Working in Egypt

If you are interested in working in Egypt, you must bear in mind that Cairo dominates the Egyptian economy, so there are very few jobs available outside this city despite the fact that some jobs may require travel throughout the country (journalism and development work, for instance).

You will find that there are two types of jobs, the ones which are paid in local currency (the Egyptian pound, or guinay), and the ones which are paid in foreign currencies. You will notice that people who are paid in guinay typically earn much less than those earning hard currency. An Egyptian-financed nongovernmental organization (NGO), for instance, might pay the equivalent of $450-$750 a month. By contrast, a high school teacher at one of Cairo’s elite private schools might earn between $25,000 and $45,000 a year.

If you want to go to Egypt and look for a job which is paid in dollars, do not be disappointed if you cannot find it, because they are more than lined up even before going there. You will have to start looking for jobs which are paid in Guinay once you arrive in Cairo. Costs are low, however, so it is possible to live comfortably on an Egyptian salary. Rent for a large 2-bedroom apartment in a pleasant neighbourhood averages from $250 to $500 a month, a ride on the subway is 13 cents, and lunch at an upscale coffee shop is $3 to $6. A huge bowl of kushari—a filling mixture of pasta, lentils and tomato sauce—costs 25 cents.

Do not expect publications on newspapers about jobs or finding a list of available positions on the Internet, because the Egyptian job market operates entirely on word of mouth. Despite this fact, there are sometimes adverts in one of Cairo’s English-language publications.

You don’t need to speak Arabic in order to work in the country, but taking classes can be a great idea if you want to meet some foreign workers or students. This will also allow you to socialize with more people and not only those speaking English belonging to the upper classes. You may need to print business cards with English on one side and Arabic on the other. Egyptians and expatriates usually hand out business cards at every chance, and you never know who may hear about a job opening that’s right for you. It would also help to have a mobile phone.

FREEPHONE US TODAY

INTERNATIONAL Freephone Number
0800 011 2352

Investment Guide Brazil

Download your
FREE BROCHURE NOW

For more information about all International Property World developments, please enter your details.
	Name:		Tel:		Email: