On the 2nd week at the beginning of the Khartoum war, the bus companies started to refuse electronic payments and only take cash because they didn't trust the banking system will remain working.
Making friends in Cairo, Egypt, where I currently reside, is very easy. People are very hospitable, there are a lot of house parties and you can crash any party (bring booze) and you will be welcomed with open arms. It's a massive metropolis and there are a lot of things to do.