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So you’re planning a trip to Egypt? How exciting! Egypt truly is a magical place filled with historical landmarks and ancient treasures. While traveling through Egypt you will experience some hot days, chilly nights, dusty uneven roads, and many more unexpected surprises along the way.
When packing for Egypt, you want to be prepared as possible without overpacking. However, you also need to keep in mind the local customs. As you can see, packing for Egypt can be tricky (and may be how you ended up here in the first place!) In Egypt, you want to be sure to dress conservatively, so keep those crop tops at home!
I’ve compiled an Egypt packing list to go over all the essential things you should pack for Egypt. Follow this, and you will be prepared for anything during your travels!
Check out everything I wish I had known before traveling to Egypt!
Table of Contents
WHAT TO WEAR IN EGYPT
90% of Egyptians are Muslim, which means most women will dress very modestly. Typically this means their shoulders, knees, and hair will often be covered. It’s respectful to dress similarly, especially when visiting religious sites or temples. Although, in more touristy areas, you’ll find it’s not as expected.
As a woman, dressing risqué will definitely draw some unwanted male attention in Egypt. Following the local customs and covering up a bit will definitely make you feel more comfortable.
WEATHER IN EGYPT
Depending on when you go, the temperatures in Egypt can vary. It’s a desert climate, so expect it to be hot and dry year round. Temperatures in the winter will range from 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit and climb well above 100 degrees during the summer months. However, evenings can get pretty chilly, so you will definitely want to remember to pack a jacket for Egypt!
VISA & PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR EGYPT
Many countries are able to get a visa on arrival to Egypt.
Once you arrive, you have to get your visa before entering the country. Depending on where you are from, you will need to pay for your Egyptian visa. If you are from the US, your visa will cost $25.00 and will need to be paid in US Dollars. So the first thing to be sure to pack is $25 cash!
Also, be sure your passport’s expiration date is at least 6 months after the date you will be going to Egypt. If it’s any less, you may be denied entry into the country.
WHAT TO PACK- Here are the items you want to pack for Egypt.
LUGGAGE & BAGS TO PACK
- Luggage- If you aren’t traveling with a carry on, be sure your luggage is sturdy! Egypt has some dusty and bumpy streets, so the last thing you will want is your luggage wheel breaking off mid trip. Also, if you have luggage that has a built in TSA approved luggage lock, I highly recommend bringing it! This way you can lock important documents and extra cash in your room when you leave.
- Packing Cubes- A MUST HAVE item for saving space! These packing cubes are my go to for almost every trip. Plus, they help me stay organized when unpacking since I can group items by pants, tops, etc.
- Backpack- Having a backpack or other bag for day trips is essential for Egypt. I’m sure you will be visiting lots of historical sites. You want to be sure to have a bag that isn’t too heavy, but can also fit things you’ll need during the day such as sunscreen, hat, money, and other essentials.
- Crossbody Bag or Purse- If you are bringing a purse to Egypt, make sure it’s a crossbody one. This way you can keep your belongings and important documents close to you and know you aren’t getting pickpocketed. (Although that’s still possible, so be careful!)
- Hanging Toiletries Bag- I absolutely love my toiletries bag! It’s spacious, waterproof, and has a hook to hang- ideal for small spaces. If you are going on a Nile river cruise, these come in handy since there isn’t a lot of counter space in most of the bathrooms. I have this specific one and have used it for years! (Click photo to the right for this exact model.)
- Organizing Bags- I typically pack an electronics bag, jewelry organizer, and laundry bag for most of my trips. This way any jewelry or charing cords don’t get all tangled, and my dirty laundry will stay separate from the clean clothing! Click on the images below for my specific recommendations!
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS TO PACK
- Neck Pillow- There’s nothing more essential for a long haul flight than a good neck pillow! My pick? This one here with built in neck support! It folds up and fits easily in a carry on without having to hang from your backpack and get dirty your whole trip.
- Microfiber Towels- These microfiber towels take up barely any space and come in handy if you need a towel but don’t have time to wait for it to dry. These dry super fast!
- Books on Egypt- I always try to get familiar about a place before I travel there. Here are some of my favorite books on Egypt that will help you get the most out of your trip to Egypt. (Also great reads for the long flight!)
- Luggage locks- If your luggage doesn’t have a built in lock, be sure to bring these. If you are keeping valuable items in your room during day trips, make sure you lock them up. This way there’s some added layer of security. This is a must pack for Egypt!
- Eye mask- Essential for getting some serious shut eye on a long haul flight.
- Purifying water bottle- You CAN NOT drink the tap water in Egypt, so this is essential. I still recommend buying bottled water for the most part, but this is good to have if you are in a bind. This specific bottle filters and cleans water and removes all pathogens with a simple press of a button.
ELECTRONICS TO PACK
- Camera
- Phone
- Universal Travel Adapter- If you don’t have a travel adapter for Egypt, be sure to get one BEFORE your trip. You’ll need plugs C and F. I recommend getting a universal travel adapter. This way you’ll be able to use on future trips to Europe, Asia, or South America too!
- Portable charger pack- This is one of the top items EVERY traveler needs. Imagine your phone battery running out right as you are about to capture the perfect picture of the pyramids?! We no longer have to carry that anxiety with us! This is my portable charger bank of choice. It’s super sleek, light weight and has four ports so you can charge multiple items at once.
- Voltage converter- Because some countries have different voltages, chargers or hair tools can get extremely hot and even blow out if they don’t allow for changes in voltage. This voltage converter takes 240v and converts to 120v ensuring the safety of overheating, overcharging or short-circuiting. Trust me… you’ll want this.
- Ear buds- My choice are these airpods, but there are many other options out there that are cheaper as well! Noise cancelling are ideal. Just make sure whichever you purchase are compatible with the devices you regularly use.
WHAT TO PACK & WEAR FOR CLOTHING in EGYPT
- Hat- The Egyptian sun is powerful and can get extremely hot. Be sure to have 1 hat for your trip, so if you need a little bit of shade, you have the option to cover your face.
- Lightweight large scarf- Absolutely be sure to bring at least 1 large pashmina, or lightweight scarf. I wore one every day, so I had it in case I needed to cover my hair when entering religious sites or temples. You never know when you are going to need it, so take it with you!
- Modest Bathing suit– Don’t pack your most risqué bathing suit for your trip to Egypt. Because of their customs and religion, I would pack the most modest, and have a cover up nearby. Although you may see others not abiding to this rule in more touristy sites or hotels, I think it’s important to be as respectful as possible.
- Swimsuit Cover Up– Perfect after taking a dip!
- Comfortable walking shoes- I brought these Nike sneakers, and LOVED them. They are so light weight and comfortable for all the walking around you’ll be doing. Whatever you do, be sure not to bring white sneakers or shoes. The sand and dirt throughout most of Egypt will easily stain and discolor white garments and shoes.
- Polarized Sunglasses- Sunglasses are so important in Egypt because the sun is so bright. Many of the sites you will visit are in the desert, so there also isn’t a lot of shade.
- Sandals or flip flops- Having some kind of shoe you can easily slip on or wear to a pool, or around a hotel is ideal.
- T-shirts- I brought a couple t-shirts that were loose fitting but could be worn with skirts or pants. These came in handy if it was super hot outside, and we weren’t in religious areas. However, always have a cardigan with you in case you need to throw that over your shirt to cover up more.
- Cardigan- Make sure you have some sort of light cardigan or jacket that you can put on in case you enter a temple or religious site where you should respectably cover up more. When you don’t need it, you can always throw it in your bag or tie it around your waist!
- Loose fitting lightweight pants- You’ll want to cover your knees, but also loose and not too hot to walk around in. These are some of my recommendations. Keep in mind, lighter colors won’t be as hot in the Egyptian sun, but white pants will get dirty easily.
- Lightweight jacket– Don’t let the desert temperatures fool you! Nights in Egypt can still get chilly. You will want to pack one light jacket, but won’t need more than that!
- Long skirt- Skirts are perfect for Egypt since they are loose and airy. They can be re-used with different tops to give yourself a new outfit.
- Maxi dresses– Another great option for packing light! Maxi dresses that are comfortable, lightweight and flow are perfect for Egypt! Just remember not to pack super dark ones to avoid overheating. Also, you can always layer them for another outfit option!
- Socks- Be sure to pack 1 pair of socks per day. (And maybe one extra in case.)
- Under garments- pack 1 set of underwear per day, with maybe an extra pair.
- Sunglasses– essential for the Egyptian desert.
TOILETRIES & ACCESSORIES TO PACK
- Hair accessories with dual voltage- I’ve been known to blow out a hair straightener or two in my travels. If you need to bring a hair straightener or curler, be sure to get one that has dual voltage so it can work in Egypt where they have 220 volt. This way they will work properly and won’t break as soon as you plug them in. (Hair dryers are on most Nile cruises and hotels, so I recommend just using those!)
- Deodorant
- Feminine products
- Body wash, shampoo and conditioner
- Make up
- Any medications you take on a daily basis
TRAVEL SAFTEY & FIRST AID
- Travel Insurance– Don’t forget, most health insurance doesn’t cover you while you’re abroad. God forbid if anything were to happen to you or you need medical attention, the bills could be astronomical without travel insurance. So be sure to sign up for a plan before you go so you’re covered in case.
- Electrolytes- It can be hard to stay hydrated while traveling. Especially in Egypt where the sun is hot! Be sure to pack some Liquid IV when you go. Just add the powder to your water bottle and get double the hydration.
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- Medications- Highly recommend bringing Imodium, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, and motion sickness pills. I bring these on every single trip I take because you never know when you are going to need them.
- Sunscreen– Make sure you put on sunscreen every single day. The Egyptian sun is hot YEAR ROUND.
- Bug Spray– Funny enough, there sometimes are mosquitoes in Egypt. Bring this so you are prepared.
- Travel First Aid Kit– For those “oops” moments. At least you have it. (Plus, the travel size are so small, it’s worth bringing one on most of your trips.)
- Emergen-C- I always take Emergen-C a couple days before my trip, and throughout. It’s a good way to make sure your immune system is boosted so you can fight off any sicknesses during your travels.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO PACK
- Passport– you can’t enter the country without it!
- Cash- in Egypt, cash is king. You will absolutely want some cash, and can take out more as needed in any ATM in Egypt. (Many of the hotels have ATMs) Again, just be sure to have enough on hand for the cost of your visa.
- International debit card/credit card- Be sure to call your bank prior to your trip so they don’t flag any transactions for fraud. If you forget, you may not be able to use any of them or get money out of an ATM.
- Copies of important travel documents- I always make a copy of my passport, airline tickets, etc. That way you have it just in case.
- ID/License– Even if you won’t be driving, it’s always good to have another form of I.D. on you in case of emergency.
WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
- Heavy jackets- No matter what time of year you visit Egypt, you will never need a heavy winter jacket!
- Shorts
- Tank tops- You want to be respectful of Egyptian culture, so be sure you always cover your shoulders.
- Expensive jewelry
- Laptop unless necessary
- Risqué clothing
***
Now that you know what to pack for Egypt, you will be ready for anything on your trip! Don’t forget to have fun, take in your surroundings and marvel at the unbelievable historical monuments this country has to offer. You will create memories of a lifetime!
Want to learn more about traveling in Egypt? Check out my other Egypt blog posts!
Have you been to Egypt? What was the best thing you packed for your trip? Comment below and let me know your thoughts or questions on What to Pack For Egypt!
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Great post Michaela! Lots of practical suggestions. I love that you’re thinking of being respectful of local customs when you travel and the links are great!
I think it’s extremely important as a traveler to go to a country to experience the culture, not change it!
Thanks for reading.
Thank you! Several things I had not considered ! Great information.
Hi Priscilla! So glad this information came in handy for you. Appreciate the comment!
Superrr helpful as I get ready for my upcoming trip in October! I’m so excited! Love all the value you are adding to the travel blogger space!
Thank you so much Megan! I am so glad this helped with your upcoming trip. Have the best time in Egypt!