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Living in Cairo as a Foreigner | Housing, Transport & Residency Guide
New to Egypt? Discover essential tips on housing, transportation, residency permits, and how to navigate Cairo as a foreigner.
Welcome to Cairo: A Bustling City for Expats
Cairo, Egypt’s capital, is a city full of history, culture, and opportunity. If you’re a new expat, digital nomad, diplomat, or student, Cairo can feel overwhelming at first—but with the right guidance, it becomes a city full of energy and charm.
Whether you’re settling down for work, study, or long-term residency, here’s your complete guide to living in Cairo as a foreigner.
1. Finding a Place to Live
Popular Areas for Expats:
Maadi: Quiet, green, and home to many diplomats and international schools.
Zamalek: Trendy island district with embassies, cafes, and art galleries.
New Cairo & 6th of October: Modern compounds and gated communities, ideal for families.
Rental Process:
Most rentals are furnished.
Contracts are typically 6–12 months, and many landlords ask for 3 months’ rent upfront. It’s recommended to use a local agent or trusted Facebook groups for listings.
2. Getting Around Cairo
Public Transport Options:
Metro: Fast, cheap, and avoids traffic—great for central areas.
Uber & Careem: Widely used and safer than street taxis.
Buses & Microbuses: Inexpensive, but not ideal for non-Arabic speakers.
Insider Tips:
Traffic is intense. Always allow extra time.
Friday mornings are calm—best time for errands.
Use Google Maps, Swvl, or Move It for navigation.
3. Residency & Immigration Tips
If you’re staying more than 30 days, you’ll need to extend your visa or apply for residency.
Key Steps:
Go to the Mogamma in Tahrir Square or Passports Office in Abbasiya.
Bring passport photos, lease contract, and copies of your entry visa.
Some applicants may require certified translation of marriage or academic documents. Need help with certified translation? COT Translation Services offers embassy-approved translations accepted by immigration offices in Egypt.
4. Healthcare & Emergencies
4. Healthcare & Emergencies
Recommended hospitals: Cleopatra Hospital, As-Salam International, El Nada, and Qasr Al Ainy (public).
Pharmacies like El Ezaby and Roshdy are everywhere and open late.
Emergency numbers:
Ambulance: 123
Police: 122
Fire: 180
5. Essential Contacts & Services
COT Translation Services – For certified documents, legal papers, and visa support.
Mobile providers: Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat.
Internet providers: WE, Orange DSL, or Nile Online.
Banking: HSBC, CIB, Banque Misr, National Bank of Egypt.
FAQs
Do I need to speak Arabic to live in Cairo?
No, but learning a few basic phrases helps a lot. English is common in many areas.
Can I buy property in Egypt as a foreigner?
Yes, but it depends on location and type. Legal translation of contracts is essential.
How safe is Cairo for expats?
Cairo is generally safe, especially in expat neighbourhoods. Use common sense like in any big city.
Need Help with Legal or Visa Paperwork?
Whether you’re translating your lease, passport, or university documents, COT Translation Services is here to help.
Call Us or Send the document via WhatsApp
Visit: www.cottranslation.com
Branches: Downtown – Maadi – Mohandessin
COT – Helping You Settle in Egypt, One Document at a Time.
