The ABC's of Needs and Need to Knows in Finding an Apartment in Egypt?

Okay, the first question I asked when we finally decided we were going to come to Egypt is. Where are we going to live and how do we find a house 5,000 miles away?

Needs: 

1. You NEED to be here to find an apartment. 

But fortunately enough for you, this need comes with some options. You can wait until you get here and do it yourself or you can have someone who is here do it for you. 

      Listen, searching for an apartment from another country is a problem waiting to happen. You can encounter innumerable scams, lies, deception, and severe overpricing. 

What you can do before you arrive:

A: Make arrangements for a HOTEL STAY or house share with a friend while you're searching if you are in the country. 

• House sharing is the cheapest option. Depending on your family size and relationship with the person, it may be better to just take accommodation in the cheapest hotel for a week or two. 
• Hotel stays can range from 250 EGP a night to more than 1,000 EGP.
• If you are like me, you're going to want to start this process before you come... okay PAY ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING

B: Build relationships and make new contacts, Ask if they can VISIT apartments on your behalf. 

• Remember that the people currently in Egypt came here also for religious profit. 9 times out of 10, someone is willing to help you to do the search and find if you just ask. Their time may not permit them to search as much as you can, so use your internet sources to help narrow down options that they can visit. 

C: Look for GROUPS via What's App, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets. 

• Groups have an insider perspective for Rentals and new availabilities. You can meet new people here as Egypt connections and likewise save or contact useful connects for your move. These groups can really be the solution, as people moving out will also frequently advertise their apartments for rent and furniture for sale. 

D: Be sure to ask them to TAKE VIDEOS of the apartments you or they find.

• Seeing things with your own eyes will bring you 100 times the comfort. It doesn't take much to take a video but it will ease your stress tremendously. It’s typical in Egypt to come across many run-down apartments before you find the right one. These videos will help to be a testimony that you're not being taken for a loop. 

E: Download APARTMENT FINDER APPS. 

• Apps like Waseet, OLX, Aqar Map and others 
• These will help you to get access to many realtors and rental options. Those videos will come in handy, as many apartments are falsely advertised by photos. You may be seeing something amazing, but your friend visitor may be seeing a hot mess.

G: SAVE CONTACTS that may be useful for your move even if you're not ready to use them now.

• Save realtor numbers you come across in groups and on social media. Also, keep an account of phone numbers to realtors and realtor companies that you find using apartment finder apps. 

H: Know if you want something FURNISHED or UNFURNISHED before you start looking 

• If your options are too wide you will find it difficult to narrow down options and it will make a chore out of your search and find. 
• A good rule of thumb is, furnished flats are more suitable for temporary stays and students that plan to be here (2 years or less). 
• Unfurnished apartments are the best choice for Muhajirs (permanent relocation) or people who want to stay 2 years or more. 

I: Know that you can rent an apartment in Egypt WITH or WITHOUT a Visa.

• Egypt is one of the countries that will grant you a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. This visa can be renewed and extended once you have arrived but it is a good idea to double check with your local Egyptian Embassy to see if you can commandeer a long term student visa or work visa if you intend to study or work. 

J: Have a VALID ID so that you can send a money transfer via WESTERN UNION. 

• The least expensive and most practical way to send large sums of money is through Western Union. 
• This money will be used to secure your apartment, as Egyptians do not "reserve" or "hold" apartments. Your deposit will be the "hold".
• The pickup recipient must have a valid lease, a valid visa, and a valid passport.

K: Prepare financially: 2 Securities, 1-month advance, Maintenance Fee, Simsar (Realtor Fee) 

• Some owners and landlords may only charge 1 security. 
• Some simsar may charge a full month of your rent as their fee and some may charge half. 
• Some owners and landlords may not charge a maintenance fee until you arrive and move in. 

L: Landlords will be willing to temporarily put the unit in the name of a TRUSTEE at your request.

• You want to have established some trust between you and this trustee because he will also be the receiver for your western union deposit to pay the funds on your rental. 
• **I have never in my two years witnessed any foolery in someone picking up money and paying for a unit on someone else's behalf, but better safe than sorry. 

M: Prepare financially to send: Trustee FINDER FEE (usually half of your monthly rent)

• Many people will offer their help and time purely for the "sake of Allah" alone. But it is a good idea to offer money to this person who has been helping you to find and reserve an apartment.  
• The back and forth from unit to unit, travel, hot taxi rides, wear and tear, time and commitment are reasonable things to compensate for. 
• Many people will not ask for this compensation, but some will and you should know that it's justified. Even if they don't be prepared to offer it in appreciation. 

N: DONT send money 5,000 miles away without first GETTING IN CONTACT BY PHONE

• Yes, you can call Egypt for Free and we can call you. You should contact both your representative and your agent (simsar) before sending money.
• Apps like Rebtel are best for calling from Egypt. It's my favorite calling app becides Facetime. 
• Google voice, Facebook Calling, Viber, and others will also do the job.
• If you're the proud owner of an iPhone then you will be happy to know that you can Facetime call and Facetime Audio call for FREE from any network and it's SUPER CLEAR!

OKAY! CONGRATULATIONS! 

YOU HAVE YOUR APARTMENT!!

BUT WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT?

-------->MY NASR CITY APARTMENT VIEWING

....OOH and YES... THIS NEEDS SOME EXPLAINING lol

<<POST TO COME>>

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