Moving to Egypt with your family

Hello everybody,

When settling abroad with your spouse and children, the expatriation process requires an extensive preparation.

What are the considerations to take into account when moving to Egypt with your family? What challenges have you faced? How did your children adapt to their new environment?

What is your recipe for a successful family expatriation in Egypt?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experience,

Bhavna

Moving to Egypt:
1) Job - Need to know the tax structure, contract terms as the contract for expatriates can be from 1 to 5 years. The company has no obligation for renewal as per the local law. Terms for working during public holidays, Over time etc. Culture at work and navigate through the human dynamics especially if you are at a senior position.
2) Kids - Education - there is a boom for "international schools". need to  be careful to navigate of what the schools "sell" versus what is actually "delivered". Distance from residence to school, compositions of teachers (expats versus local) and transparency of school management. Well established schools can be pretty opaque.
3) Spouse - Depending on the needs, the location of residence versus the community preference is important.
4) Cost of Living - It is better to match your lifestyle and do thorough research.
5) Packers & Movers - Let the movers do the custom formalities. Some companies are really good & with some the experience can be horrible.
6) Insurance - goods insurance, medical insurance, travel insurance needs will always help. Medical insurance with good network of hospitals is important.
7) Mobility - Better to buy your own car. Few banks do give loans to expats.
8) Connectivity - Internet at home from local companies / cable operators is preferable. It is not expensive.
9) Explorating Egypt - Roads are good & distances are acceptable. Own transport is the cheapest form of transport to any place (Sharm, Luxor, Hurghada, Alex etc) and accommodation is affordable as per budget.
10) Food - Has cuisines of all types. Have not come across unhygenic or bad food. Service culture needs to be improved.
11) Language - knowing broken Arabic and using google translator helps. Most people know english in corporates / banks / shops / malls.
Overall - Egypt is a paradise for nature lovers. People are good. Needless to say that Basic precautions to be taken to avoid being in difficult situations. I like Egypt :)