Surprising amounts of people decide to go live and work abroad, Cairo, Egypt seems to attract a large number of expatriates who come to do just that. Some stay for a short period of time, others end up staying for decades. Most will tell you that it can be a very daunting but worthwhile experience. Here are a few useful tips on how to survive as an expat living in Cairo:

If you do not like pollution, noise or just plain chaos, do not pick an apartment in downtown Cairo. For many expats, living in the quieter and greener suburb of Maadi is a better option while being just a short Metro ride away from downtown. It has good international schools, shopping malls, many good restaurants and most services expats could need. You might not feel as immersed in Egyptian culture while living in Maadi, but for the newcomer, it can definitely buffer the effect of culture shock.

For those who will be staying in Cairofor a few years, you might as well learn the language. Many Egyptians do not speak English, including those that you deal with the most, such as taxi drivers. Taking Arabic language classes will lessen the frustration of not being understood. Bonus: you will be able to boast to your friends about knowing another language.

First experiences with taxi drivers can give you a very bad impression of Cairo if you are not careful. Keep in mind that most taxis do not have a working meter. The idea is to pay what you think is fair and run away quickly! Seriously, it is best to find out (through other expats or your employer) what it should cost to get from one destination to the other, and then offer this amount to the driver. He should be satisfied with this. To avoid the hassle, take the newer black and white chequered taxis. They are cleaner and usually have working seat belts and meters.

Be a tourist once in a while. If you are getting frustrated with life and work in Cairo, do something touristy; the tourists seem to be enjoying themselves, so why can’t you? A weekend in the desert or snorkeling in the Red Sea doesn’t have to take much time or money, but it does wonders for your well-being. A leisurely stroll in the beautiful Al-Azhar park will have the same effect if don’t want to leave the city. For art lovers, the quiet Mr and Mrs Mahmoud Khalil Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon. It has a nice collection of paintings by the likes of Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Gauguin that can be admired without the bother of large crowds of people. Needless to say, there is not a lack of attractions and historical sites to visit in Egypt.

Enjoy the fact that almost everything in Cairo can be delivered to your door (even pharmacies deliver). After a long day at the office, there is nothing easier that to order-in from a large selection of restaurants. The web site http://www.otlob.com/ is the best way to choose a restaurant and order on-line.

If you are a punctual, high-strung or perfectionist individual, life in Cairo can be highly frustrating; however, it is a great opportunity to learn to go with the flow, and relax. Do not expect things to go as planned, people to show up on time or for things to be done properly and you will be pleasantly surprised when they do.