Moving to Egypt
* Egypt Safety Update - Nov 2011 *
The safety situation in Egypt has now stabilized, after a tumultuous year in which a violent political uprising lead to the resignation of long-time leader Hosni Mubarak. Many western nations have lifted their instated travel bans, and it’s no longer recommended that expats and travellers avoid Egypt at all costs. That said, it’s essential that foreigners travelling to Egypt to live and work realise that the situation is still in flux, and that they should exercise extreme caution. Read more about safety in Egypt.
The safety situation in Egypt has now stabilized, after a tumultuous year in which a violent political uprising lead to the resignation of long-time leader Hosni Mubarak. Many western nations have lifted their instated travel bans, and it’s no longer recommended that expats and travellers avoid Egypt at all costs. That said, it’s essential that foreigners travelling to Egypt to live and work realise that the situation is still in flux, and that they should exercise extreme caution. Read more about safety in Egypt.
While Egypt is not a primary destination for expats relocating to further their professional career or entertain business interests, the country is a cultural hub in the Arab world and is certainly enticing in this manner. As a focal point for regional politics and a traditional epicentre of education, expats moving to Egypt will experience a country as edgy as ever.That being said, expats considering moving to Egypt should pay special attention to the political situation. Though not characteristically unsafe, in early 2011 riots and violence ran rampant in the nation in lieu of an uprising against the Mubarak lead government.
Foreign nationals were evacuated, and a period of instability was expected to follow. The revolt was out of the ordinary, but expats should still be wary.
For the most part though, Egypt makes for a different kind of expat destination; as it is usually curiosity or love that draws expats to stay rather than financial promise or luxury living. That being said, the nation does have its business incentives, but it isn't an internationally recognized industrial centre. Entrepreneurs can find new emerging markets and opportunities as the country is actively promoting itself on a global front.
Expats moving to Egypt tend to be engaging, active and interested in connecting with communities and interacting with Egyptian culture and people. Teachers, writers, volunteers and NGO workers are all interwoven into Egyptian society, making for a truly foreign expat experience.
Most expats moving to Egypt end up in Cairo, a metropolis where the malaise of city life can prove intimidating. Close quarters, pollution, and noise can seem inescapable in the endless city sprawl if expats aren’t adequately prepared.
Women used to western culture often find the transition to Egypt's male oriented society difficult, although far less so than other Islamic countries.

