Cairo at a Glance
Working Conditions and Etiquette in Cairo
The majestic Nile is still of great importance for Cairo's economy.
Working in Cairo as an expat, you will most probably get paid substantially more than your Egyptian colleagues. To some, the wages might still seem somewhat low when converted into Western currencies. However, the low cost of living in Cairo usually allows for a very comfortable life on a regular expat salary.
You can expect work days of 8 hours (breaks not included) for 6 days a week. Friday, the holy day in Islam, is the principal day off. Some employers might have switched to the Western standard of five work days, though.
Social Security
Egypt generally boasts a fairly comprehensive social security system. It provides employees with free health care, sickness, work-related injury and disability insurances, and a pension fund. However, only about half of Egypt’s workforce actually enjoys the benefits of social security. Various reforms are currently being considered.
As an expat working in Cairo you only qualify for social security services if your country of origin has an agreement of reciprocal social security with Egypt. Notable examples are Greece, Cyprus, Sudan, and a number of Arabic countries. If you are from one of these countries and have a work contract for the duration of at least one year, you will be covered by social security in Egypt.
Failing that, you can qualify by working in Egypt for more than 10 years. We recommend all other expats to acquire insurance with full coverage in Egypt prior to starting their new jobs. In some cases, you can also negotiate insurance options and bonuses with your employer. If Egyptian social security does not apply to you, you may be able to remain covered by social security in your home country.
Business Etiquette
Expats from Western countries should always be aware that Egypt is part of the Muslim world. Business is no exception in this regard.
Business dress code in Egypt tends to be fairly conservative. This applies especially to women: Skirts should always at least cover the knee. Blouses, shirts and dresses should feature a high neckline and sleeves that reach to the elbow. For men, shorts or sandals are absolutely unacceptable in the business world. Also, you should preferably wear long-sleeved shirts. If you have trouble getting used to the heat, rest assured that air-conditioning is very commonplace in Cairo’s offices.
Try to keep the subject of money out of any conversation you might have. Discussing finances is not customary in Egypt, and insisting on the subject might seem both rude and impatient.
Punctuality is not valued as highly as in some other countries. Prepare to be left waiting more often than not. Try not to make more than one important appointment a day. Chances are you will not be able to handle more.
Among men, friendly kisses on the cheek are very common. This is a customary sign of respect and goodwill. While you will exchange handshakes upon first meeting your Egyptian colleagues, it is important to be familiar with this tradition, as you will inevitably come in contact with it. Kisses are only exchanged between members of the same sex, though. Please abstain from applying this custom to superiors and especially members of the opposite sex.
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