Minya, Egypt Report of what it's like to live there - 09/08/09
Personal Experiences from Minya, Egypt
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. I have lived in Tokyo, Istanbul, Athens, Cairo, Mexico City, but prefer El-Minia above all the others.
2. How long have you lived here?
9 years the last time.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Retiree.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Best route: Northwest/KLM from Mexico City to Amsterdam to Cairo, then by train to El-Minya. Do not fly Air France -- I found that even the Business Class was very bad in comparison to KLM economy class.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most housing consists of apartments. Very comfortable apartments can be found in good locations close to the Nile fairly inexpensively, but one has to use an Egyptian intermediary to negotiate the contract. Getting anywhere in the city by taxi or horse carriage costs 2 Egyptian Pounds (about 40 cents, U.S.).
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Two good supermarkets in the city where, if an item is not available, all effort will be made to obtain it.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Most items can be purchased locally.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
KFC is better than any other I have seen, plus good restaurants downtown and along the Nile at costs much less than one would pay in the U.S. or Europe.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No real problems, but ants seem to congregate wherever there is moisture. Fewer flies and mosquitoes than I've experienced in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Send and receive letters and package mail via local post office, which is honest and efficient.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Good domestic help can be obtained for about $100 a month, but they must be registered with local police.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, at the Officer's Club and at the University of Minya
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Generally, all transactions are done in cash.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
English-language papers are available and some good TV programs are available with cable, which is inexpensive.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It would be preferable to know some Egyptian Arabic, but one can survive on English or French.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Trains, buses, and taxies are safe and are very inexpensive.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Available inexpensively. Dial-up provided free by the government.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cell phone service is low in cost, very good and reliable. It would be better to purchase a cell phone locally.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Best to catch a train into Cairo, where good vets are available. House calls can be made at an inexpensive prices.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Informal.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Very good -- relatively no pollution except for a few dust storms in the Spring.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
Whatever is required by the government.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Absolutely none. El-Minya is probably one of the safest cities in the world, where one can walk beside the Nile River or in any street/alley anytime of the night with absolutely no fear.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Good medical facilities are available at inexpensive prices. Pharmacies are well supplied with prescriptive medicines, and most pharmacists speak English well.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Warm to hot in Summer but standable with fans and/or A/C. Winter gets a bit chilly sometimes -- down to 18 degrees Centigrade. The climate is very dry, raining only a few minutes a year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
The Jesuit Fathers school makes accommodations.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Soccer, swimming.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very small.
2. Morale among expats:
Good.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Walking in the 3-kilometer park beside the Nile, local cultural events like folk-dancing, bicycling in the countryside.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Generally, very good if one is looking for a clean, moral enviroment.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I cannot imagine any problems, as the people seem to be very tolerant.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
None to my knowledge.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Sailing on the Nile, visiting nearby Pharonic monuments, swimming in one of the city's two large (Olympic size) swimming pools, local Upper Egyptian cultural events.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Most things, including clothes, that are available in Europe and the U.S. are fairly easy to obtain in Minia. Egyptian artifacts make nice gifts and souvenirs.
9. Can you save money?
Yes, definitely. I saved money and lived well on just my Social Security.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I am dying to go back sometime next Spring.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
heavy winter clothes.
3. But don't forget your:
medical records and list of required medications.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
When you visit El-Minia, you can leave it - but it will never leave you.
