IBDP)
• Lycee Francaise du Caire, Cairo (map of two French studies)
• Deutsche Evangelische Oberschule, Cairo (enrollment of German, international and Egyptian students)

There are many others to choose from, depending on your final destination in the country and your needs and budget.

You should be aware that international schools are generally very popular with expats, so contact them as soon as possible to secure a place for your child. Fees can also be quite expensive, which should be taken into account when negotiating a contract with your employer.