Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt, located on the Mediterranean coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). 1 EUR ≈ 34 EGP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Typically not drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, using Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Local banks include National Bank of Egypt. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular platforms: Airbnb, local real estate sites like OLX Egypt. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred but cards are accepted in many locations. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local apartment rentals are available, prices range from EGP 500-1500 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Greek Club and Aloha Hotel starting at EGP 200 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Corniche area is popular for its proximity to the waterfront and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown district offers good cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Alexandria offers flexible spaces and fast internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Bakery 2 serves great coffee and has a relaxed working environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com features various tech and entrepreneurial events in Alexandria. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Alexandria' host regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most popular ride-sharing app in Alexandria. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are offered in some tourist areas, but services are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Montaza Beach is a popular choice among locals and tourists. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir operates domestic flights from Alexandria to several regional cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EgyptAir also handles many international flights from Borg El Arab Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Alexandria-Cairo Desert Road connects Alexandria to the capital. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Alexandria Railway Station services local and regional trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metro and bus day passes are available; buses cost around EGP 5-10. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to Cairo and other cities operate frequently and are affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Cleveland Clinic is a reputable private hospital for expats. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Fitness offers classes in various styles throughout the week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Alexandria provides comprehensive gym services. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Services like Wash & Fold are available for laundry needs. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and UberEats operate in Alexandria for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Fool Medames', a popular Egyptian bean dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Project offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Abou El Sid offers a selection of traditional Egyptian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Specific markets in Al Raml Area offer affordable local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a leading online shopping platform in Egypt. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Spinneys offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Moharam Bek area is popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Egyptian breweries like Almaza produce widely enjoyed local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Maison Thomas provides quality wines in a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Koshary is available from various street vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like KFC and Pizza Hut are present in Alexandria. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Library of Alexandria and the Citadel of Qaitbay are must-visit historic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Alexandria National Museum showcases the city’s rich history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Pompey's Pillar is a famous ancient Roman landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are an important archaeological site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Alexandria International Film Festival is held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Attarine district features vibrant local culture and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Alexandria Opera House hosts performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souq El Sokar is a traditional market to explore local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues host live music events featuring local artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti and mural art can be found throughout the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes featuring local cuisine are offered at various culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Space in Alexandria showcases works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Montaza Palace is a stunning example of traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city has a rich multicultural history, influenced by various civilizations. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Alexandria National Park provides scenic spots for relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wadi El Natrun is a notable nearby preserve. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along the Corniche is great for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Citadel of Qaitbay over the sea is spectacular. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Mariout is a good spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Montaza Beach allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL are available for shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Downtown offer phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Berlitz offer Arabic courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Alexandria Library provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Alexandria Cultural Center hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Digital gaming centers can be found in malls. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are limited casino options in Alexandria, mostly in resorts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = EGP 400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 7,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = EGP 300,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 9,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = EGP 540,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 6,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = EGP 390,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 8,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = EGP 640,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 5,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = EGP 440,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Egypt follows a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 14%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules for foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 2%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Exemptions are available for certain digital nomad activities. |