Renting apartment in Cairo

[Bissycissy]

Hi everyone!
Just back after a fortnight in Cairo,looking for flats to rent, I really need the help of you lot here on the forum!
My husband and I are moving to Cairo soon,so can anyone tell if 2000US dollars,is about right for a 3bedroom apartment in Zamalek?
Most flats we looked at were at around 1800-2000 dollars.Expensive!
Is it because were foreigners,and are we supposed to haggle?
So grateful for any answers,Cissy

[Hisham]

Well, I'm putting up my apt. for rent in Maadi (2 bedroom, unfurnished) for 3000 LE, which is the equivalent of around $550. So, I would say $3000 might be a bit much.

[Deeana]

Rents in Cairo vary tremendously and there is indeed a "special" rate for foreigners. In return for paying much more you can expect a far, far higher standard of finish in the apartment and if you don't get it, don't go for that apartment. Also, location even within a specific area like Zamalek can vary a lot, whether you are on the eighth floor with no lift, for example, as opposed to the ground floor with a garden. Renting an apartment cannot really be done without being there, and you need someone to speak Arabic for you too, because there is plenty of room for confusion in the negotiations.
Hope this helps a bit. My husband is Egyptian, I'm British, and we are building a couple of villas in New Cairo, so we know something about the market over there!

[Bissycissy]

Thank You,Hisham and Deeana for your replies.
It helps a lot when I get a picture of how things work.
Cissy.