The Logistics of Settling In 131sure how to get around this with an agent, but I suggest if
you have to come up with a figure, tell them much less than
you actually have in mind to pay. Instead, stress what you
are looking for in a flat—two or three bedrooms, on Zamalek,
modern kitchen, air conditioning, etc.
Also, if you tell them you will pay in US dollars, Pounds
Sterling or Euros, the rate will go up. Try to negotiate a rate in
Egyptian pounds. After you find the absolute ‘right’ place for
you, then you can keep in reserve that you might be willing
to pay in a hard currency (of course, this is only if you can
actually pay in a hard currency).
Where do you find an agent? Ask the Concierge at any
major hotel and they can find someone for you. By the way,
if you find an agent this way, don’t forget to tip the Concierge
or doorman who made the contact for you. Next, be sure to
clarify with the agent (before you start looking for a place to
rent) if you are supposed to pay their fee or if they will get it
from the apartment owner (if you find a flat). Also, find out
if they charge a fee for showing you flats or if you pay only
when you find one.
There is another way to do this that doesn’t require
an agent: walk around until you find a building you think
you would like to live in. Talk to the boheb and ask if there
are any vacant flats in the building. I can guarantee you
that the bohebs know more about what is going on in the
neighbourhood than anyone else, and that includes the
agents. If there is not a flat available in their building, they
may know where there is one for a reasonable rate. Don’t
forget to tip him for his trouble!
Renting in Luxor
I recently learned of a place that offers rental fl ats in Luxor (short
or long-term). Contact Flats at Luxor:
Tel: 010-356-4540 (Jane) or 012-415-5057 (Mahmoud)
Email: info@fl atsinluxor.co.uk
Website: http://fl atsinluxor.co.uk/ContactUs.html