Egypt (EG)
Egypt is one of the world's oldest civilisations — the land of the Pharaohs, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the mighty Nile River.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Egypt.
National ID for Egyptians / Residence Permit (Iqama) for Foreigners
Egyptian nationals use a National ID card (بطاقة تحقيق الشخصية) with a 14-digit National ID Number used across all government and financial services. Foreign nationals resident in Egypt use their Residence Permit (Iqama / إقامة) card as their primary identity document. There is no BundID or SingPass equivalent digital ID system for universal online government service access in 2026.
How to get it: Foreign nationals: the Iqama is obtained through the Passport and Immigration Authority as part of the work permit / residence permit process (employer-sponsored). It is a physical card renewed annually. For Egyptians: National ID issued by Civil Status Authority (مصلحة الأحوال المدنية) automatically; renewal process for foreigners through immigration.
E-Government Portal
https://www.egypt.gov.egEgypt's e-government services are improving but remain limited compared to European digital governments. The egypt.gov.eg portal aggregates links to various ministry services. Arabic is the primary language for all government online services. Most critical processes (Iqama renewal, work permit, property registration) still require physical presence at government offices. The ETA e-filing system (myaccounteg.eta.gov.eg) is functional for tax returns but requires Arabic proficiency. Mobile-first digital services (Vodafone Cash, InstaPay, Fawry) have significantly outpaced government e-services in adoption and usability.
Essential Apps
Uber Egypt
FreeRide-hailing app — essential for safe, priced, tracked rides in Cairo and other cities. Much safer and easier than street taxis for expats.
Careem
FreeMiddle East/North Africa ride-hailing app. Similar to Uber; often has promotional offers. Also offers Careem Pay (digital wallet) and Careem Food delivery.
inDrive
FreeRide-hailing with driver price negotiation. Popular for longer city trips where negotiating below standard rates is possible.
Talabat
FreeLeading food delivery platform in Egypt — broad restaurant selection including Cairo expat favourites. Fast delivery (30–60 minutes in Cairo).
Elmenus
FreeEgyptian food delivery and restaurant discovery app. Good for exploring local restaurant options and comparing menus.
InstaPay (CBE)
FreeCentral Bank of Egypt's instant payment system (launched 2022). Transfer money between any Egyptian bank account instantly using mobile number. No fees. Available through your bank's app.
Vodafone Cash
FreeMobile wallet by Vodafone Egypt. Send money, pay bills, and top-up services. Widely accepted at kiosks and small shops even without a bank account.
Orange Money
FreeMobile wallet by Orange Egypt. Similar to Vodafone Cash — useful for bill payments and transfers for Orange subscribers.
Fawry
FreeEgypt's leading bill payment network. Pay electricity, water, gas, phone, internet, school fees, and government fees via Fawry kiosks, app, or Fawry integration in banking apps. Accept cash at kiosks — no bank account required.
CIB Smart (CIB Mobile Banking)
FreeBest banking app in Egypt. Full mobile banking, InstaPay, and English-language interface. Essential if banking with CIB.
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
Aqarmap
FreeEgypt's leading property portal. Search rentals and sales with price heat maps by area. Best for understanding market prices before contacting agents.
OLX Egypt (Dubizzle)
FreeSecond-hand marketplace for furniture, appliances, electronics, and cars. Essential when setting up a new apartment. Also has housing listings.
Wuzzuf
FreeEgypt's largest job platform. Search for jobs in Cairo and across Egypt. Create a profile and apply directly.
Vezeeta
FreeBook doctor appointments at private clinics and hospitals. Reviews and ratings help find English-speaking specialists. Teleconsultation available.
IQAir
FreeReal-time air quality monitoring. Cairo's air pollution is a genuine concern — check AQI before outdoor exercise or when vulnerable family members have respiratory issues.
Google Maps Egypt
FreeWorks well in Cairo and major cities. Essential for navigation given complex, often unnamed streets. Download offline maps for when connectivity is poor.
EgyptAir App
FreeBook domestic and international EgyptAir flights. Check in online and manage frequent flyer points.
Internet freedom in Egypt: Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube, and most international services work without restriction in Egypt (unlike some neighbouring countries). VoIP (Skype, Zoom, Teams) works normally. VPN usage is not officially encouraged but widely used and not prosecuted for personal use. Some VPN services may be throttled — use reputable commercial VPNs if needed. 5G is rolling out in Cairo, Alexandria, and major cities (2025–2026). Mobile data is fast and relatively affordable (EGP 100–350/month for generous data). Egypt has one of the highest Facebook usage rates in the Arab world — it is the primary platform for community groups, marketplace, and events.