Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahrqe
Hi there. My SO and I are thinking of moving to Cairo. His company will take care of all the Visa details, but I was wondering about the day to day living there.
1. Do you need to speak Arabic? I don't speak this language, but will be happy to learn. Am mostly wondering how much I should focus on this before I arrive.
2. What is the social attitude about alcohol consumption?
3. Will it matter that my partner and I are not married? (socially, not visa wise)
4. How safe is it?
5. Are there any social clubs for expats?
6. What are local attitudes about dogs? I have one that will come with us.
7. What is the availability of international foods?
Any help anyone has would be great. Thanks!
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Hi.
You dont have to speak Arabic, but it makes life easier. You can learn pigeon Arabic very quickly if you take a crash course. You dont need much to get around and locals are always willing to understand foreigners' attempts at Arabic. They're very helpful.
Alcohol isnt a big deal, but its not available everywhere. All hotels will have it and there are local producers and a few good local beers. There's a local producer's delivery service that will bring your orders straight to your door - Drinkies. It will be more difficult during the holy month of Ramadan that will begin this year around mid August. During that period alcohol availability is extremely limited and consumption in the majority of public places is not advisable. Again, you will soon understand what is acceptable and most Egyptians give a great deal of leeway for foreigners.
The marriage thing depends on where you're living. Maadi and Zamalek are main expat regions and people tend not to make a big deal of either that or pets. I suggest you follow the dont ask dont tell policy until you get an understanding of your landlord's attitude. But you should definitely check that pets are allowed in house/apartment you rent - even if its in an expat district. Lots of locals are afraid of dogs, so even if he's small, keep him on a leach in public.
Egypt is extremely safe in comparison to almost anywhere I've traveled in the world. Its one of the things I like about it. Dont dress in very revealing clothes on the streets so you're not hassled, but otherwise you have little to worry about.
There are several clubs with a significant expat membership. Check out the Maadi Community Messenger magazine +20 12 3919833. Its a free publication and has a great deal of ads for language tutors, classified, restaurants etc. Will give you a lot of information and contacts straight off the bat.
You'll find international food everywhere, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants. Lots of the big fast food chains are there....rather go check out the local dishes. Some are great.
Dont be too worried. Cairo is a relatively easy place to live. The traffic is a nightmare though, but even that you'll get used to.
Good luck.