What to ask for in a "full expat package"??

DGOMILLION · Newbie Joined: Sep 24, 2009 Posts: 3

Help - My husband is looking to take a job in Cairo as "Senior Resident Engineer" for a big development company, and they want him to submit his package requirements! We would be relocating Perm. from the South Eastern U.S. with two school age daughters. What would be the standard full expat package to ask for an executive position like this? Any help would be great!

jeanbean

I know a few execs that have come here, and have made deals for a ton of different things such as:
schooling paid for totally in an american system school.
housing paid for - renting a villa.
car with a driver
plane fare coming here, and plane fare once a year for vacations to the states.
be paid in dollars versus egyptian pounds.
expense accounts.

just a few things that I can think of.

a good education can be costly here - I have heard that some schools charge 50-100,000 EGP per year - so be aware - its a major cost.

jeanbean

oh...also just thought of another thing.
having the company pay for your total move (furniture & car).

although you might wanna sell your car there and see how insane the driving is here, first. Then make the decision as to whether or not, ya wanna "brave" it..lol. Trust me...think of Wash. DC plus LA plus NYC drivers times 10 on the insanity scale.
I drive around my city, but ya cannot pay me enough to drive into Cairo. just plain nutso.

parachutingblackbelts2

FInancially, you need to protect yourself in two ways
- if you are paid in dollars you need some kind of protection against a FALLING dollar - this happened last year and some expats being paid in US dollars took a massive pay hit when it was converted into Egyptian money.
- also inflation here is quite high though nothing like it was a year or so ago (another reason why people paid in dollars got hit badly last year losing against both currency exchange and inflation), so you need inflation protection in your salary package as well.
- as JB says decent education is PHENOMENALLY expensive here
- also, if you want any kind of decent social life for your kids involving sports, swimming etc, you may want to consider asking the company to fork out for some kind of sports club membership - again these can be phenomenally expensive depending exactly where you are. Public facilities are extremely limited.

shorouky

Don't forget to ask for full medical cover which includes repatriation in the event of something very unexpected happening. As for the car - ask for the most substantial, fully airbagged 4 x 4 possible and driver. I agree, membership to a sports club is a must for you all especially the kids. I suggest places like New Cairo to live. Lots of very nice vilas. There are lots of expats living in New Cairo especially Kattameya and its close to some good schools both American and British. You really will appreciate a driver especially in the beginning when you won't know your way around. Its certainly not a boring place to live!

sarahrqe · Regular Poster Joined: Aug 27, 2009 Posts: 30

As the partner of a banker who has an expat package, I can agree with everything that has been said here.

On the housing allowance: to get a nice place in Maadi you will need upwards of 4,000 USD a month. If you want a pool, you will need at least 5,000 USD per month. Kattemaya is a bit cheaper, but it is compound living. People seem to either really like that or really hate it. No judgement on my part, just experience.

Where in the Southeastern US?

DGOMILLION · Newbie Joined: Sep 24, 2009 Posts: 3

Thanks for all of the awesome advice! You guy's are great!

DGOMILLION · Newbie Joined: Sep 24, 2009 Posts: 3

Oh, from North Florida - and another question, will I be able to find work as a spouse? I am highly qualified in Finance, Sales and Marketing.

sarahrqe · Regular Poster Joined: Aug 27, 2009 Posts: 30

Your best option is to find a job before you get here. The money here really stinks - I got offered a teaching assistant position that paid the equivalent of $300 USD per month, full time. Once you are here, they know they've got you cheap. I've found the same thing with other jobs - including traditionally well paying jobs like finance. I met one guy - qualified, smart, well mannered - who was working for a major bank, making $700 USD per month.

That being said, it seems the best way to find a job is to network, network, network. Go to all the expat events you can and see whats going. Tell everyone what you do and what your skills are. I've heard of people getting jobs this way but must admit I've had little success.

So my advice is to start the job search now and see what you can dig up. I'd look for headhunters who are from the UK and the United States who place people in the Middle East. They will be able to get you the best deals.

I'm from NY. Glad to have you here. Smile