Travel to Egypt to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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 Egypt

Intro

Backpacking or traveling in Egypt?

  • Egypt is a country that lends itself to the seasoned backpacker and traveler, as well as the resort enthusiast. Explore ancient history with a visit to the pyramids, catacombs and remote villages and oases. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Memphis and the pyramids of Giza. The modern cities of Cairo and Alexandria are also worth visiting, do not forget the beautiful sand dunes of the Sahara. In short, the land of the pharaohs is an extremely suitable destination for the traveler looking for culture and history. Or simply go on a diving vacation and spend your time at the beach! 

Studying in Egypt?

  • Egypt does not rank high in international rankings, which may have an effect on opportunities after your studies. There are many study options though, with some options in English as well. 

Internship in Egypt?

  • If you do not speak Arabic, you are most likely to find an internship in the tourism sector, at an international company or an international organization with an office in Egypt. Furthermore, you can also find internships in education, marine conservation and health care. 

Doing volunteer work in Egypt?

  • Volunteer opportunities in Egypt include agriculture, women empowerment, education and medical care. 

Working in Egypt?

  • There is a growing demand for people in tech, healthcare, renewable energy, ecommerce etc. If you do not speak Arabic, it is easier to get a job with an international organization. 

Working as a digital nomad in Egypt?

  • Egypt attracts quite a few digital nomads, especially in Dahab because of its low cost and splendor. 

Living in Egypt?

  • Egypt is a country with a very different culture, especially for women the restrictions can be a bit more difficult to deal with. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful country and you can meet many friendly people. Costs are low, the political situation has been unstable in recent years and if you like adventure, hustle and bustle and getting to know Egyptian history and culture better, Egypt is obviously the best place! 

Supporting content

Egypt Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Egypt Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Egypt on WorldSupporter

Egypt: Updates & Travel
How does healthcare work in Egypt, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
Packing list for Egypt, travel insurance for Egypt, and taking your belongings

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ACTIVITIES
Leerkracht combinatiegroep peuters in Cairo, Egypte

Wat: De Dutch Stream van de New Cairo British International School in Cairo, Egypte zoekt per 15 augustus 2021 een fulltime leerkracht voor de combinatiegroep peuters-1-2 Waar: Cairo, Egypte Algemene informatie: De Dutch Stream van de NCBIS is een Nederlandse tweetalige Basisschool in Cairo, Eg...

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Egypt: Updates & Travel
  • Travel in Egypt?
  • Updates Egypt
  • Travel in Egypt?

    • If you are interested in antiquity and the rise and fall of empires, Egypt is the place to be. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Memphis and the pyramids of Giza. The modern cities of Cairo and Alexandria are also w...
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GEMS Education

GEMS Education is an educational organization with a network of over 40 international schools in the Middle East. The schools offer space for Kindergarten and English-language primary education. Ongoing opportunities to work as a primary school teacher in countries including the United Arab Emirates...

New Cairo British International School (NCBIS)

De New Cairo British International School (NCBIS) is gevestigd in een buitenwijk van Caïro met een volledig ommuurde campus. De school heeft ongeveer 720 leerlingen verdeeld over 3 stromen. Naast de Dutch Stream zijn dat ook de Britse Primary en Secondary stromen. De Dutch Stream is een volledi...

Animal Care Egypt

Local organization where you can help with the care of neglected animals in Egypt.

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SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

FAVORITES
Leerkracht combinatiegroep peuters in Cairo, Egypte

Wat: De Dutch Stream van de New Cairo British International School in Cairo, Egypte zoekt per 15 augustus 2021 een fulltime leerkracht voor de combinatiegroep peuters-1-2 Waar: Cairo, Egypte Algemene informatie: De Dutch Stream van de NCBIS is een Nederlandse tweetalige Basisschool in Cairo, Eg...

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Een toeristenvisum is verplicht voor Egypte en deze is tot 90 dagen na aanvraag geldig voor een toeristisch verblijf tot maximaal 30 dagen. Dit zogenaamde E-visum vraag je online aan, je hoeft dus niet naar de ambassade van Egypte in Den Haag. Je kunt bij aankomst in Egypte (dus ook in de...

Safety, insurances and packing list for Egypt

How does healthcare work in Egypt, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Egypt, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Egypt?

What is the quality of healthcare in Egypt?

  • The healthcare system in Egypt has made great strides in the last century, but also has (in the public sector) great strides to make.
  • Healthcare in Egypt consists of a mixture of public and private providers, but the difference in quality is almost as great as the pyramids themselves.
  • The supply and quality of healthcare also differs between the countryside and the big cities. Specialist care can generally be found in the cities.
  • There are many pharmacies, of which the larger chains are even available 24/7!
  • Call 123 for an ambulance. It may take a while for it to arrive, because traffic in Egypt can be quite chaotic at times. Sometimes it is faster to have your own transport.

How does the public healthcare system work in Egypt?

  • A lot of work is being done on a universal healthcare system, but the quality of healthcare is not really something to write home about yet.
  • If you are an official resident, you can make use of the public healthcare coverage, which means that healthcare is (largely) free.
  • Not only many foreigners, but also many (rich) Egyptians prefer to avoid public healthcare. Problems include: too few medical facilities, varying levels of education of staff, and a lack of English.

How does the private healthcare system work in Egypt?

  • Private healthcare is a lot better than public healthcare.
  • The staff generally speaks good English.
  • You often have to pay cash, so a well-filled wallet (or emergency fund) is not an unnecessary luxury.
  • In remote areas there is little to no private healthcare available, medical evacuation can be a dire necessity here!

How is the general practitioner arranged in Egypt?

  • There are many different GPs available. You can go to the hospital, or you can visit a private clinic.
  • In fact, all doctors are seen as primary doctors and there is no real gatekeeper function for GPs. 

How is the dentist arranged in Egypt?

  • There is good, private dental care available in Egypt, of course especially in the big cities!
  • Many dentists speak good English.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Egypt?

  • If you have read the previous articles, you will already feel it coming: even if you are pregnant, it is best to go to the private healthcare system. The public system fails in many areas (and that is not what you want when you are in labor).
  • It is best to discuss your options with a doctor or midwife. Many options are available: from pregnancy courses to water births, from doula services to luxury hospitals.
  • The best healthcare institutions can be found mainly in Cairo, Alexandria and Luxor. There are also clinics that offer doula services.
  • The number of caesarean sections has increased enormously in recent years. It seems that this is either because a higher price can be charged for a caesarean section, or because more and more mothers are requesting it. Make sure you discuss your wishes with your doctor well in advance.
  • Home births under the supervision of midwives also occur.
  • Some good hospitals are the Rofayda Health Park, Queen’s Royal Hospital, El Nada Hospital, Nozha International Hospital and the American Hospital.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Egypt?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Egypt?

  • Egypt is generally quite safe for anyone non Egyptian, if you can handle being noticed and sometimes being stared at or spoken to.
  • Beware of petty crime such as pickpocketing and do not walk alone in the streets after dark. Especially not if you are a woman.
  • Due to the tensions in the region, there is also a risk of terrorist attacks. The risk is particularly high in North Sinai. Popular tourist spots are also sometimes targeted.
  • Demonstrations can get dangerously out of hand. 
  • Earthquakes and sandstorms can occur.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Egypt?

  • Some health risks in Egypt are hepatitis C, tuberculosis and rabies.
  • Only drink boiled water or bottled water. It may also be wise to avoid swimming in fresh water.
  • Dengue also occurs in Egypt.
  • Air pollution can be a major problem in Cairo, especially if you already have respiratory problems.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Egypt?

  • Driving is a challenge and safety is certainly not guaranteed.
  • The roads are of varying quality and reckless driving is not uncommon. Driving can therefore be quite chaotic, with a donkey in front of your car one moment and someone driving on the wrong side of the road the next.
  • There are also relatively many traffic accidents in Egypt, especially with pedestrians and motorcyclists.
  • You should always have a fire extinguisher, warning triangle and first aid kit with you.
  • Taxis are not always safe, there have been cases of taxi drivers who have attacked passengers. So make sure you always use a good taxi company.
  • You can also use the bus (the cheapest option), train and in Cairo also the metro.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Egypt?

  • Is the trip to Egypt and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Egypt if you are going to live there for a while?

  • You can get reasonable care in Egypt if you go to private clinics, but this costs quite a bit of money. There is also a good chance that you would rather go back home or abroad for medical care. In that case, good, international health insurance is very important.
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Packing list for Egypt, travel insurance for Egypt, and taking your belongings

Packing list for Egypt, travel insurance for Egypt, and taking your belongings

Packing list for Egypt, travel insurance for Egypt, and taking your belongings

To take or not to take to Egypt, leave at home or arrange locally?
Sufficiently insured or not for your activities in Egypt?
Sufficiently insured or not for your trip to Egypt?

What to take with you to Egypt: short

Featured items:
  • Documents: passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. An online and/or offline copy of your passport is also always useful.
  • Money: It is useful to have Egyptian pounds (EGP) when you want to pay at markets, small shops and street vendors. Also, outside tourist areas, there are not always ATMs available.
  • Care: sunscreen with a high factor - because hiding from the sun is going to be difficult in Egypt and buying it there is expensive!
  • Outdoor and conveniences: cap or hat and sunglasses.
  • Clothing: breathable clothing and layers. It can still be quite cold in the winter months. As a woman, it can be nice to wear covering clothing.
  • Shoes: comfortable, airy (walking) shoes and sandals.
  • Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, hand sanitizer, painkillers, anti-diarrhea and ORS. Anti-mosquito repellent for the summer.
  • Technology and equipment: world plug with type C & F.
  • Women: scarf or light shawl for the sun and for visiting mosques. Tampons if you use them!
What are some other options for packing as well?
  • Reusable water bottle with filter (more about drinking bottles).
  • Portable fan or fan for cooling.
  • Quick-drying travel towel and swimwear for the beach or pool. In terms of swimwear, what people wear varies - from bikini to burkini.
  • Diving goggles and snorkel!
  • Earplugs for the noisy cities.
  • Biodegradable tissues for the toilets. Often there is no toilet paper.

What should you keep in mind when traveling to Egypt with your belongings?

  • What time of year you are going.
  • The dress code at different locations.
  • What you are going to do.

Are there mosquitoes in Egypt?

  • Yes, there are! You will mainly find mosquitoes in areas around water.
  • Egyptian mosquitoes are most active in the evening and at night.
  • You do not need to be afraid of malaria, but other diseases such as dengue and West Nile virus do occur.

Are there sandflies in Egypt?

  • Sand flies live in Egypt, but don’t often cause problems for tourist. 
  • They are usually active during twilight and night.
  • There is a risk that they can transmit leishmaniasis.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Egypt?

  • It is not always easy to find mosquito repellent in Egypt.
  • Your best chance is online and at pharmacies and large drugstores.
  • It is easiest to bring your own preferred repellent from home. 

Can you buy beer or wine in Egypt, or take it to Egypt?

  • Because Egypt is a largely Islamic country, it is not necessarily easy or cheap to go wild with a night of drinking. And that despite the fact that they have quite a history with beer and wine production!
  • Alcohol consumption is haram, or forbidden, for Muslims according to Islam. Apart from that, it is legal to drink alcohol in Egypt and available in certain hotels, restaurants and bars, especially in tourist areas.
  • You must be 21 years old to be able to drink alcohol.
  • It is better not to drink alcohol in public, because it's forbidden.
  • Alcohol consumption is also totally forbidden during Ramadan and Islamic holy days.
  • You’re allowed to bring one liter of alcohol in your luggage. 

Can you buy a joint or weed in Egypt, or take it with you to Egypt?

  • Totally illegal. Smoking of cannabis does happen in Egypt, but the laws are strictly enforced. Especially for tourists!
  • A prison sentence is not uncommon.
  • So you are not allowed to take a joint or weed with you either.

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