A Digital Nomad Guide to Cairo

Cairo Visa

 Obtaining a tourist visa to Egypt is pretty straight-forward. Depending on your nationality, you can either apply for an e-Visa or receive a tourist visa on arrival once you reach the airport. This will allow you to stay in Egypt for 30 days and will cost 25 USD. 

If you’re planning on working with a company in Egypt, the company will take care of the work-permit. In most cases, all they’ll need is a valid passport, but should they need anything else they will ask you for it. 

If you’re looking to stay in Egypt for a longer duration, obtaining a work-permit or an indefinite stay in Egypt would be quite difficult to get as an individual. However, it is possible to renew your tourist visa from Mogmma El Tahrir once your visa expires. Most expats living in Egypt tend to overstay their visa and just end up paying a fine at the airport. 

Culture and Food in Cairo

When it comes to food, the Egyptian cuisine is quite rich. At first, it will be quite shocking as it is very oriental and Middle Eastern with a lot of ghee and butter involved making the food an absolute delight. For a nomad wishing to get a taste of authentic Egyptian food there are a few dishes that are an absolute must: 

Fool (Fava beans)

 a typical Egyptian breakfast usually involves fool marinated in a white creamy sauce known as tehina cooked with vinegar and olive oil. It comes with different herbs and different flavours and is definitely the most common Egyptian breakfast. 

Koshary

 If you’re a fan of carbs, this is about to become your favourite dish. Koshary is a mixture of pasta, rice, lentils and chickpeas topped with fried onion flakes, tomato paste and a garlic-vinegar dressing. 

Molokhiya

 Egyptians are very high on vegetables, but by far the best is molokhiya. Don’t judge a book by its cover because it tastes a lot better than it looks. Molokhia is similar to a green, thick soup made from the leaves of Jute leaves and is also known as Jew’s Mallow. It is eaten as a main dish with rice, chicken or rabbit meat. 

Mahshi

Stuffed vegetables are very popular in Middle Eastern cuisines. In Egypt, the most common vegetables are zucchini, aubergine and green bell peppers. These veggies are filled with a mixture of rice, herbs and minced meat. 

There are many more aspects of the Egyptian cuisine that are an absolute delight, especially when it comes to fish, poultry and meat but it’s better to try it yourself at one of these authentic Egyptian restaurants: 

• Kebdet  El Brince 
• Sobhy Kaber
• Abou El Sid Restaurant 
• Kababgy 
• Farahat 
• Arabiatta 
• Tabaly
• Koshary  Eli Tahrir
• Asmak
• El Borg 

Cairo Nightlife

While Cairo is not considered a go-to destination for its nightlife, you’ll definitely find options to have a good time. As Egypt is considered a Muslim country, it is not high on drinking and partying as the culture and religion prevents that. However, part of the population still partakes making it available in several locations. Here are a few places you can dance the night away in Cairo: 

Cairo Jazz Club

One of the most popular destinations to enjoy dancing to the beat and a few drinks is CJC in Agouza. They hold events every night of the week and share their schedule on their website as well as their Facebook page. You’ll find bands playing covers, Egyptian folkloric music, underground DJs and musicians displaying their talents as well as certain nights dedicated to a type of genre. Check the calendar and enjoy the kind of music you like. 

The Tap

 Located on both the east, west, north, and south sides of Cairo, The Tap has quickly become a hit in the party scene in Cairo. Any night of the week, you can head over and grab a drink while listening to good music, playing fooseball and just having a good laugh. The Tap also holds events on certain nights of the week and is a lot more crowded on the weekend. 

Sass

 Feel like hitting a club that’s on the Nile? Sass is a docked Nile boat that overlooks a fascinating view. This is a great location to enjoy a drink or two in a cozy amoshphere before the music turns up and everyone starts dancing next to their table at night. 

Pub28

 One of the most popular bars is located in Zamalek and can get really packed. While this pub is a great place to encounter locals laughing and having a good time, it can get a little too stuffed and smokey. 

Downtown Cairo

If you’re looking for something a bit more Egyptian, then Horreya cafe in Downtown is the answer.In downtown, you’ll find several local bars within waking distance that offer a more chill and relaxed atmosphere and only serve local alcohol. Because of their close proximity to each other, it’s perfect for a pub crawl. 

The Atrium

Located in Maadi, this cool pub offers darts and billiards and is easy to make new friends over an informal game and a few drinks. 

Cheers

Another common pub where you can grab a drink, watch a match or just hang out is Cheers. The first branch that opened is located in Maadi, but there are several branches around Cairo. 

Zone 100

Located in Heliopolis this restaurant/nightclub is an excellent place to both dine in and party afterwards. It’s a great place to spend your weekends and enjoy the company of locals drinking and dancing the night away. 

Red Onion

Located in Maadi, this pub is a low-key place to spend a relaxed night in Cairo and is perfect for weekdays. It offers drinks as well as music for anyone who wants to dance. Keep in mind that this has become a spot for seniors who also go for a drink and a cozy dance or two, making the atmosphere more laid-back than your typical active, loud pubs. 

Things to do in Cairo

Cairo has so much to offer due to its rich history, amazing culture and endless activities that every digital nomad will absolutely love. While the list is endless, here are the things you must do in Cairo: 

• Pyramids of Giza

  You cannot be in Egypt and not visit one of the 7 wonders of the world: The pyramids of Giza. While the area is not much taken care of, it will still leave you in awe to see how massive the pyramids are. While you’re there, you can enjoy a camel ride or even go horseback riding in the desert.

• Sail a Felucca on the Nile river

  The Nile river is a mesmerizing view at any time of day but it is a breathtaking sight during sunset. Taking a felucca (a sail canoe boat) and being on the Nile as the sun sets is not only romantic, but an experience you’ll remember forever. In fact, any Nile cruise will leave you in awe. If you’d like to add a meal to your night, there are Nile cruises that offer a dining experience such as Fel Felucca in Maadi.

• Egyptian museum

  The Egyptian museum previously located in Tahrir square is home to ancient Egyptian artifacts that will leave you in awe. However, for the past couple of years it has been moved to a new upgraded and renovated spot that is supposed to open in 2021. The Grand Egyptian museum is said to be the largest archeological museum in the world. It will hold numerous ancient Egyptian artifacts as well as the entire Tutankhamen collection.

• Coptic and Islamic Cairo

  A walking tour in Old Cairo is an absolute must. As you stroll by the incredible architecture and historical sites, you’ll come across the Hanging church, the Coptic Museum, the Babylon Fortress and many other churches that encompass the historic aspects of Cairo. Old Cairo is also home to mosques that will leave you in absolute awe. These include AlAzhar Mosque, Al Hakim Mosque which is known for its soaring minarets, Al- Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al Rifa’i mosque. Khan El khalily: Markets are a huge part of the Egyptian culture, but this area is a market like no other. Here you’ll find an array of handmade Egyptian products from spices, tea stalls, jewellery, slippers, scarves, papyrus art and many others.

• Moez Street

  In the same area as Khan el Khalily, Moez street is located and is an absolute must if you’re looking for something authentic, oriental and absolutely stunning. This pedestrian street is filled with mind-blowing medieval and Islamic architecture. Not only will you find beautiful mosques, but you’ll also come across a few buildings that are historical sites and even hold must-see traditional cultural and dance events such as the Tanoura show which is held at Wekalet el Ghouri cultural center.

• Cairo Tower

  Located in Zamalek, the 187 meter tower offers a panoramic view of Cairo as it overlooks the Nile, too. It is an incredible view and is especially pretty at night when the city lights up and comes alive. This site is the second most popular attraction in Cairo after the pyramids.

• Water activities on the Nile

  While riding a Falouka is a relaxing activity to do in Cairo, there are several fun water sports that are held on the Nile, too. These include kayaking, rowing and even windsurfing. However, it is always best to check the weather first to make sure that it is windy enough to windsurf.

• Street food

  Egypt is a country known for its incredible street food and is something every foreigner should experience to understand how food is such an important part of the culture. Around every corner, you’ll find food stalls that offer kebda, mokh and fried shrimps sandwiches that are made the Egyptian way. You’ll also find oriental desserts such as Zalabya, sakalans, feteer and many other Egyptian delicacies you’ll absolutely fall in love with. There are several tours that offer food tours around Cairo.

• Art galleries tour

  Egyptians are creative and talented by nature. That’s why you won’t be disappointed when visiting art galleries in Zamalek and Downtown. Underground Egyptian art, workshops and events can also be found in Darb 1718 or even screenings of aspiring filmmakers at Zawya or Room Art space.

• Go on a picnic

  Because Cairo offers excellent weather most of the year, a picnic is something you can enjoy on numerous occasions and is a great way to spend a day with the family. This can be done in Al Azhar Park with vast greenery as well as Family Park where there is also a kids area as well as animals for the children to pet and play with.

• Historical buildings

  The architecture in Egypt in certain areas is breathtaking. A historical building that is an absolute must would be Al Manial Palace where Prince Mohamed Ali once resided. It is now an open museum that has been preserved as an antiquities council due to its incredible architecture and interior. Another historical building with numerous myths and stories surrounding it is Baron Empain Palace in Heliopolis. The palace was designed by a Belgian architect and was inspired by the Hindu temples of South India. Just recently, it has opened to the public and is possible to take guided tours inside which also explains the myths around the palace.

Best Time to Visit Cairo

The weather in Cairo is sunny the majority of the year. In fact, during the summer, the temperature is usually between 30-40 degrees Celsius and can sometimes be a bit too much. During these months, most Egyptians flock to the North Coast by the Mediterranean Sea where the temperature is more bearable and the summer breeze on the beach is absolutely fascinating.

If you’re coming from a colder country, you’ll appreciate the sun in December and that the cold winter only lasts for a month from mid January-mid February. 

During the winter, the sun will still probably come out in the morning with highs of 15-20 degrees and lows of 7-12 degrees. While that sounds like spring in many places in the world, the greatest problem is that the houses are not equipped to keep out the cold and so a heater is absolutely essential indoors to stay warm. 

It doesn’t rain much in Cairo, but when it does, the streets get flooded due to the poor infrastructure. While the weather all-year-round is fantastic in Cairo, the spring and fall (April-June and September-November) are the months with the best weather in Cairo. 

During the month of March, Cairo usually encounters sandstorms and very dusty unstable weather known as the Khamaseen. For the rest of the year, the weather in Cairo is usually an absolute delight and waking up to a bright day is something any digital nomad can quickly get used to. 

Cairo for Families

Schools

There are many international schools and day care centres available for kids according to the curriculum you’d like to follow. However, in comparison to the cost of living in Cairo, a decent education can be quite pricey. Schools accept children starting the age of 4.6 years. 

American educational systems

 The most popular schools include AIS (American International School), MET (Metropolitan School), CAC (Cairo American College), AISE (American International School in Egypt). 

British educational system

The top-notch British schools in Cairo include MES (Modern English School), BISC (British Internatonal School in Cairo), NCBIS (New Cairo British International School), MBIS (Maadi British Intrnational School) and MCE (Malvern College Egypt) 

German educational system

 While there are not that many German schools in Cairo, the ones available offer an excellent education. These include DEO (Deutschland Evangelische Oberschule), Europa Schule Kairo and DSB (Deutschland Schule Dee Borromarinnen). 

French educational system

French is considered to be a third language in Egypt which makes many families decide to follow the French educational system. Schools following this system include Lycee Francais du Cairo, Concordia – Lycee International Francais en Egypte, Lycee International Balzac, Ecole Oasis Internationale, College de lA Saints Famille (Jesuites) and College du Sacre-Coeur.

As for nurseries, there are so many in each district as most people choose a daycare centre based on proximity. However, each school does have a list of nurseries that they approve children from making it essential to enroll your child in a certain nursery if you’re opting for a specific school. In this article, you’ll find a list of nurseries with prices in New Cairo as well as a list of German nurseries around Cairo. 

As a family, there are a lot of things you can do together. From spending the day at a park and having a picnic at Al Azhar park or family park or visiting one of the animal-friendly places in Cairo such as Kidzoo, Nemo Farm, Sakkara country club, Dondon park and Africa park. There are also many activity centres such as Ski Egypt where the family can go skiing, snowboarding or just play with the penguins. Or you could go to one of the many escape rooms or paintball destinations in Cairo. You’ll also find several restaurants that offer play areas for your child to play as you dine. 

Living in Cairo

Cairo Transportation

If you’re thinking of driving in Cairo, think again. Not only is traffic horrendous in Cairo, but nobody follows any safety and driving rules. It is quite normal to find Egyptians creating 4-5 lanes on a two-lane street. Accidents are very common on the streets of Cairo as well as cars breaking down making it a norm to get stuck in traffic. 

Metro

When it comes to transportation, the Metro system is the most-connected, most-reliable form of transportation that connects a large part of Cairo together. However, during the rush-hour you’ll find it extremely packed to the extent that you will be glued to the person next to you. 

When using public transportation, keep your belongings safe as there are many pickpockets who take advantage of the crowds. For female digital nomads, always choose the female-only carriages to avoid any form of harassment. Ticket prices vary based on destination amounting to 5 EGP ($0.3)  for 1-9 stops, 7 EGP ($0.45) for 9-17 stops and 10 EGP ($0.64) for 16-40 stops.

SWVL

 Over the past few years, there are several companies who have launched more reliable, less-crowded transportation options at a higher standard. SWVL, a private bus company, offers rides all over Cairo and can be booked through their app. Prices can start from EGP 25 ($1.25)  per ride with the possibility of signing up to packages of multiple rides for a cheaper price. 

Uber

 One of your best bets of moving around in Cairo at your own pace is of-course using Uber. The fares are relatively cheap in comparison to international prices and are available frequently in every location. 

Taxis

 While taxis are easy to find, they tend to take advantage of foreigners and surge their prices. So, before getting into a taxi, ask them to use their meter for pricing, if they refuse, avoid getting into that taxi. 

Fitness and Health

The fitness scene in Cairo has been growing immensely for the past decade. You’ll find countless fitness groups that offer group training in every location. The most popular ones that have facilities all over Cairo are BeFit, Ignite Egypt, and HIT. Their prices vary but can start from $40/month. 

Gyms can be found scattered in every street and due to their relatively cheap prices in comparison to Europe for instance, it can even make more sense to get your own Personal Trainer. The most popular gyms are Gold’s Gym, Smart Gym, Hers Gym (Ladies only) and many others. If you’re staying for a while, it would make more sense to get a monthly subscription as they are a lot cheaper. Most gyms and fitness centres make huge discounts on their packages during Black Friday and New Years. 

Trying out a new sport or activity can be something to add to your list of things to do and is also a great way to meet new people. Boxing, MMA, swimming are available per session for you to test out as well as other activities such as rock climbing, paddle tennis and rowing. 

Cairo People

Egyptians are very friendly, hospitable and welcoming by nature. You’ll feel their generosity when you make friends and will instantly feel that you’ve become part of their family. However, when it comes to the culture, it is important to understand that Egyptians are somewhat conservative and live in a mostly patriarchal society. This is extremely evident in the way men treat women in all aspects. Egyptian men like to take care of females and whether they become a friend, partner or colleague, they will feel the need to have some sort of authority over you as a form of protection. 

Because the culture is religious and conservative, there are many limitations when it comes to the general public. Greetings do not involve any form of physical contact and it is advisable to refrain from hugging or kissing as a greeting. Some stricter sects will not even shake hands. However, there are many Egyptians who are a lot more open-minded and will welcome nomads with open arms. 

The common language spoken in Egypt is Arabic, but because of the foreign occupancy in Egypt most people can get by with a few words of English. That being said, the second language in schools being taught in Egypt is English and many schools and universities have a strictly English curriculum allowing middle and upper class locals to speak in fluent English. 

Egyptians are humorous, fun and tend to be sarcastic all the time. Don’t take it personally if they start making fun of you, it’s just their way of being friendly.

When it comes to Egyptian males, their temper can easily get out of control, especially when it comes to family, culture or honour. However, they are one of the most loyal and charismatic nationalities due to their humorous characters, their welcoming of others and how they’ll stand by you through thick and thin offering their guidance and support in any way they can. Once you’ve made an Egyptian friend, they become a friend for life. 

Describing an Egyptian in a nutshell would come down to, funny, sarcastic, brave, loyal, hospitable and short-tempered. One of the greatest traits of Egyptians is their insane problem-solving abilities due to the many obstacles they face in life. That’s just part of the reason that makes them highly creative beings that always think out of the box. 

Cairo Insurance and Medical Care

The public healthcare system is of low standard as a result of lack of funding. This is because the government investment in healthcare in Egypt is only 1.5% of the country’s GDP. For that reason, most Egyptians who can afford it resort to private healthcare. 

Like everything else in Egypt, insurance will be difficult to obtain as an individual, especially if you do not have any documents permitting your long-term stay. That’s why it is best to obtain international insurance from your home country, allowing you to get the medical care you need in Cairo. Otherwise, there are health insurance companies such as Buppa, Allianz, AXA and MetLife that offer several types of individual medical insurance according to the plan you’re willing to buy. 

The Medical care in Egypt is not one of the best, but you’ll find everything available. One of the cheapest care you can get in comparison to Europe is dental care. Even though it is considered relatively expensive in Egypt and is rarely covered by insurance plans, it is still manageable when compared to Europe. 

If you’re in need of a hospital, be sure to pick one of the hospitals with a better reputation as there are less risks when it comes to cleanliness, hygiene and general healthcare accidents. These include Dar Al Fouad Hospital, Cleopatra Hospital and Saudi German Hospital. Many hospitals also offer outpatient clinics with some of the best doctors in Egypt. 

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Cairo

One of the easiest and most lucrative jobs to get for a foreigner living in Egypt would be teaching, especially if you’re coming from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia and are a native english speaker. International schools value native speakers allowing a digital nomad to make anywhere between $2000-3500 depending on the school as well as your experience and qualifications. 

Depending on the language you speak, call centres and customer service as well as translating are also in high demand. Most other jobs will require experience and qualifications, but you could find jobs on the following portals: 

• LinkedIn
• Wuzzuf
• Bayt
• Jobzella

The entrepreneur world is rapidly growing in Egypt with still much room for new startups. Whatever idea you have, it is quite easy to set up a social media account dedicated to it, send out a few gifts to influencers in Egypt and quickly gain recognition if you offer something cool or trendy. Because of that, social media skills as well as content creation are always in demand in Egypt and advertising agencies are always looking for fresh blood and new ideas to reach a wider audience. 

Most jobs that are not desk jobs will require speaking the language as well as understanding the market, making it difficult for a foreigner to fit in. However, Egyptians highly value foreigners and will be willing to hire anyone just to add value to their company. 

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.