Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture, offering a unique blend of ancient artifacts and modern urban life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 9.5 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with fiber optic options available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Approximately 1 USD = 30 EGP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advised to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz with Type C / Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Orange, Vodafone, and Etisalat, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, with banks like CIB and HSBC offering services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels and serviced apartments to Airbnb and hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, although cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term rentals in areas like Zamalek and Downtown. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Cairo Downtown Hostel and Meramees Hostel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Cairo and Giza are recommended, close to major attractions like the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Zamalek is popular among digital nomads for its cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Greek Campus offers various coworking options with a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Slow Coffee offers a comfortable work environment with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Meetups at The Greek Campus provide networking opportunities for freelancers and expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cairo Expats group on Facebook hosts regular gatherings for networking and socializing. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates widely in Cairo, offering reliable transportation options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikeshare services are limited, but bikes can be rented locally in some areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Alexandria Beach is about 3 hours away by car, making it a weekend getaway. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir is the national carrier providing regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EgyptAir, Emirates, and Qatar Airways provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Cairo is connected to several major highways including the Ring Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cairo Railway Station is the primary train station for domestic and international travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Cairo Metro offers economical travel options; day passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to Alexandria and Luxor run frequently from Cairo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Cairo University Hospital is a well-regarded facility for general and specialized healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga EGY's studio in Zamalek offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First in Zamalek provides modern gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Club services provide convenient laundry options for expats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is the leading food delivery service in Cairo. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Koshari, a popular Egyptian dish made from rice, lentils, and pasta. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Zigzag is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Zamalek. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Om Ahmed's Sweets in Khan El Khalili is famous for traditional desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | El Mosky market offers a variety of spices and fresh food at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com (now Amazon Egypt) provides a variety of online goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Metro provide grocery shopping with delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Mohandeseen and Zamalek are popular nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cairo Brewery Company produces local beers and is well-known among locals. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cairo Cellar offers a range of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Abou Tamer is famous for its street-side falafel. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Riche serves great international dishes in a historical setting. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Pyramids of Giza, The Sphinx, and The Egyptian Museum are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Islamic Art features extensive Islamic art collection. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Citadel of Saladin is a significant historical site in Cairo. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the oldest mosques and an important religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Cairo International Film Festival takes place every November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zamalek is known for its artsy vibe and cultural institutions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Cairo Opera House hosts performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Khan El Khalili is a famous bazaar filled with shops and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Cairo has a vibrant music scene with various venues hosting local and international artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in Downtown and Zamalek, adding a modern twist to the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking in Cairo offers classes for those wanting to learn Egyptian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Townhouse Gallery in Downtown is a prominent space for contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Abdeen Palace is a notable historic building and part of Cairo's architectural heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Egyptian Museum houses antiquities that define the country's rich heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wadi Degla Protectorate offers outdoor hiking and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ras Mohammed National Park is a popular spot about 6 hours away, known for its landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Al Azhar Park features walking paths and green spaces for relaxation. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Mokattam Hills provide stunning views over Cairo. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Giza Plateau is ideal for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some areas in the desert outside the city allow bonfires, especially during camping trips. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery services in Cairo. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Ramsis Tech in Downtown offers device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | El Hegaz Club has facilities for table tennis lovers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The American University in Cairo offers Arabic language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Cairo University Library is a great spot for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Cairo Community Center provides various workshops and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Geek Planet provides a space for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Luxor offers gaming options in a regulated environment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 35,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = EGP 1,750,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 28,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = EGP 1,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 32,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = EGP 1,920,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 25,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = EGP 1,500,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 30,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = EGP 2,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 22,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = EGP 1,760,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on residency principles; worldwide income is taxed for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 14%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax system applies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2.5% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from tax regulations if structured properly by using offshore accounts. |