🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Alexandria, Egypt, my home for several months. This ancient city, with its rich history and vibrant culture, has a unique charm that draws remote workers from all over the world. Alexandria digital nomads love the city’s laid-back atmosphere, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and affordable cost of living. With a Nomad Score of 50/100, Alexandria may not be the most popular destination for digital nomads, but it offers a distinct blend of history, culture, and entertainment that’s hard to find elsewhere. As an Alexandria digital nomad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s historic landmarks, indulge in delicious seafood, and enjoy the city’s thriving nightlife.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Alexandria, digital nomads have several options to consider. Here are three areas that I highly recommend:
- Stanley: This upscale neighborhood is located in the heart of Alexandria, within walking distance to the famous Corniche. Stanley offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury apartments to budget-friendly guesthouses. The area is also home to several cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it an ideal spot for remote workers who want to be close to the action.
- Gleem: Located in the eastern part of the city, Gleem is a popular neighborhood among expats and digital nomads. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and range of amenities, including supermarkets, gyms, and restaurants. Gleem is also home to several coworking spaces, making it an excellent choice for remote workers who want to be part of a community.
- Roshdy: This charming neighborhood is located in the western part of the city, near the famous Alexandria Library. Roshdy is a more laid-back area, with a range of accommodation options and a strong sense of community. The neighborhood is also home to several cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it an excellent choice for digital nomads who want to experience the local culture.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Alexandria is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads on a budget. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for various expenses:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood like Stanley or Gleem can cost between EGP 5,000-10,000 (approximately $315-$630 USD) per month.
- Food: Eating out at a mid-range restaurant can cost around EGP 50-100 (approximately $3-$6 USD) per meal. Groceries can cost around EGP 500-1,000 (approximately $31-$63 USD) per week for basic items.
- Transport: A monthly public transportation pass can cost around EGP 100-200 (approximately $6-$13 USD). Taxis are also affordable, with a typical ride costing around EGP 20-50 (approximately $1-$3 USD).
- Coworking: A monthly membership at a coworking space can cost around EGP 1,500-3,000 (approximately $95-$190 USD).
Overall, the cost of living in Alexandria is relatively low, making it an excellent choice for digital nomads who want to stretch their budget.
Internet & Coworking
As a digital nomad, having reliable internet is essential. Fortunately, Alexandria has a range of options to choose from. The average internet speed in the city is around 49 Mbps, which is relatively fast. Here are some popular coworking spaces and cafes with good internet:
- The District: Located in the heart of Stanley, The District is a popular coworking space with fast internet and a range of amenities, including meeting rooms and a gym.
- Alexandria Coworking Space: Located in Gleem, this coworking space offers a range of membership options, including hot desks and private offices.
- Cafe Corniche: This popular cafe is located on the Corniche and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. The internet is fast, and the coffee is excellent.
Alexandria has a growing digital nomad community, with several meetups and events taking place throughout the year. Here are some popular groups and events to check out:
- Alexandria Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great place to connect with other digital nomads in the city, ask questions, and find out about upcoming events.
- Nomad Meetup Alexandria: This meetup group organizes regular events, including coworking sessions, social gatherings, and workshops.
- Alexandria Expats: This group is a great resource for expats and digital nomads, with a range of discussions and events focused on living and working in Alexandria.
Culture & Lifestyle
Alexandria is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and there’s always something to do or explore. Here are some tips for getting the most out of the city:
- Food: Alexandria is famous for its seafood, and you can find a range of delicious dishes at restaurants throughout the city. Be sure to try the local specialty, fried fish, at one of the many street food stalls.
- Nightlife: Alexandria has a thriving nightlife scene, with a range of bars, clubs, and lounges to choose from. The Corniche is a popular spot, with several bars and restaurants offering stunning views of the Mediterranean.
- Dating: As a digital nomad, it can be challenging to meet new people, especially in a foreign city. However, Alexandria has a range of social events and meetups, including language exchange groups and social gatherings.
- Local customs: Alexandria is a conservative city, and it’s essential to respect local customs and traditions. Be sure to dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or other cultural sites.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Egypt. The process is relatively straightforward, and you can apply online or at the airport. Here are the details:
- Tourist visa: A single-entry tourist visa costs around $25 USD and is valid for 30 days. You can apply online or at the airport.
- Digital nomad visa: Unfortunately, Egypt does not currently offer a digital nomad visa. However, you can apply for a work visa or a residence visa, which can be more complex and time-consuming.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for living and working in Alexandria:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at a local shop. Prices start from around EGP 50 (approximately $3 USD) per month.
- Transport: Taxis are a convenient way to get around the city, but be sure to agree on the price before you start your journey.
- Safety: Alexandria is generally a safe city, but be sure to take precautions, especially at night. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep your valuables secure.
- Weather: Alexandria has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly, and don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat.
