Alexandria, Egypt 🇪🇬
#243
31.19918, 29.895171
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Alexandria is a major city located on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, known for its rich history and modern culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps with options for fiber internet available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EGP ≈ 0.032 USD; local banks such as Bank of Alexandria and National Bank of Egypt are available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat, with affordable prepaid options starting around 100 EGP. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Many international cards are accepted, and online banking is available through major local banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular platforms for booking include Airbnb and local rental agencies; average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 5,500 EGP. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cashless payments are becoming increasingly common in urban areas; credit cards accepted in most restaurants and shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rental platforms offer numerous options; prices start around 600 EGP per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Greek Hostel and budget hotels such as Hotel Delta range from 200 EGP to 400 EGP per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cocohub, known for its comfortable work environment and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Nola offers a cozy atmosphere and good coffee for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are hosted regularly at spaces like The Greek Club and are often advertised through local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Alexandria Facebook Group facilitates meetups and social events for the expatriate community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Alexandria, providing reliable and affordable transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available near the Corniche; local apps for scooter rentals are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Montazah Beach is a popular spot, known for its scenic views and clear waters, located about 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir serves regional destinations; additional connecting options are available through local carriers. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flight options are predominantly serviced by EgyptAir and Turkish Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Alexandria is accessible via the Alexandria-Cairo Desert Road; major highways connect it to nearby cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Alexandria Railway Station serves as the primary transport hub for train and bus travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Nile public transport buses operate, and a monthly pass typically costs around 150 EGP. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel to nearby cities can be done by train (Egyptian National Railways) or by bus services like Go Bus. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Alexandria University Hospital is one of the largest healthcare facilities, offering both general and specialized care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centers like Yoga House Alexandria offer various yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym are prominent options, with memberships starting from around 400 EGP per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available throughout the city; prices typically range from 40 EGP for wash and fold. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Otlob are popular for food delivery in Alexandria. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood dishes like Sayadeya (fish with rice) are traditional must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Veganity serve a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Desserts are popular at La Poire and Rasha for traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mustafa Kamel Market offer fresh produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce options include Jumia for a variety of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery services such as Fresh and Grocer are available, delivering fresh produce. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Sidi Gaber area features numerous cafes and bars popular with locals and visitors. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Beer production is limited, but local brews are available in many places like Bierstube. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Rohat provides a selection of local and imported wines in a cozy environment. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks like Koshari, with stalls popular around El Raml Station. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as Chilis and The Italian Job provide a range of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Citadel of Qaitbay are must-visit historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Alexandria National Museum showcases the city's rich history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Sites like Pompey's Pillar and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa reflect Alexandria's historical importance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral and Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque are notable examples. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Alexandria International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and audiences yearly. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic district of Al Azarita is known for its vibrant atmosphere and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Alexandria Opera House hosts various cultural performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souk El Attarine is famous for spices and traditional goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Expect live performances in local venues such as El Sawy Culture Wheel. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals and local art can be found around the downtown area, showcasing contemporary Egyptian culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are offered at various culinary schools; check places like Egyptian Culinary Academy. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries such as Al-Masar and the Mezzaluna Gallery showcase local contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Royal Jewelry Museum is set in a historic palace, offering insight into Alexandria's past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Alexandria's diverse heritage is symbolized by its blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Montazah Park offers lush greenery and gardens next to the beach. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wadi el Natrun Natural Protectorate is a notable nearby nature reserve. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche features paths for walking and cycling, overlooking the Mediterranean. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Fort Qaitbay offers stunning views of the sea and cityscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The lagoons at Lake Mariout are known for birdwatching, especially migratory species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches like Montazah allow bonfires; check local regulations before proceeding. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide parcel delivery and shipping services in Alexandria. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics shops in the city center offer repairs; look for services around Mahmoudiyah. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have tables available; check Al-Nasr Sporting Club. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer courses in Arabic; Al-Ahram Institute is a popular option. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Alexandria Library and several cafes provide quiet places to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centers like The Greek Club provide cultural and social activities for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming hubs like Gamer Station cater to video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Alexandria does not have casinos, but entertainment complexes may offer gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 15,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 600,000 EGP) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 10,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 400,000 EGP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 12,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 720,000 EGP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 9,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 540,000 EGP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 11,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 880,000 EGP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 8,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 640,000 EGP) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22.5% for corporate entities. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system; personal income taxes range from 0% to 25%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 14% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies stringent regulations on foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2.5% on property transactions. |