moving from europe to alexandria.should i do the step?

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Author	Topic: moving from europe to alexandria.should i do the step?
lizeta Junior Member Posts: 5 Registered: Jan 2005	posted 06 January 2005 05:24 PM i know that this must be a common question in this forum but i really need to hear some openions which might help me.i'm a greek woman married to an egyptian and have 2 doughters.we'r thinking seriously to move in alexandria but i still have some doupts about it.our basic income will not be more than 250 euros per month+ whatever salary my husband will get.i would really care to hear for any informations you might have on that.also i would like to know about the cultural differences i might face.do you think its easy for a europian woman to deal with this differences? IP: Logged
mansour Junior Member Posts: 27 Registered: Oct 2003	posted 06 January 2005 05:48 PM hi alex have along history with greece , here in alex there is big community of greek, there is to clubs ,school ,and alex is alot similar to athinai,(i visit it more than 10 times)i dont think you will feel home sick wish you all the best yasso IP: Logged
Samia Member Posts: 1378 Registered: Jul 2004	posted 07 January 2005 03:35 AM Lizeta....... if you are not selling a house to move here, you've got nothing to lose!! Egypt is a wonderful country,(I'm sure you must have been here!) but proceed with caution!! On a personal level.. dont answer if you dont want to... how long have you been married to your husband.. are they his children, or yours from a previous marriage? Assuming they are his, and muslim, the culture shock will not be so much.... As your husband will be the provider, can he get a job in Alex to provide for his family? And.... education.. your children will have to go to school... maybe I'm being too obvious... but good schools are also a consideration!! And... if it doesn't work out.... will you have a problem going back to Greece? I moved to Egypt almost 2 years ago, and although my circumstances are different to yours, it's seriously the best move I ever made!! I love the people, the culture, the safety (Your children will be safe here!) and the fact that in almost 2 years, I have seen 10 minutes of rain!!! ( I'm from London!!) Life is not always easy here.... definitely not one long holiday... but the bonuses easily outweigh the munuses!! I wish you and your family the very best of luck! [This message has been edited by Samia (edited 07 January 2005).] [This message has been edited by Samia (edited 07 January 2005).] IP: Logged
lizeta Junior Member Posts: 5 Registered: Jan 2005	posted 07 January 2005 05:51 AM dear mansour,dear samia,thank you both for your replies.you have been very supportive and helpfull making me feel stronger in taking the big decission.but i still need a few informations mostly about the cost of living in egypt (school and accomodation will be provided free for my family ) but what about the rest?do you think that 300$ per month will cover the needs of a 5 member family ?(i'm waiting soon our 3rd child)i will be very happy to hear any kind of information [This message has been edited by lizeta (edited 07 January 2005).] IP: Logged
mansour Junior Member Posts: 27 Registered: Oct 2003	posted 07 January 2005 09:17 AM calimera i dont know how much is enough is changeing from person to another,(my self i spend alot of money on things i consider is important(my motorbike and my 4x4 )haha but prices in egypt compareing to europe is much cheaper, a meal for 5 persons (if you know how to cook good ,will be like what???40 l.e. which is around 5 euros(price of a coffe and a peace ao cake or slice of pizza(maybe a sandwich of souvlaki) 1 k.g of meet(fresh meet-not frozen) is around 4 euro,bread is realy cheap,rice and salads =nothing here and i think you will find all what you need ,like in greece, the greeks here are so close to each other ,and as i told you they got 2 realy good clubs here(one on the sea side in the best spot in alex.-and the other one is down town) and i belive you will have alot of friends very easy ,alos they perhapes can help to find a job ,for you or your sweet half< you never visit egypt before??? why dont you come over here for a visit first ,if you need to try it first ,then you can decide? wish you all the best kitokhrono for the newyear IP: Logged
germansara Member Posts: 834 Registered: Nov 2004	posted 07 January 2005 10:40 AM Dear, Alexandria is really tooo beautyful, but I am afraid of, that 250 Dollar per month will not be enough. And I read above, that you have been told about nice clubs...? They are soooo expensive, you will not have money over to enter it nor to do or buy anything inside. 250 Dollar are just enough for the food, but not for clothes, phoning home, visit homecountry, etc. Count it well, before you come. Sara IP: Logged
Ragab Ibrahim Member Posts: 59 Registered: Dec 2004	posted 07 January 2005 01:37 PM well..mrs Lizeta..I think with 300 euros you can't even pay the rent of your apartment in Athens,so..take a deep breath..and think twice. -300 euros is about 2500 E.L..a good apartment will cost you about 500-600 E.L - 3 good meals every day about 50X30=1500..so what are you going to do with your kids,they need a good school and it's not cheap(why don't you pick up the phone and ask the greek counsel in Alex.) -if you need a taxi once aday 5X30=150 -you don't smoke I think( because u r waiting for your third baby! - you need pediatic care for the kids -hammmmm,i know ,life is not easy for a 5 person's family in Athens specially when you have no one's help at least not with 300 euros.... IP: Logged
Samia Member Posts: 1378 Registered: Jul 2004	posted 07 January 2005 04:38 PM Lizeta.... if school and accomodation are provided free, I dont think you need to worry!! They would be your biggest expenses! Food is cheap.. and did you say your husband would also be working? You will not be living like kings, but you will not be living like paupers!! but you will have the benefit of living in a beautiful warm safe country (OK.. I know Greece is not cold!) where the sun shines every day!! Again, don't burn all your bridges.... best of luck!! IP: Logged
AnotherNewMember Member Posts: 323 Registered: Aug 2004	posted 07 January 2005 11:54 PM quote: Originally posted by lizeta dear mansour,dear samia,thank you both for your replies.you have been very supportive and helpfull making me feel stronger in taking the big decission.but i still need a few informations mostly about the cost of living in egypt (school and accomodation will be provided free for my family ) but what about the rest?do you think that 300$ per month will cover the needs of a 5 member family ?(i'm waiting soon our 3rd child)i will be very happy to hear any kind of information [This message has been edited by lizeta (edited 07 January 2005).] Of course you could live off 250 Euros in ALex, especially if school and accomodations are provided for you for free. Those would have been your biggest cost. The rest is simply based on how you want to live. There are Egyptians living off 300le/month. Let's do a monthly budget for you, you can create your own once you move there and stick to it. Take care of your basic necessities first, Where there is a will, there is a way. Monthly income- 2000 LE Utilities(necessity) Gas(for cooking)- 5 le Electricity (no airconditioners or heaters)- 40LE Phone (local calls)- 40 LE water (family of 4)- 20 LE DSL/internet access(luxury for some, necessity for others)- 150 LE total utilities= 255 LE Food ( are you a vegetarian or do you need meat for all 3 meals every day) typical cost a family of four with only 2 adults could eat 1/2 kg of meat, so 1 kg can stretch 2 day, depending on your family's appetite. beef/lamb- 30 LE/kg Chicken (legs)- 10 Le/kg rice (10 kg)- 18 LE (will last a family of 4 a month) beans (kg) 1 LE fresh vegetables (kg) 2-6LE fresh fruit (kg) 4-6 LE spices (kg) 1 Le cooking oil (month supply)- 17 LE water (1 litre) 2 LE Juice (1 litre) 4 LE sugar (1 kg) 4 LE bread (egyptian pita bread, 4=1LE tea(kg) 3LE milk (1 litre)= 3LE Monthly budget of food So if you totalled this type of eating(avg chicken/meat) 1 serving of meat per day= 20x30=600/2= 300 LE (1/2 kg feeds 4) rice monthly= 18 LE vegetables(high end) 6x30= 180 LE/mo water(daily)= 60/le beans= 30 LE/month cooking oil= 17 LE Juice 4x30=120 LE bread= 2x30= 60 LE sugar(month supply)=8 LE fruit=180 LE milk=90 LE so monthly if you eat conservatively (but healthy might I add) i.e. eat fruit for breakfast and snacks, vegetable salads for lunch, and your servings of meat for dinner, avoid pre-packaged imported brands Food total= about 1100 LE/month transportation (your kids should get free transportation to school) and if you and your husband are not working yet, remember you're on a budget so walk as much as possible- shop at your local fruit and vegetable stands, local shops, etc, and catch the bus/trains as opposed to taxis)- 60/mo basic necessities (like soap, toothpaste, detergent, etc)= 60 LE utilities + food + transportation +personal products 255 + 1100 + 60 + 60= 1475/month So we stayed under budget so we have 500 LE to work with (lets add in a few luxuries) Say you took your family to see a movie once a month (20 x 4)= 80LE You want to splurge on the strict diet I put you on and order pizza on weekends (30*4)=120 LE/mo = 200/mo and you still have another 300/Le left over for incidental expenses, and believe me, it will go further in Alexandria than it will in Europe. Doctors visits cost little of nothing 20/Le a visit to see a pediatrician. I think you should nurse your child it's healthier and avoid a lot of infant illnesses because they get all your immunity. And once your husband begans earning some income, you can increase your style of living. But there are Egyptians eating off 2 le/day (beans breakfast lunch and dinner, and a few slices of bread), and they are happy. A few money saving tips: 1. Try to avoid long distance calls, keep in touch with loved ones via e-mail, or schedule a time to meet them online and chat away on Yahoo messenger of MSN messenger (both have voice features) 2. Try to walk or take the bus as opposed to catching cabs everywhere 3. Look for free sources of entertainment, like the public beaches, public parks and just site seeing- avoid joining clubs until you can afford it. 4. Alexandria gives off nice sea breezes, so avoid airconditioners and work with fans, in the winter, get plenty of blankets. 5. Avoid pre-packaged imported foods, and alcoholic beverages can become very costly. And avoid eating out every day it adds up quickly. As far as the culture shock, you stand a better chance adjusting your own life, rather than wasting energy on things you have no control over. I.e. If getting stared at/hassled bothers you, then cover your hair, it only takes seconds to do, no one is harmed in the process . Inability to express themselves in the local language is one of the most frustrating aspects of being an expat, so take enough language course to get through your daily routines. Your kids will pick it up faster, and can help you when your husband is not around. If hearing the prayer calls 5 times a day on a loud speaker will bother you, I suggest you not live too close to a mosque. Another thing Egyptian blow their horns for no reason whatsoever, and this can be annoying at first, but you'll learn to tune it out. Otherwise Alexandria has a very meditteranean/cosmopolitan atmosphere not too much different from Greece, or Southern Europe, you will find many cafes and cultural centers. Many speak English and French as a second language. So the choice is yours, go and adjust your lifestyle a bit, or stay in your own country. Don't go and complain like some of the more pessimistic people, with an excuse for everything, and you'll be ok my dear. IP: Logged
sonomod Member Posts: 1638 Registered: Mar 2004	posted 08 January 2005 02:10 AM AnotherNewMember, Extremely good post. Thank you. WOOOWW!! IP: Logged
newcomer Member Posts: 1007 Registered: Jun 2002	posted 08 January 2005 03:16 AM The above budget would give you 120 hours a month of internet use (1.25LE per hour), if you had a land line instead of DSL. The rest of the prices are pretty accurate, give or take a few LE here and there, but the consumption would obviously depend on the individual family. IP: Logged
Stacia Member Posts: 165 Registered: Nov 2003	posted 08 January 2005 04:30 AM [This message has been edited by Stacia (edited 08 January 2005).] IP: Logged
lizeta Junior Member Posts: 5 Registered: Jan 2005	posted 08 January 2005 05:48 AM dear all, i really thank you for being so helpful,and specially you ,another new member,just for the time you spend answering my questions you diserve a thousand thank you. the most important thing i got from your replies is that if i finally go to egypt i will surely find many people like you who will be willing to help me in my first steps there and be so warm and friendly like you all,so at least i will not feel alone. thank you all again. IP: Logged
Penny Member Posts: 1240 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 08 January 2005 07:34 AM Anyone know what the weather is like in Alexandria in February? IP: Logged
germansara Member Posts: 834 Registered: Nov 2004	posted 08 January 2005 07:54 AM Hello, A.N.M., it is my mind, you list was very good, but not well counted for 5 people. You f.e. at least 50 ,- for deterngend, what about womens cosmetics, like shampoos, Conditioner, Nivea, Kleenex, Deo...the list is sooo long. You aren't a woman, aren't you..? Then, what about clothes, phoning home, etc. I believe, that 250 Dollar is even difficult for a 'normal living'. Best wishes for you all. Sara IP: Logged
AnotherNewMember Member Posts: 323 Registered: Aug 2004	posted 08 January 2005 08:11 AM quote: Originally posted by germansara: Hello, A.N.M., it is my mind, you list was very good, but not well counted for 5 people. You f.e. at least 50 ,- for deterngend, what about womens cosmetics, like shampoos, Conditioner, Nivea, Kleenex, Deo...the list is sooo long. You aren't a woman, aren't you..? Then, what about clothes, phoning home, etc. I believe, that 250 Dollar is even difficult for a 'normal living'. Best wishes for you all. Sara Tell me I'm wrong but I recall you saying you and your family are living off 600 LE/mo in Cairo. For one, Alex is less expensive than Cairo. "normal living" is a relative term, whats normal to one, may be abnormal to another. Plus there was 300/le give or take left. If you're on a budget you dont make long distance calls. Have them call you. If you feel you need to have Cover girl cosmetics as opposed to the local brand, then bring a few years supply with you. Clothes are so cheap in Egypt its ridiculous, so long as you're not buying some 300 LE Adidas shirt. And of those 5 people, one is an unborn child that can be nursed for the first few months, and eat off mommy's plate. If you're on a budget, use cloth diapers as opposed to disposable pampers, baby clothes are so cheap, and by then maybe her husband will be working. And hopefully he is better at managing money than that one of yours. P.S. Who the heck is paying 50 Le for detergent, I use the liquid 'Tide' brand in the states, and I don't even pay that much. Not to mention, it last me a few months. Deodorants, soaps, etc, use the local brand not the imported brand. And another piece of valuable advice, AVOID people who tell you what you CAN'T do, as much as possible. [This message has been edited by AnotherNewMember (edited 08 January 2005).] IP: Logged
Stacia Member Posts: 165 Registered: Nov 2003	posted 08 January 2005 11:55 AM Penny...rainy yucky and COLD! IP: Logged
Stacia Member Posts: 165 Registered: Nov 2003	posted 08 January 2005 12:02 PM Lizeta...I posted earlier and then decided to mind my own business and deleted it. I do live in Alex with a family of 4 and I will tell you exactly how much I spend a month. It would be so great if you could live off this budget (wish I could), but maybe I could give you some examples. I spend about $1700-2300 a month, but have all the living expenses that you won't have. IP: Logged
Ragab Ibrahim Member Posts: 59 Registered: Dec 2004	posted 08 January 2005 12:52 PM ppl,don't forget lizeta is going to start a new life..from nothing...just like a new married couple..but with three kids.. without even an apartment,or furniture..life is not to eat and drink..there are many more of needs you can't see at the very moment. kyria lizeta ..pare moni sou thn apofasi kai min akous kanena..o theos na se fotisei IP: Logged
newcomer Member Posts: 1007 Registered: Jun 2002	posted 08 January 2005 01:13 PM If you check above lizeta has said that accommodation and schooling will be provided free for her family. IP: Logged
Ragab Ibrahim Member Posts: 59 Registered: Dec 2004	posted 08 January 2005 01:18 PM you're right IP: Logged
Penny Member Posts: 1240 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 08 January 2005 01:46 PM quote: Originally posted by Stacia: Penny...rainy yucky and COLD! Oh heck is it really that bad. Am coming for 2 weeks as Hubby is working there....Sharm is just getting really warm again by Feb. Better pack winter things then. Thanks Penny IP: Logged
sonomod Member Posts: 1638 Registered: Mar 2004	posted 08 January 2005 02:26 PM quote: Originally posted by Stacia: Penny...rainy yucky and COLD! Well thank goodness for that. I live in Minnesota. We have had so little snow this year. Been all cold and icy storms. Thats what freaks me out about being in Misr for a few years, no good winter weather. Now at least some dreary cold weather for part of the year, well that is such a relief. I have a huge winter wardrobe. I hate summer clothes. Though I will have to go into the hometown during summer I cannot wear normal westerner clothes for summer there. I thought this link would have a good basis for summer clothes in the village. 97-104 farenheit is not weather for American western clothes: http://www.folkwear.com/caravan.html IP: Logged
Stacia Member Posts: 165 Registered: Nov 2003	posted 08 January 2005 02:59 PM Yes pack winter clothes for sure! Today the high was 14C and the low is going to be 2C. Hopefully by Feb the weather will start to be warmer for you with no rain. IP: Logged
lizeta Junior Member Posts: 5 Registered: Jan 2005	posted 09 January 2005 07:54 AM [This message has been edited by lizeta (edited 09 January 2005).] IP: Logged
lizeta Junior Member Posts: 5 Registered: Jan 2005	posted 09 January 2005 07:57 AM quote: Originally posted by Ragab Ibrahim: ppl,don't forget lizeta is going to start a new life..from nothing...just like a new married couple..but with three kids.. without even an apartment,or furniture..life is not to eat and drink..there are many more of needs you can't see at the very moment. kyria lizeta ..pare moni sou thn apofasi kai min akous kanena..o theos na se fotisei dear mr ragab,of cource by the end the decision will be all mine.but dont you agree that correct informations always help in taking correct decisions? [This message has been edited by lizeta (edited 09 January 2005).] IP: Logged
mansour Junior Member Posts: 27 Registered: Oct 2003	posted 09 January 2005 03:56 PM hi lizeta, i,m sure you will find alot of friendly people here, i can arrange you to meet to greek familey,lives here they will may help, just give it a try then you will see, right?? hi satcia,do you live in alex?? its realy cold here in alex but i dont think its like 2 c,as you wrote???? 3 days ago we were on the beach and some were swiming?? so you can try it ,maybe you will not feel so cold any more (by the way i will die if i will swim in that cold weather,hahah have good time it will be sunny day tomorrow,so enjoy the sun for a while ;-D IP: Logged
sonomod Member Posts: 1638 Registered: Mar 2004	posted 10 January 2005 04:20 AM mansour, what Alex needs is a polar bear club. Lake Minnetonka has one for a fitness runners group and another for drinkers. I'd love to join a group that does winter swimming in Alex. Possibly when I come back to Minnesota I can join a Polar Bear Club. I love the cold. IP: Logged
Stacia Member Posts: 165 Registered: Nov 2003	posted 10 January 2005 05:53 AM Mansour, yes live in Alex and according to CNN.com weather report the low was 2C on Saturday night. IP: Logged
costa50 Junior Member Posts: 2 Registered: Sep 2004	posted 13 January 2005 04:22 PM I must admit I found this site by accident, but it was quite a coincidence. I am a Greek who was born in Alexandria, in my retirement years, now living in Canada and dreaming of spending some months there every year (as long as the engine runs still in a reasonable way). I also have many things I wish to accomplish there, among them: (1) Become fluent in Arabic � I do speak the language but I need more and (2) Give back to the country that brought me to this world and helped educate me, as much as I can before I become a useless piece of meat or depart from this unjust world. The information given in this page is really useful and I wish to thank you all for taking the effort to add your input here. My advise for Lizeta is to approach Egypt with love, she will then live her best experience ever. I have traveled in many parts of the world and I never found a country with such a high percentage of truly nice people. I also lived in Greece, which many think that it has a lot of nice people, I agree when compared with other countries but not with Egypt. Once you meet the locals in Egypt and slowly open your heart to them, Lizeta you will understand what I mean. Alexandria even today has a prosperous Greek community, Greek schools and many Greek businesses. Once you pass the first shock, you will love it there and never look back. I would like to correspond with some of you and I will add here my email hoping that it will not be collected by many scammers, but it is worth taking the risk: coslaz10 at hotmail.com For any one who has something to say, please feel free to write at any time. Maybe one day soon we will meet in Alexandria. Thank you and regards to all Costas [This message has been edited by costa50 (edited 30 June 2005).] IP: Logged

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