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• What to Pack for Egypt: The Ultimate Egypt Packing List

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Traveling in Egypt can be chaotic, but packing doesn’t have to be! Many people struggle to figure out what to pack for Egypt, mostly because they have no idea what they can (or should) wear. Can I wear leggings in Egypt? Should I wear a headscarf? Is wearing shorts disrespectful? These are questions I get all the time about Egypt travel, amongst others .

I’ve visited Egypt in every season and have put together the complete Egypt packing list. It includes a comprehensive guide on what to wear in Egypt and what to pack for your trip no matter what the season. Without further ado: what to pack for Egypt!

Table of Contents

Weather in Egypt

There’s really no bad time to visit Egypt, as the weather is generally pleasant year-round, with the exception of scorching hot summers.

November – March:  This is the best time to visit for cooler weather and generally empty sites (with the exception of December and early January because of school holidays). Winter is mild (50s-60s in December – February) in Egypt but Alexandria (and sometimes Cairo) does see quite a bit of rain during this period.

April – May / September – October: These are the best months to visit Egypt, especially if you’re interested in traveling both in the North and the South. The weather is warmer but not scorching, so it’s pleasant enough to both hike and hit the beaches.l

June – August:  If you don’t mind the heat, summer in Egypt is perfect for all-day beach and pool lounging. This is peak tourism season at the Red Sea. Cairo , Luxor , and Aswan have fewer tourists due to temperatures that reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to Pack in: Luggage and Accessories

Over the years, I’ve somewhat perfected become better at only packing things I need and packing carry-on only (for the most part) for most of my trips. Except for like, months and months of travel, in which case, I like to have options.

If you’re traveling to Egypt, chances are you’ll be visiting at least two or three cities which means you’ll be lugging your luggage from place to place via some mode of public transport. I’ve been the person that drags a wheelie suitcase through the streets (seriously, I did it on my Intrepid tour ) and it’s honestly just not practical. So even if you aren’t usually a backpacker, I highly recommend bringing a backpack in Egypt for ease of transport. Doing laundry is inexpensive anyway, so it’s easier to wash your clothes once or twice instead of bringing two weeks worth of clothing in a giant bag. Trust me on this one.

• Backpack: This backpack  is hands down the best carry-on-sized backpack I’ve ever used for travel. Not only is it carry-on sized, but it’s also incredibly comfortable and easy to carry, even for a small-framed person like me. It has tons of pockets and compartments for organization, lockable zippers, and it’s weather resistant. If you really don’t think you can handle packing in a carry-on, the  Osprey Fairview 70 Backpack is just as comfortable but larger. You can also technically get away with using it as a carry on and the additional pack as your personal item. Win!
• Packing Cubes: I never understood why people needed packing cubes until I got some of my own. Guys, they’re the BEST for keeping organized! I can no longer travel without them. Now I avoid what I fondly call “exploding suitcase syndrome” – that tendency for all your things to go all over the place every time you need to get one thing from your suitcase. I’m a fan of these ones made specifically for the backpack I recommended, but if you have a different backpack, these compression packing cubes  are pretty great too!
• Daypack: For days where I’m out all day, I always carry a daypack. This daypack is great because it’s durable, water-resistant, has several organizational pockets, and folds into a tiny pouch.
• Locking Purse: Egypt doesn’t have a pickpocketing problem and I’ve never been worried that someone will snatch something from my bag. However, I’d rather be safe than sorry, which is why I bring this handy lockable purse with me everywhere I travel. Is it the most stylish purse I’ve ever owned? No. Does it keep me from worrying about pickpockets? Absolutely. Plus, it’s surprisingly roomy – I keep my water bottle, camera, wallet, and other stuff in there and they fit no problem. If a smaller purse is what you’re after, check out this one or this one .
• Organizing bags: I learned the hard way on my first solo trip that keeping your bag organized is crucial. Otherwise, you end up repacking your bag every other day, which suuuuucks. Therefore, in addition to your packing cubes, bring along an electronics organizer (especially if you travel with a ton of gear), shoe bags (to keep your shoes away from your clean clothes, of course), a laundry bag (you can also use a separate packing cube if you prefer), and a  toiletries bag (liquids spilling on your clothes make for a bad time).

What to Wear in Egypt: Clothing and Shoes for Every Season

I know that clothing is always the hardest thing to pack because you want to bring clothes that are both functional and cute which is NOT easy. What you’ll pack and wear in Egypt as a whole depends entirely on the season and which areas you’re traveling in.  In general, Egypt is a conservative country.  People tend to dress smartly and you’ll stand out if you’re wandering around in workout gear, loungewear, or revealing or ultra-tight clothing.

Women don’t have to cover their hair, but as a rule of thumb, cleavage, shoulders, and knees (to mid-calf, really) should be covered at all times, except at beach resorts. The same goes for men, especially if you want to somewhat blend in. Nobody will ever call tourists out for not adhering to this dress code, but I’m a firm believer in respecting local customs.

At beach resorts, you can more or less wear what you want at the beach and pool (although women shouldn’t go topless). However, wearing a cover-up or shirt at hotel restaurants, etc is a good idea.

If you’re visiting Cairo in the winter, it gets mildly cold (50s – 70s Fahrenheit). Leave your winter coat at home, but bring some sweaters, jackets, and pants. Alexandria is usually colder than Cairo, whereas Upper Egypt is warm, even during the winter. In the summer, it’s blazing hot everywhere.

Summer: (3) temperature regulating t-shirts, (3) blouses/t-shirts, (1) insect repelling long-sleeved shirt, (2) pairs of loose-fitting pants, (1) pair of jeans/nicer pants, (2) skirts, (1) dress, everything else in the other categories except for the down jacket

Winter: (2) temperature regulating t-shirts, (2) temperature-regulating long-sleeved shirts, (3) blouses / lighter sweaters, (1) pair of loose-fitting pants, (2) pairs of jeans/nicer pants, (1) dress, everything else in the other categories 

• Basic temperature regulating t-shirt: No matter what the season, you’ll want at least one basic temperature regulating shirt, like this one . This T is specially made to be moisture-wicking, anti-odor, and offer SPF protection. Plus, it doesn’t look like an exercise top but still offers a lot of the benefits of high-performance clothing. It’s cute enough to be dressed up with a cardigan or nice scarf. If you decide you love these shirts and want more, try this one .
• Insect repellant top: Honestly, you’ll probably only need this top in the summer since insects and mosquitos in Egypt are pretty dormant in winter. If you’re particularly concerned, you can also purchase Permethrin spray to spray on your clothing before you go. It lasts up to six washes.
• Long-sleeved temperature regulating top: If you’re traveling in the winter, you probably want more than just one of these tops . Winter in Egypt is mild: fairly warm during the day and cool at night. You’ll want temperature regulating tops that account for the variation in temperature. Even if you travel during the summer and you end up hiking or camping, you’ll want at least one of these tops.
• Blouses / Shirts: For the rest of the time when you’re out and about, you’ll want to bring along some cute tops (short or long-sleeved depending on your sensitivity to the sun). People generally don’t dress sloppily so keep that in mind when choosing clothes. Just make sure whatever you pack is lightweight!
• Cardigan: Having a cardigan on hand for cool evenings or for entering mosques is a must. You’ll also want an additional layer if you take a bus/train/plane anywhere.
• Lightweight, loose pants: If you’re going to Egypt in the summer, you’ll want loose and lightweight everything, including pants . I’m a fan of this particular style but anything lightweight, but not sloppy, will do. If you’re traveling in winter, you’ll probably want just one pair of lightweight pants and two pairs of jeans. Mix and match according to the season and your personal style.
• Jeans/nicer pants: If it’s summer, don’t bother bringing jeans. It’s way too hot to wear them. However, you’ll probably want to bring along at least one pair of nicer pants for evenings. If you’re traveling during winter, you’ll want to bring a few pairs of jeans/nice pants and maybe one pair of lightweight ones. Mix and match according to the season. Anyway, prAna is my go-to brand of choice for pants that are comfortable for all-day travel and outdoor activities without being ugly. They also have nice jeans as well!
• Skirts: If you’re traveling to Egypt in winter, you probably only need one skirt , if any at all. During summer, a couple will do. Make sure they’re long and they match with your tops!
• Dress: If you’re traveling during summer, bring one nicer casual dress that you can wear both during the day and in the evening. If you’re traveling during winter, you can bring one just in case or bring a skirt and a nice top. Either way, make sure you bring something that covers  below the knee and either covers your shoulders or can be paired with a cardigan.
• Secret pocket scarf: One of my favorite minimalist hacks for travel is to bring several scarves and several basic shirts and mixing and matching them to make it look like a whole new outfit. Cool trick, right? My favorite scarf to pack for every trip is this secret pocket scarf . It’s cute and functional and has the added bonus of having a hidden pocket, where you can keep your passport, some money, or any other valuable you’re worried about.
• Large scarf or shawl: Having a large scarf on hand is super helpful for impromptu mosque visits or to protect your skin when the sun is feeling just a little too strong. Plus, it’s a cute accessory for an outfit as well!
• Swimsuit: Yes, you can wear a bikini in Egypt but a one piece is a little more respectful. Definitely no topless sunbathing or swimming.
• Cover-up: Out of respect, bring a cover-up and wear it if you’re lounging around a resort or hotel.
• Sun hat: Your skin will want a break from the strong Egyptian sun, especially if you’re prone to burning. Check out your options here .
• Sunglasses: No explanation necessary. Yes, you need them in winter too.

Outerwear and Underwear

• (2) Bras, (1) workout bra, (7) underwear: I always bring this workout bra for outdoorsy days or if I want to hit the hotel gym because it keeps moisture and smells away. Same goes for this underwear (plus, it dries quickly for easy washing). I also pack a couple of my regular t-shirt bras and voila. Done with undergarments.
• Moisture-wicking socks: These moisture-wicking socks  are perfect for all-day wear without smelly or sweaty feet. Just a few pairs will do.
• Fleece: Even in the summer, you’ll want to bring a fleece for potential early morning hikes, overnight camping trips, or for dealing with freezing cold long-distance buses and trains.
• Packable down jacket:  There are some winter days when it gets pretty chilly so a proper jacket does come in handy. I really like this packable one because it’s warm but doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase.
• I like bringing leggings and a basic t-shirt to wear as pajamas just in case there’s an off chance I need to wash them and wear them as clothes in a pinch. Or layer with them if it gets cold. Either way, don’t forget pajamas.
• Sandals: I love these Keen sandals because they’re cute and super comfortable to walk in all day. I bring them with me everywhere and they haven’t failed me yet. If you prefer hiking sandals, I’ve used these in Costa Rica and they’re perfect for the great outdoors.
• Flats: I pretty much live in flats and sandals but it’s taken me a long time and lots of trial and error to find some that are cute, comfortable and durable. Both the Sketchers Ballet Flat and BOBS shoes fit the bill. I usually bring both with me when I travel but you really only need one pair of flats.
• All-purpose sneakers: Last year, a friend of mine introduced me to Allbirds, these awesome wool sneakers that don’t make your feet sweat (even if you wear them without socks). Then I found out they’re made of Merino Wool, which explains the magic behind them. They’re cute, they’re functional, and they’re comfy AF. You can wear them to hike up a mountain or to explore a new city. They’re my go-to travel shoes and if they get dirty, I can throw them in the wash. These are  especially visiting The Pyramids useful when and other historical sites!
• Water shoes (optional): If you’re headed to the beach and don’t want to jump in with your sandals, you’ll definitely want to pack this pair of water shoes . A lot of the beaches in Egypt have pointed jagged rocks and some even have sea urchins. Lesson learned the hard way. If you’re planning on swimming, you’ll need to wear some sort of footwear into the water.

What to Pack: Toiletries and Accessories 

• Oral care: Don’t forget to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste , and floss sticks along. Your favorite brands might be a little more expensive so it’s easier to just bring your stuff with you.
• Razors: I like to avoid looking like I just shaved my legs for the first time so I never use crappy hotel razors. I use the ultra-compact yet powerful Venus Snap for shorter trips. If you don’t have sensitive skin, you can easily pick up a razor at a pharmacy in Egypt.
• Deodorant:  Cause…sweat.
• Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave-in conditioner, and Soap: Word to the wise – your favorite hair and skincare brands (especially if you use ultra-niche or expensive brands) might not be available in Egypt or might be really expensive. I personally bring solid shampoo and conditioner bars because they’re lighter, last way longer, and don’t spill on your stuff. I like this shampoo bar and this conditioner bar , but of course, buy/bring whatever suits your hair type. Leave-in conditioner is a must because the water in Egypt has some funky things in it that will dry out your hair. I like this one and this one . As for soap, I bring along the miraculous Dr. Bronner’s Castille Soap , which you can use to clean yourself, clothing, dishes, and more. I learned about it from some traveling friends a few years ago and now it’s my go-to travel soap!
• Hand Sanitizer and face wipes: Egypt is a dry desert that’s dusty AF, which means you’ll be experiencing the lovely combination of being sweaty and sandy. Fun! Face wipes or baby wipes will help you stay refreshed and cleanish, while hand sanitizer is useful for general…er, sanitizing. Especially if a bathroom isn’t handy or it doesn’t have soap (also learned from personal experience, sigh).
• Makeup: I’ve never been much of a makeup queen and generally get by with tinted moisturizer , mascara ,  eyebrow pencil , eyeliner , and lipstick  both on the road and at home. However, my makeup-loving younger sister says that yes, you do need these great  travel-sized brushes and that you should buy travel-sized versions of your favorite makeup if you really can’t go makeup minimalist for a week or two. Just know that anything that’s prone to melting (in the case or off your face) probably isn’t best to bring anyway.
• Chapstick: Use it often and buy the SPF kind . If your lips aren’t drying out from the air, they’re getting sunburned from the sun.
• Sunscreen: I’m 100% African and I’ve gotten sunburned in Egypt. So even if you’ve never burned before, don’t test your luck and pack some good sunscreen. It’s expensive in Egypt and not always easy to find because locals don’t use it. For everyday use, I use Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen because my skin is prone to acne. The original Neutrogena sunscreen is just as good if acne is a non-issue. Neither will leave your skin feeling gross and greasy. For the rest of me, I use the solid body stick, which works well. My friends who dive told me that the chemicals in sunscreen are really bad for the ocean though, so if you’re going swimming, they recommend All Good Sunscreen , which is safe for reefs and the planet. The more you know!
• Insect repellent: If you’re traveling to Egypt in the summer, you’ll definitely want insect repellent. It’s not as bad as when you’re traveling to tropical destinations, but even so, the mosquitos are pretty relentless. This insect repellent specifically was voted number one in consumer tests and I can vouch for that fact that I’ve gotten fewer bites using it. Plus, you can use it on your clothes and your skin and it doesn’t make you feel or smell gross!
• Chafing gel: The only time I ever wish for a thigh gap is when it’s hot and I’m wearing a skirt or dress. Chub rub, that uncomfortable rawness you get between your thighs from them rubbing together, is  very real, especially when it’s hot out. I used this anti-chafing balm all summer long while I was in Egypt, and my only disappointment is how long it took me to figure out that it’s a thing that exists.
• Menstruation things: If pads are your period weapon of choice (and you don’t want to pack some), you can easily find your favorite brands in Egypt. However, tampons and menstrual cups are nearly impossible to find so do yourself a favor and pack some along with you.
• Skincare: As much as I’m a makeup minimalist, I’m somewhat of a skincare maximalist. I use a variety of products, which I pack into these teeny travel containers . What I don’t skimp on, though, is face moisturizer, and neither should you. Your skin will dry out from the heat and all that sun. I love the Cerave PM moisturizer (shout out to my dermatologist!) and this bottle comes in a 3 oz size, which makes it TSA-friendly. Don’t forget to pack a good body lotion too. Your body needs hydration as well.
• Miscellaneous:  In terms of jewelry, I  usually bring 3 pairs of earrings plus what I’m already wearing, and a few cute and matching bracelets and necklaces. Not necessities but I gotta be cute, ok? I also pack a  waterproof phone pouch (more for keeping my phone dry than taking good underwater photos), and this perfume bottle atomizer so I can bring my favorite perfume along. Lastly, don’t forget a hairbrush, hair ties and bobby pins.

Travel Safety and First Aid

• Travel Insurance: Yes, you need travel insurance for if things (hopefully don’t but often do) go wrong. I’ve been sick, needed stitches, crashed a rental car, had cash stolen and have dealt with luggage delays. Let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson about travel insurance the hard way. My go-to insurance is  World Nomads  cause they’re awesome. Be sure to check out the different plan options to pick one that’s right for you!
• Luggage Locks: Your stuff can definitely get stolen from your suitcase, whether you’re going through airport security, taking a bus or train, or staying at a hostel (or hotel, even). I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but I’m a worrywart and like to prepare for the worst. So I bring a couple of these small TSA-approved locks with me whenever I travel. Sure, I can’t stop someone from running off with my entire bag, but at least I can stop pickpockets in their track, heyyyy!
• Anti Diarrheal: First of all, hate to break it to you, but there’s a really high chance you will get diarrhea in Egypt. Maybe an upset stomach too. I don’t know what it is about the food ( it’s too yummy , maybe?) but it took me like four visits until I was able to rid myself of it. Many people travel with Imodium , every traveler’s favorite treatment for travel diarrhea. My doctor tells me that you shouldn’t stop whatever is making you sick from leaving your system. However, I totally get that there are times where “better out than in” just doesn’t work. So bring Imodium if you’d like, but use it only when you need to.
• Rehydration Salts: Egypt is hot and if you’re out and about all day, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Diarrhea also doesn’t help. These rehydration salts are perfect for electrolyte replenishment, especially when you can’t keep anything down. I speak from personal experience here.
• Advil: I always bring some pain reliever with me in case of body aches, cramps, etc. They’re just good to have.
• Dramamine: I’m thankful that my motion sickness only warrants medication when I’m on a boat, but I totally get that others are more sensitive. If you end up on a camping trip of some sort or take long-distance public transportation, chances are high you’ll be in for a bumpy ride. I prefer the non-drowsy Dramamine so I can still be a functioning human being during the day (not that naps aren’t nice too).
• Travel First Aid Kit: I love that this travel first aid kit is small enough to stick in your bag but still has tons of items in it. I’d remove the scissors if you aren’t planning to check your luggage, but otherwise, this is incredibly handy, especially if you’re going to be doing outdoorsy things.

What to Pack: Electronics

• VPN: For those of you who don’t know, a VPN (virtual private network) is a service that allows you to securely and privately route your internet through a server. Basically, it makes your internet think you’re in one place when you’re in a different one. Why do you need this? Well, if you want to access your bank account or any secure online account, the sites get super sketched out when you’re in a foreign country. It makes accessing some of these sites annoying or downright impossible. Another reason to get a VPN is that there are a fair amount of sites that are blocked in Egypt. It’s mostly news and pop culture sites, but it’s still a pain. Quite a few VPNs don’t work in Egypt but luckily, NordVPN is powerful enough to get around all the blocks. Yay for internet security!
• Power bank: I don’t know if I’m a phone addict or what (jk, the answer to that is an unfortunate but resounding yes) but I legit don’t understand how people can travel without a power bank. You’re out and about all day and using your phone to navigate, take photos, and who knows what else. I always carry my  Anker PowerCore  while I’m out. It’s light, holds multiple charges, and charges phones quickly. Win!
• An eSIM:  Once upon a time, I used to collect SIM cards like 90’s kids collected Beanie Babies. I had one for each country I visited and multiple phone numbers I could never remember. Why? So I could always have internet (I’m an addict and I know it). Nowadays, I use an  eSIM . I get internet pretty much everywhere and can use it for multiple devices. Plus, I get to keep my actual number and contacts in my phone. Win!
• Universal travel adapter: After accidentally bringing the wrong plug for a country multiple times, I learned my lesson and bought a couple of universal travel adapters . You can use them in every country and never have to worry about plugs again, yay! This one also has USB slots, which is super handy if you are mainly charging phones, cameras, and tablets. I usually pack two just in case and charge all my stuff with a power strip (linked below).
• Travel Camera(s): I know all the cool kids are about that #iPhoneOnly life, but I still like taking photos with a camera. Does that make me old? Whatever, I’m embracing it. Anyway, for adventure footage and photos, the latest GoPro is seriously the best. It’s waterproof, image stabilizing, and a bunch of other cool features. If you’re looking for a nice digital camera that doesn’t involve complicated lenses, I personally use the Sony RX100 II , which I’m obsessed with. This is the older model (I think they’re on the 6 now) but it works great. The Carl Zeiss lens helps take spectacular, high-quality photos but the camera is small enough to fit in a purse. I also bring my Instax Mini 9 with me cause I’m extra like that, but I also understand that most normal people don’t travel with three cameras.
• Kindle: Confession: I’m low-key a book fiend and chances are high that I’m currently in the middle of reading something. As a traveler, I don’t have the luxury of taking up precious space in my suitcase with a book or three. I was uncertain about buying a Kindle  initially, but it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. Not only can you keep guidebooks on there, but it’s also nice to be able to read at your leisure on those long distance trips or at the beach. This particular Kindle magically blocks sun glare somehow (sorcery, I tell you!), which is why I prefer it to reading on a tablet.
• Portable Travel Strip (optional): If you’re one of those annoying people charging your phone, laptop, and camera at the same time (read: me), bringing a small travel strip along makes powering your devices that much more efficient. I know I’m extra. Sorry, not sorry.
• Headphones: There are a lot of things that suck about planes, but bad headphones don’t have to be one of them. The small Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones do a pretty good job of blocking ambient sound on airplanes (and everywhere else). They’re small and they’re wired, making them much more practical for travel than the bulky over-ear headphones.
• Laptop/Tablet (optional):  I work online for a living, so I always bring my MacBook Air with me. I don’t like or use tablets personally. However, you might want to bring along a lightweight laptop or your tablet just in case. Travel planning is hard to do on a smartphone (which you should also bring by the way).

What to Pack: Travel Accessories

• Insulated water bottle and water purifier or water purifying bottle: I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel because single-use plastic sucks for the planet and buying lots of bottled water is expensive and inconvenient. If you’re wondering if you can drink the tap water in Egypt, the answer is a resounding no. What you can do is drink filtered, purified water. I bring along a Steripen , a UV water purifier that gets rid of 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa and use it in combination with my CamelBak Insulated Water Bottle . This bottle is particularly awesome because it holds 20 oz and keeps water cold, which you’ll want in a hot country like Egypt. If you’d rather purchase an all-in-one solution, Grayl’s water filtering bottle is a great alternative so you can fill directly from the tap and drink almost immediately.
• Microfiber towel: Pretty much all hotels will have towels for use on hand, but I find that it’s always nice to have a towel I can use when I travel, whether I’m on the beach, at an impromptu picnic, or just a bit chilly. This Wise Owl Camping Towel dries super quickly, takes up almost no room and comes with a bonus face/hand towel for hikes and outdoor activities. I always bring it with me when I travel, whether I’m staying in a hostel or not.
• Travel pillow: First of all, if you don’t already use a travel pillow while you’re on a plane, I’m seriously impressed because I can’t board a flight without one! In Egypt, you’ll definitely want to bring one along, not just for the plane but also for sleeping on long-distance trains and/or buses. Best believe I’m recommending that dorky but ultra comfortable Trtl travel pillow . It’s super comfortable and designed to hold your head in a proper sleeping position. Plus, it’s easy to just attach to your backpack when you aren’t using it so you don’t have to worry about bending the brace.
• Eye mask and earplugs: I have the hardest time sleeping pretty much anywhere that isn’t a bed, which I know is ridiculous considering how often I travel. I find that making my environment as quiet and dark as possible helps, which is why I travel with both  earplugs and this funny-looking eye mask . If you’re planning on staying in the city center (especially in Cairo), there’s a high chance that the street noise will be annoying enough to interrupt your sleep. I highly recommend bringing earplugs, even if you don’t sleep with them normally.
• Travel toilet paper: Toilet paper isn’t always a thing in Egypt, because people use bidets to keep their booties clean. I never understood why there isn’t toilet paper to dry off, but now I know to bring my own and I’m passing that wisdom on to you. You can always buy toilet paper while there or take some from your hotel, but I like to keep some of these small toilet paper rolls in my purse and not worry about it. Toilet seat covers are 100% not a thing (like at all outside of North America from what I’ve seen) so if you’re particularly worried about hygiene, there are also travel toilet seat covers . Note: don’t flush anything down the toilet in Egypt, not even toilet paper. The pipes can’t handle it. 
• Sleeping bag liner: I’m not a germaphobe by any means but have camped and stayed in hostels enough times to know that sometimes the bedding is…questionable. Or just plain uncomfortable. This silk sleeping bag liner will make you feel ultra-luxurious and put a barrier between you and your bedding, which has made me feel better while camping in The White Desert , sleeping on a felucca, and staying in budget hotels.
• Travel clothesline: This travel clothesline has been my lifesaver when I’ve hand-washed clothing or have a wet swimsuit or towel that I need to dry. Although doing laundry in Egypt is really inexpensive, it may not be worth the hassle if you have just a few things to wash or are moving through cities quickly. The clothesline is more a nice to have rather than a must-have depending on your travel style.
• Egyptian Arabic Phrasebook: This Arabic phrasebook is more of a nice to have than a necessity. However, you might find it particularly useful if you’re traveling through Egypt independently, especially if you’re not at tourist sites. Google Translate works in a pinch, but it translates to Modern Standard Arabic, not Egyptian Arabic, which sounds really different.
• Lonely Planet Guidebook: I’m one of those people who uses blogs to plan my trip but brings along a guidebook when I’m in another country. I know it’s weird, but I like having a reference along. Totally not a necessity if you’ve done proper research and/or have internet access.

More Egypt Resources

• 30+ Awesome Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt: The Ultimate Cairo Travel Guide
• 2 Days in Luxor Itinerary: The Best Things to Do, See, and Eat in Luxor
• 2 Days in Aswan Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt
• Egypt Travel Guide
• Pharaohs and Feluccas: Exploring Egypt with Intrepid Travel
• Camping in the White Desert, Egypt: A First Timer’s Guide
• Traditional Egyptian Food Guide: 20 Must Eat Foods in Cairo, Egypt
• Egypt Travel Tips for the First Time Visitor: Expectations vs Reality
• Bellies En-Route Downtown Cairo Food Tour: The Best Thing to Do in Cairo for Foodies
• Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: Everything to Know Before You Go
• Where to Stay in Cairo, Egypt: The Best Hotels in Cairo for Every Budget

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10 thoughts on “ What to Pack for Egypt: The Ultimate Egypt Packing List ”

This was very helpful. Thank you!

You’re welcome, I’m glad you found it useful!

Thank you, Sally. I’m hoping to go to Egypt in September (fingers crossed!). This is exactly what I was looking for.

Glad you found it helpful, Dawn! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

If I can only visit one additional tomb should it be King Tut or King Ramses? I’m leaving for Egypt next week!

It depends if you’re more interested in seeing the mummified body (Tut) or colorful hieroglyphs (Ramses). This article might help: https://www.earthtrekkers.com/best-tombs-to-visit-in-the-valley-of-the-kings-luxor/

Have so much fun on your trip!

Your article was super helpful! I appreciate your suggestions/ideas!

Glad you found them helpful 🙂

Very good advice. Thanks. Doing the tour with Gate 1

You’re welcome. Have a great trip!

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Egypt Healthy Travel Packing List

Pack items for your health and safety.

• You may not be able to purchase and pack all of these items, and some may not be relevant to you and your travel plans. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
• This list is general and may not include all the items you need. Check our Traveler Information Center for more information if you are a traveler with specific health needs, such as travelers who are pregnant, immune compromised, or traveling for a specific purpose like humanitarian aid work.
• Remember to pack extras of important health supplies in case of travel delays.

Prescription medicines

• Your prescriptions
• Travelers' diarrhea antibiotic
• Suture/syringe kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Altitude sickness medicine

Medical supplies

• Glasses Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged
• Contact lenses Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged
• Needles or syringes (for diabetes, for example) Requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Suture kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Diabetes testing supplies
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)
• Medical alert bracelet or necklace

Over-the-counter medicines

• Antihistamine
• Motion sickness medicine
• Cough drops
• Cough suppression/expectorant
• Decongestant
• Medicine for pain and fever Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
• Mild laxative
• Mild sedative or other sleep aid
• Saline nose spray

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

• Hand sanitizer or wipes Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes
• Water purification tablets See CDC recommendations: Water Disinfection .
• Insect repellent Select an insect repellent based on CDC recommendations: Avoid Bug Bites
• Permethrin Permethrin is insect repellent for clothing. It may be needed if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Clothing can also be treated at home in advance.
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) with UVA and UVB protection. See Sun Exposure .
• Sunglasses and hat Wear for additional sun protection. A wide brim hat is preferred.
• Personal safety equipment Examples: child safety seats, bicycle helmets
• Latex condoms

First-aid kit

• 1% hydrocortisone cream
• Antifungal ointments
• Antibacterial ointments
• Antiseptic wound cleanser
• Aloe gel For sunburns
• Insect bite treatment Anti-itch gel or cream
• Bandages Multiple sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape
• Moleskin or molefoam for blisters
• Elastic/compression bandage wrap For sprains and strains
• Disposable gloves
• Digital thermometer
• Scissors and safety pins
• Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
• Oral rehydration salts
• Health insurance documents Health insurance card (your regular plan and/or supplemental travel health insurance plan) and copies of claim forms
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination If required for your trip, take your completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis card or medical waiver
• Copies of all prescriptions Make sure prescriptions include generic names. Bring prescriptions for medicines, eye glasses/contacts, and other medical supplies.
• Family member or close contact remaining in the United States
• Health care provider(s) at home
• Lodging at your destination
• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination
• US embassy or consulate in the destination country or countries

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26 Top Egypt Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Egypt is renowned worldwide as a land brimming with ancient history and culture. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the bustling city of Cairo, any trip to Egypt is sure to be packed with excitement. Though this region has warm to mild temperatures year round, its religious roots require more conservative dress. This can make things a bit tricky when it comes to knowing what to pack!

To help you out, we’ve put together this complete packing list with  what to wear in Egypt , what NOT to pack, and answers to all your top Egypt frequently asked questions.

What to Pack for Egypt – 26 Essentials

1. egypt power adapter.

If you’re coming from North America or countries outside of the Middle East, you will need a power adapter to plug in your electronics while in Egypt. This universal power adapter will have you covered in Egypt as well as in 100+ popular countries throughout the world. With a built-in fuse protector, you won’t risk your phone or camera on shotty outlets. Plus, it comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee!

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Pashmina Shawl

A pashmina shawl is an invaluable item to bring with you on your trip to Egypt. Whether you’re entering a holy site or mosque and need to cover your head or shoulders or just want to wear it as a wrap on a chilly evening, you’ll be glad you packed one! I also use it as a seat cover, packing cushion, picnic blanket, etc.

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN is beneficial for many reasons when traveling abroad. Use it to prevent hackers from stealing your sensitive information whenever you’re connected to WiFi in public places (in hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, airports, etc.) We learned this the hard way when we got hacked at our Airbnb in Paris. A quality VPN will also grant you access to websites from home that may be blocked or censored by the host country, and even be able to get around popular new sites’ paywalls that restrict monthly article views.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Neck Wallet

A neck wallet is a total game-changer in any destination that’s particularly touristy or crowded. Between strolling through the markets in Cairo and visiting the iconic pyramids, you’ll likely find yourself surrounded by crowds and tourist traps. Wear a neck wallet tucked beneath your shirt to secure your passport, wallet, credit cards, and smartphone against pickpocketing and petty theft.

5. Water Bottle with Built-in Filter

Though the tap water in Egypt is not safe to drink, you won’t want to keep shelling out money for bottled water. Plus, single-use plastics are awful for the environment. Instead, use this reusable Grayl water bottle that comes with a built-in filter so you can ensure the water you’re drinking is safe. This one is a little pricey, but it’s worth it to us for top-quality filtration that removes harmful bacteria, pathogens, viruses, chlorine, sediment, dirt, microplastics, and more.

6. Travel Insurance for Egypt

There is almost nothing more important for your Egypt trip than reliable travel insurance. The travel can be unpredictable and you’ll need to make sure you’re covered in case of a medical emergency, lost luggage, COVID-19 evacuations, flight cancellations etc. Faye is always our go-to for finding the best travel insurance – we never take a trip without them! They create customized plans that adapt for each unique trip and traveler, even offering affordable add-ons like ‘cancel for any reason.’

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. Packing Cubes

Make your life easier by using packing cubes for your trip to Egypt. These travel organizers will help you avoid overpacking and stay in order so you won’t have to dig through your luggage searching for your last pair of clean socks. Simply label each cube (tops, bottoms, shoes, essentials, etc.), and you’ll love that this set includes extra cases for shoes and laundry!

8. Jet Lag Relief

If you’re visiting from North America, Egypt is a long way from home! Avoid the unpleasant symptoms of jet lag by taking these homeopathic jet lag relief pills. They work as both a prevention and a cure and will keep you on your feet during the first day of your trip. We like that they’re formulated with chamomile and other botanicals rather than the caffeine and stimulants of similar products.

9. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

We never travel without these TSA-approved luggage locks. You can usually trust your checked luggage to arrive intact, but we learned first-hand that things can be stolen from your suitcase when it’s not in your possession. Keep these locks handy for bags, backpacks, lockers, or to leave things in the hotel as the cleaning staff comes through.

10. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

You don’t want to be stuck in Egypt without access to your smartphone since you’ll be relying on it for communication, navigation, or photos. We’ve dealt with a dead battery at inconvenient times (when stranded far from the hotel, unable to call for a ride or help). Now we travel smarter by tossing this lipstick-sized portable charger in our daypack. You can quickly charge up your devices while you’re out and about.

11. Luggage Straps

Don’t allow your weak zippers to sabotage you! I’ve seen plenty of suitcases bust open mid-transit due to rough mishandling or the crazy conveyor belt system at the airport, which shows no mercy.

Baggage loss or damage is actually way more common for international trips (happening about 800% more than for domestic trips). I reinforce my luggage using these adjustable straps that can withstand more than 700-pounds of force tension. They offer support to keep the zippers shut, the retractable handle in place, and the weight centralized. I also get through baggage claim way faster since my colors are easy to recognize from afar. With heavy-duty belts and a lightweight design, they’re backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, so you can trust the quality craftsmanship.

12. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

If your accommodations don’t provide a towel, or if the towel provided is unclean, you’ll be glad you packed your own lightweight, compact, microfiber travel towel. This one is great because it dries 10x quicker than cotton and isn’t bulky and heavy like a regular towel.

13. Mosquito-Repelling Wristbands

Mosquitos are relentless and you’ll find them extra ravenous here in the summertime. Egypt does not generally have cases of malaria, but they do face other mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, West Nile virus, etc., so play it safe with mosquito-repellent wristbands. These are deet-free, which means they’re safe for kids and you’ll be protected without choking on harsh chemicals all day.

14. Cooling Towels

Rainfall is almost non-existent in Egypt, and the high temperature in the Sahara Desert can reach 120°F/49°C. Beat the heat with a set of cooling towels. These magical babies drop to 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temperature, staying cold for up to an hour! Simply add water and enjoy the chilly, refreshing sensation wrapped around your neck or head (when the effect diminishes, just add more water). We never travel to warm destinations without these and can’t recommend them enough.

15. Long Skirt

It’s important to be respectful of cultural norms during your time in Egypt. That means women should be sure to cover their knees, shoulders, and everything in between! The weather in Egypt can get HOT, so a long flowy maxi skirt is the way to go as far as blending in and keeping cool.

16. Daypack

As you’re spending the day strolling through the streets of Cairo or cruising down the ancient waters of the Nile, you’ll definitely need a daypack to carry everything you need with you. This pack is durable and large enough to hold your camera, jacket, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else you might need for exploring. Plus, it’s super lightweight and folds into its own pocket when not in use.

17. Discounted Tickets to Egyptian Attractions

Get Your Guide is our preferred booking service for local tours that are reputable and authentic. Since you can read reviews and cancel within 24-hours of your tour, you won’t get caught in a lackluster experience or be limited to an inflexible itinerary.

While in Egypt, you absolutely must discover popular antiquities like the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx of Cairo , and the Luxor Valley of the Kings . A river cruise down the Nile is also a fan favorite, with options for dinner cruises or 3-day journeys .

Outdoor fanatics will love snorkeling through the Blue Hole National Park or stargazing in the Hurghada Desert . And if you have the time, we recommend day trips to historical Alexandria , tropical Marsa Alam , or the magnificent Abu Simbel Temple (built in 13th century BC).

See all Egypt attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

18. Modest Swimsuit

There are tons of stunning beaches to hit in Egypt (Naama Bay, El Gouna, Dahab Lagoon, etc.), but keep in mind that 90% of the population is Sunni Muslim. The dress code is considered much more conservative than Western attire, so a modest swimsuit is best. Dressing appropriately will make your hosts and the new people you meet feel more comfortable and at ease with you, which will lead to a better time for all involved!

19. Activated Charcoal (Food Poisoning Remedy)

It’s important to be extra cautious of food and drink in Egypt, as cleanliness standards might not be up to what you’re used to at home. Travelers commonly get sick because the bacteria is completely different than that at home. So if you feel like you might have eaten something that doesn’t agree with you, take these activated charcoal tablets to quickly expel the toxins in your system to keep you from getting sick.

20. Hanging Toiletry Bag

Egyptian bathrooms can vary from resorts to Airbnbs to rustic sites. But one commonality is the general lack of countertop space. Plan ahead for limited storage with this hanging toiletries bag. It has 4 giant pockets that hold more products than you would imagine, neatly folded up into a compact case. We haven’t had any luggage leaks or spills since using these, and you can hang it on any door, hook, pole, branch, etc.

21. TSA-Approved Toiletries Bottles

Don’t forget that TSA will require bottles under the 3.4-ounce at the security checkpoint. Any liquids, gels, creams, and pastes need to be in travel-sized bottles, or you will be asked to throw them out. We favor these silicon tubes since they have a 3-layer leakproof design and are super easy to fill up.

22. Electrolytes

When you’re spending long days adventuring in Egypt’s dry desert heat, it’s important to keep hydrated! Add some of these electrolytes to your drinking water to help your body absorb the vitamins and nutrients you need. Electrolytes will also come in handy to soothe a hangover or to help get over food poisoning, boosting your hydration significantly faster than water alone would.

23. Deodorant Wipes

Instead of feeling sticky and icky while discovering the best of Egypt, use these deodorant wipes to keep smelling your best. I find them incredibly refreshing since they use pre/probiotics to restore the skin’s natural barrier and reduce odors. They’re pocket-sized wipes in individual packets, so you can throw a few in your daypack and wipe down freely to get rid of any funk. You’ll feel a lot better and your travel partners will thank you!

24. Maxi Dress

The land of ancient history and majestic pharaohs is also one of the best hot-spots for nightlife! You’ll be enjoying dinner cruises, the opera house, the sound & light show at the Giza Pyramids, discotheque clubs, and more – so bring at least one gorgeous evening dress for nights on the town. This one is long and modest but still fitted for a flattering silhouette. It’s thin enough material that you won’t overheat, and the built-in pockets are just the cherry on top!

25. Sturdy Sandals

Skip the blister-inducing and sweaty shoes that will only slow you down. Instead, opt for breathable sandals that suit the arid climate of Egypt. These are very cute and lightweight yet still offer plenty of support with a shock-absorbing sole. I also like that they’re quick-drying if you get any water on them, and they have enough traction for slippery or muddy areas.

26. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

We recommend avoiding the tourist trap of crappily made souvenirs (typically sold near the pyramids or in tourist bazaars). But! So long as you stick to reputable workshops and retailers that sell authentic goods, there are SO many gorgeous things you will want to take home (for yourself or as gifts for loved ones).

Treat yourself to the likes of Egyptian perfume, Papyrus, textiles, handmade jewelry, spices, inlay work, and precious stones . This “just in case” bag counts as your personal item for the flight home, making it easy to do a little shopping without paying double fees on your checked luggage.

Other Egypt Packing List Items

• Travel Neck Pillow
• Motion Sickness Relief
• Protein Bars
• Swimsuit Cover Up
• Hiking Shoes
• Compression Flight Socks
• Steripod Toothbrush Cover
• Makeup Remover Wipes
• Hanging Toiletry Case
• TSA Approved Travel Size Bottles
• Travel Sheet
• Contact Solution
• Noise Cancelling Headphones
• Passport Photos
• Over the Counter Medications
• Hard Copies of Vital Documents
• ATM or Debit Card without International Fees

What to Wear in Egypt

Expect daytime temperatures in Egypt to be mild to hot throughout the year, while cooling off a bit at night. Keep in mind that Egypt is a Muslim country, which means more conservative dress than you’re used to will be required. Despite the heat, avoid shorts and tight or revealing clothing, and instead opt for loose, flowing pants, skirts, and shirts everywhere you go.

Women in Egypt’s big cities, like Cairo and Alexandria will often opt for more modern, westernized dress, while still keeping with conservative customs of covering their shoulders, chest, and knees. At more touristy resorts and beaches, you’re free to wear shorts and bathing suits, though you still might be a bit uncomfortable on the streets with men catcalling and yelling at you. Throughout the country women are expected to dress more conservatively, so try your best to respect the culture both to blend in and for your own safety. What Should MEN Wear to Egypt? – (Click to expand) Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Packing for the Seasons in Egypt

Egypt has an arid desert climate, meaning winters are mild to cool but rarely cold, and summers are intensely hot. Regardless of the heat, locals and tourists alike will be expected to cover up to keep in line with the region’s cultural customs. Opt for loose-fitting, flowing, breathable clothing that will keep you cool but will also help you blend in.

WINTER – December, January, February

SPRING – March, April, May

Spring in Egypt can be unpredictable, but expect temperatures to rise starting in March. Again, be prepared for warmer or hotter temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Sandstorms can also be prevalent during this time, but they mostly occur outside of major cities. Pack lightweight long and short-sleeved shirts and layers to adjust to changing temperatures.

SUMMER – June, July, August

FALL – September, October, November

Fall in Egypt is much more mild, with pleasant temperatures averaging around 85°F (29°C). Due to the improved weather, fall is one of the most popular tourist seasons in Egypt. Expect higher prices and bigger crowds at major tourist attractions during this time. You might also experience some rain in the fall, so pack your umbrella!

Nile River Cruise – Nile river cruise attire is a bit more relaxed than many of your other Egyptian destinations, as you’ll likely be surrounded by other tourists in western dress. Bare shoulders, shorts, and swimsuits are fine, but as a general rule, try to remain respectful of the crew and local Egyptians by proceeding with caution when it comes to overly revealing clothing.

Exploring the Cities – In the bigger cities like Cairo and Alexandria, many locals tend to opt for western style clothing like skinny jeans and t-shirts, as long as they are covered from the shoulders down to their knees. As long as you keep with this general rule and don’t wear overly tight or revealing clothing, you should be absolutely fine with western style clothing in the big cities.

Beach Resorts – Beach resorts in Egypt will also be a bit more relaxed when it comes to what to wear. Feel free to wear shorts and bathing suits as you’ll likely be surrounded by majority tourists. That said, consider opting for a more conservative swimsuit like this one to ward off unwanted attention and to show respect for the local culture.

Mosques and Holy Sites – It’s essential to dress appropriately and conservatively when entering mosques and holy sites in Egypt. That means women may be required to cover their head with a scarf or shawl, and both men and women will need to make sure they’re covered from their shoulders down to below their knees.

What NOT to bring to Egypt

1. don’t pack white clothing.

Egypt can get windy and dusty, so leave your white and light colored clothing at home! You won’t want to walk around in a dirty, dusty, brown outfit, so opt for darker colors instead.

2. DON’T BRING a winter coat

Egypt enjoys warm to mild temperatures year round, and even in the dead of winter it likely won’t get cold enough to warrant a winter coat. Instead, bring clothes that will work for layering so you can easily adapt to the weather.

3. DON’T TAKE full-size liquids

The last thing you need is to have your expensive jewelry or electronics lost, stolen, or broken during your trip to Egypt. Save yourself some stress (and maybe even some money) by leaving your valuables at home and only bringing what you absolutely need.

4. DON’T PACK too much stuff

Egypt is a country with amazing things to do and see from north to south. Save yourself the hassle of lugging around excessively heavy, overstuffed baggage by using  packing cubes  to stay organized and avoid overpacking.

5. DON’T BRING revealing clothes

Egypt’s culture requires visitors to dress more conservatively than they may be used to. This means avoiding wearing tight or revealing clothing, and instead opting for loose fitting clothes with more coverage.

6. DON’T TAKE full-sized liquids

Don’t risk having your expensive liquid toiletries dumped out by security at the airport or having them leak and spill all over your luggage during the journey. Instead, pack your liquids in these  TSA approved travel-sized bottles  and bring only what you need.

Travel FAQs and Tips for Egypt

1. is it safe to drink the water in egypt.

No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Egypt. Instead, opt for bottled water or fill up your reusable bottle with filtered water which you can find at many hotels and higher-end restaurants and cafes. Avoid eating fresh fruit and vegetables without a peel, and be wary of drinking beverages that come with ice, as the ice was likely made with tap water.

2. Should I take public transportation in Egypt?

No, it’s not advisable to take public transportation in Egypt. Trains are prone to crashing and often result in casualties. Busses are overcrowded, slow, and get caught in the crazy traffic and congestion of Egypt’s larger cities. Using any public transportation option will be chaotic and difficult to use unless you have a good knowledge of Arabic. We recommend taking taxis or even Uber instead.

3. Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

It is currently safe to travel to the more touristy parts of Egypt, including Cairo and the Great Pyramids. That said, it’s always important to remain cautious and keep your wits about you at all times, keeping wary of pickpocketing and petty theft. The majority of the Sinai Peninsula with some exceptions is considered to be dangerous for tourists, and visitors should proceed with extreme caution.

4. Do you need vaccines to visit Egypt?

As long as you are up to date with the standard vaccinations, no additional vaccines are required to visit Egypt. That said, it’s always prudent to check with your healthcare professional and make sure you’re all set before you go.

5. Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

If you’re visiting from the US, you do need to get a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain a visa by paying $25 USD upon your arrival at the airport. If you’re visiting from Europe or other nations, you will also need to obtain a visa for entry to Egypt, though you’ll need to check online for the details specific to your country of residence.

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Moving to Egypt Transformed My Travel Wardrobe — Here Are 13 Comfy Essentials I Now Swear by, From $26

From white linen pants to breezy maxi dresses, these are the versatile clothes I wear on repeat in Cairo.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

I recently moved to Cairo, Egypt’s capital and a desert city that experiences a range of temperatures in a single day. I learned quickly that I’d need looks that would keep me cool in the sun yet warm on chilly nights and be modest enough to fit right in. So I added a few key items to my travel wardrobe, from white linen pants to apparel with built-in UPF sun protection to a light denim jacket I can layer on top at night.   

If you’re packing for your own Egypt trip, maybe you can benefit from a few key things I’ve learned along the way. First, classic, elegant silhouettes on the more modest side go far; generally speaking, covering from your shoulders to your knees is acceptable here. You don’t want to attract unwanted attention when you’re sightseeing. And second, whether you’re headed to the pyramids, climbing Mount Sinai, or taking the metro to avoid Cairo traffic, comfortable, close-toed shoes are also essential.

Since it’s the desert, sand and dust are all around, but you shouldn’t let this stop you from wearing white. Just keep a reliable stain remover in your suitcase. Depending on your style, you can stick to bold prints or minimalist neutrals that hide anything that gets on your outfit. All in all, you can’t go wrong with stylish and functional staples, so scroll on for my ultimate guide to what to wear to Egypt .

Quince White Linen Pants

It’s no secret that linen is the way to go in any warm weather climate, but sometimes the fabric can get quite expensive. I’ve turned to Quince’s deals and sales for my linen sets complete with pants, a matching tank , and a short or long-sleeve shirt . I recommend buying all the various lengths because I tend to switch between the three of them throughout the day. 

Plus, a coordinated look is an excellent hack to looking put together in a flash. Given the packed itinerary you’ll likely have in Egypt, nothing beats a quick and simple ensemble. Quince has linen in all kinds of colors and pinstripe, too, so do yourself a favor and stock up.

Rothy’s The Casual Clog

Rothy's

Clogs are my go-to in Cairo as the open back keeps my feet cool while a closed toe keeps them from getting dusty. And these Rothy’s in particular are a winning travel shoe because you never have to worry about getting them dirty — they’re machine washable . Any time I get a stain on them, I simply pop the shoes into the washing machine. 

It’s a low-maintenance setup, and the plush footbed with arch support makes them a joy to walk around in. The only thing to remember is that Rothy’s can’t take excessive heat from a dryer, so you always have to let them air dry. Looking for this style for less? This similar Amazon pair is only $39 (though not as conveniently machine washable).

Nordstrom Long Sleeve Shirt Dress

Similar to my linen sets, I have a rack of maxi shirt dresses ready to go for any occasion. They’re stylish yet conservative enough, appropriate for being out about about, and will keep you cool. 

As someone who’s petite, I opt for vertical stripes to flatter and elongate my figure, and I find the pattern a fun way to show off my style personality. Did I mention this style has pockets? I may not put valuables in them to deter pickpockets, but it’s great for having items like lip gloss with SPF handy. 

Khaki Baseball Cap

Even with slightly cooler temperatures during the earlier months of the year, the sun is still strong in the desert. In addition to a pair of sunglasses , I rock a baseball cap anywhere I go. 

It’s a practical accessory that will protect you from the sun, and it makes a subtle style statement. I keep it right by the door, so I can finish any outfit with it on my way out, especially when I want to cover up a bad hair day. Again, to match the desert, I have a khaki color that pairs well with anything. 

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

A small, on-the-go bag that can fit your hotel key, credit cards, cash, and phone is a must-have. Lululemon’s belt bag is an affordable solution that has gotten me through many days and nights out in Cairo along with other trips beyond the city. 

I prefer to clip it over my chest for a more fashion-forward style and the bonus of easier access to my essentials. And unlike most fanny packs, there’s a separate interior pocket that will help keep all your stuff organized. 

Madewell The Jean Jacket

Like New York, Cairo is another city that never sleeps, so you’ll need some form of outerwear for the colder nights in the desert. You’ll find the streets filled with people at all hours of the night. 

Whether I’m going to a late dinner or a nightcap at a coffee shop, my denim jacket always comes with me. Not only does it keep me cozy, but I can also wear it with everything from a dressier slip dress to denim jeans or long skirts in similar washes. 

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress

Hill House Home

If you ask me, Hill House’s popular Nap Dress isn’t for snoozing. In fact, it’s what I like to wear on activity, photo-filled days. Similar to my cropped pants, it looks good on anyone and the site offers a range of colors, prints, and sizes. 

It’s casual enough that it works for a laid-back lunch or food tour. Then again, I’ve thrown it on with heels before for a fancy night out. I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to have versatile pieces when traveling, and this one fits the bill as it covers the knees and shoulders. 

Everlane The Day Mary Jane

I’m a fan of athleisure, but I don’t like my closet to be lined with sneakers or uncomfortable sandals. I chose these durable Mary Janes from Everlane made out of soft leather in the Blush Tan because they fit perfectly and match the sand on the roads so I don’t have to worry about cleaning them. 

What makes them even better for travel? The shoes can be effortlessly dressed up or down. I’ve worn them to an elegant Iftar meal at the historic Qubba Palace or on a stroll in Old Cairo’s pottery village where I buy affordable handmade goods and take classes. 

Lululemon Softstreme High-Rise Midi Skirt

An underrated, modest article of clothing is a midi skirt. Lululemon has a quality, super soft option that’s attainable quiet luxury at its finest. I like to pair it with a relaxed tee to balance out the skirt’s structure. Recently, I dressed up a midi with a tank and a blazer (so that it wasn’t too revealing) for a Suhoor — the second pre-fasting meal during Ramadan — at the Abdeen Palace. 

Akk Memory Foam Lightweight Tennis Shoes

Comfy, tan sneakers were a priority on my Egypt packing list. I got a couple of inexpensive pairs at Amazon because I wanted to be able to get rid of them if they got too worn down. I’ve been here since February and my initial pair is still going strong. 

Of course, beige was the clear color of choice and I often wear them with matching socks to combat the dusty terrain. I also love that they’re lightweight and a breeze to walk in.  

Viodia Women's UPF 50+ Golf Shirt

There’s so much to do in Cairo, and I’ve been picking up tons of new hobbies, including golf. This is because many of the luxury hotels and resorts have golf courses . 

I have a drawer full of polo shirts with both long and short sleeves that I wear with longer-length matching golf skorts . To mix things up, I also have a few golf dresses . (At the courses and resorts, in general, I’ve found that it’s more acceptable to wear shorter bottoms.) This shirt is great whether on the course or not as it has UPF 50+ sun protection built in, a necessity in these parts.

Banana Republic Ultra High-Rise Wide-Leg Crop Jean

Banana Republic

Wide-legged crops or culottes are my preferred pants. They’re flattering, breathable, and add shape to any look. If you’re coming to the desert, I say leave your skinnies at home. 

I take things to another level with ultra-high rises. This silhouette, courtesy of Banana Republic, has a relaxed fit that complements any figure. Thankfully, the brand has a petite section , so I didn’t have to worry about hemming or getting the jeans tailored. 

Blundstone High-Top Boots

Even though this is the desert, there are hiking trails in Cairo, and since the paths are filled with sand, you should wear high-top boots. I’ve been all about my pair of sturdy, shock-absorbing Blundstone boots.

Moreover, the boots look even better if they’re down making them ideal for walking around or strolling from one pyramid to another. It’s clear that when it comes to footwear, the less hassle, the better. They come in black and several shades of brown giving you plenty of options, too. 

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Africa , EGYPT

Complete packing list for egypt.

Located at the top of the African continent, but feeling more culturally similar to its neighbours in the near Middle East across the Red Sea, Egypt is a country with filled with fascinating geographies, histories, people and cultures… especially when it comes to travelling!

I spent 3 weeks in Egypt as a solo female adventurer and experienced very little hassle, in fact, I loved this country with its wonderful ancient treasures, world-class museums and incredible river cruises.

However I know that doesn’t ring true for all travellers to this country and that many people do find they get pestered in Egypt.

What I don’t want this to do however, is put you off going there.

The key to enjoying Egypt, rather than just surviving it, is probably to be prepared, be wise and to do some serious research before you go… of all which my blog can help you out with, so don’t forget to hunt around for all the Egypt content I’ve written previously!

And another good place to start is with this packing list, so you know exactly what to pack and wear during your time in Egypt for the least stressful and most rewarding experience possible.

Feeling comfortable will definitely help you to have a better and more relaxed time here, so it’s certainly a worthy bit of prep!

And on that note, it’s time to jump in…

Related Posts

• My 27 Top Tips for Travel in Egypt
• 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt
• The Perfect Egypt Itinerary

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What to wear as a female traveller in egypt.

The general rule for female travellers when it comes to what to wear in Egypt is long pants and tops that don’t reveal your upper arms or chest, especially if you’re travelling alone.

At least this is true when travelling the major cities and Nile area of the country – the coast is slightly different and more relaxed in terms of dress code.

While no way near as conservative as other countries I’ve visited such as Sudan, Egypt is not as liberal as parts of Lebanon or Turkey either, so do beware that in mind.

Lying somewhere in the middle, female travellers in Egypt do not have to cover their heads, but I’d certainly advise only packing clothes that extend below the knee and that cover the shoulders or cleavage.

Having your arms exposed is ok (as long as your shoulders and chest are covered), but you may feel more comfortable wearing longer-sleeved garments that do cover your lower arms too.

Sarongs or thin scarves are a great option when travelling in Egypt as they are so versatile, compact and light. Sarongs or scarves can easily be draped over your head or shoulders too for extra coverage.

Evening wear certainly isn’t a must here – as a largely alcohol-free country (although it’s not illegal, few people in Egypt drink it and it’s very expensive), you’re unlikely to be going out or needing much specific evening attire, so that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about!

Ditto heavy make-up, which is not common here and will be a nightmare in the heat!

In terms of shoes, when it comes to what to wear in Egypt, I really do think you can limit yourself to 3 pairs – 1x comfy trainers / runners that can be used for any long sightseeing trips or travel days, 1 pair of good support sandals like Birkenstocks and perhaps some lowkey evening flats or pumps.

In my opinion, dress sandals, or anything with a heel, are definitely not required when travelling in this country.

For more specific ideas about exactly what to wear in Egypt, check out these sections below.

You can also download your own copy of my broader Middle East packing list (which also covers North Africa) by entering your details in the box below…

What to Wear when Sightseeing in Egypt?

When it comes to sightseeing in Egypt, especially around any of the temples, you’ll want to make sure you’re fairly covered up – not only for cultural reasons, but also to protect yourself from the sun as, needless to say, the UV rays in Egypt can be fierce!

A long skirt or thin, ankle-length trousers will be perfect for sightseeing in this country as they’ll allow you to stay fairly cool.

They also provide some warmth when you go into any temples or pyramids, which can actually be pretty cold inside.

I’d advise a thin, long-sleeved bamboo or cotton top for the top half, so that you can ensure your chest and upper arms are covered.

Something loose and comfortable will help you stay comfortable and cool, because you don’t want to be fiddling around constantly with clothing in the heat when you’re trying to sightsee.

Ladies, I’d also take a thin scarf or sarong with you when sightseeing, so that this can be placed over your head if you’re visiting any religious sights.

Sunglasses, a good sunhat and some sunscreen are also top items and I highly recommend bringing a good daypack you can put them all in and carry easily throughout your sightseeing time in Egypt.

This Marmot Kompressor is ideal for the job as it packs down to nothing and is light, waterproof and comfortable.

And finally, you’ll also want to ensure you have some water with you for sightseeing days in Egypt and that you drink a lot to stay hydrated.

Rather than constantly buying plastic water bottles, I highly recommend you take a filter water bottle with you to Egypt, which will allow you to drink the tap water here (or anywhere in the world) safely.

An amazing piece of technology, I highly recommend Water-to-go bottles for the job.

And if you are looking for top sightseeing trips in Egypt, then check out these fantastic options .

What to Wear at the Coast in Egypt?

If you’re travelling to either Dahab, Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada, you’ll find that dress codes are more relaxed than in other Egyptian destinations.

This means that coastal spots in this country are more chilled places to finish your trip and spend a few days relaxing.

With good temperatures and sandy beaches, you’ll definitely want to bring your swimwear and a towel to enjoy these spots.

Sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen and sarongs are also a good idea.

Don’t forget a good book and your headphones too, and you may also want to bring a snorkel and mask set if you own one because, at the Red Sea, you’re on the edge of some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world, so don’t miss out!

And now I want to bring you a complete packing list for Egypt – a handy item-by-item guide so that you’re fully prepared and packed for your trip here.

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Clothes to Pack for Egypt

1 Thin Windproof Jacket

Egypt has a hot, dry climate, but at night it can get chilly if you’re out in the desert.

As such, I recommend taking a thin windproof jacket with you to this country – something light, compact but practical would be ideal and this North Face Venture 2 is perfect.

3 Thin Sweaters or Cotton Long-Sleeved Tops

Great for layering as, in certain parts of the country, you might not feel comfortable walking around with bare arms, which means some thin, light tops are crucial.

I always love a natural fibre long sleeve option to stop me sweating as much!

2 Cardigans / Denim Shirts

Helpful in the evening and /or if you want something a bit smarter during the day.

I’m loving the denim shirt look right now!

7 Singlets / T-Shirts

Choose a range of colours and styles that match the trousers / shorts you’ve selected.

I recommend loose ones that will keep you cool and aren’t too revealing.

T-shirts are best as they cover shoulders (good for avoiding sunburn), or go for my ventilation tactic, which is a singlet with a thin scarf or sarong draped around the shoulders.

7 is a good number of tops as it means you have enough to survive without doing laundry for a week!

2 Jeans / Trousers

Great for going out in the evening or wandering around cities like Luxor and Cairo, you’re likely to feel very uncomfortable in anything short or revealing in Egypt (outside of the coastal regions), so long-legged pants are a must.

Just make sure they are thin and light!

2 Pair Leggings

One of my travel essentials full stop (not just in Egypt!), leggings are especially ideal when you’re exploring the temples and cities, because they are thin and breathable… if you get the right pair.

In fact, I strongly recommend bamboo fibre ones because they are breathable, hypoallergenic, soft, thin and compact down really easily.

In Egypt especially, leggings are good under a casual dress or tunic when you need to dress modestly and are comfy to wear on any long bus or train rides you might have to make.

1 Pair Shorts

Shorts are really only worn in Egypt by travellers at the coast, which is why I’ve suggested just 1 pair.

If you’re keen on a diving or snorkelling adventure, the Red Sea has some amazing opps and dress codes are certainly more relaxed here.

1 Summer Dress

Another great item for Egypt beach times and / or to pair over leggings in the cities.

Those who aren’t a fan of dresses, may wish to double up on the shorts here.

You can’t take enough sarongs travelling in my opinion. As they are so light, I recommend 2 as a minimum!

Perfect for using as a beach towel, a headscarf, a shoulder wrap, a bathrobe, a sheet, a laundry bag … the list goes on!

Check out my post about the 20 reasons why you should always take a sarong travelling for more ideas.

These ones from One World Sarongs have some beautiful designs.

Thin Scarves

Ideal if you’re wanting to visit any mosques and need to cover your head.

Also good to cover shoulders – see above in the T-Shirt / Singlet section for more info.

Small and compact, 8 pairs is a good number to save the hand washing duties!

Bras & Sports Bra

Make them comfortable ones in this heat!

Bikini / Swimwear

Well you need something to enjoy Egypt’s fabulous coast with that’s for sure.

I always love Rip Curl’s offering.

Most days you’ll probably be wearing sandals in Egypt, but this is for those exceptional days when you’ll wear trainers – like when travelling in planes, buses or trains.

You can always double up on your daywear here to save room if needs be!

Sun Hat & Sunglasses

Whether you want to bring a cap or a floppy, or a large designer number, the choice is yours.

Just make sure you bring a sun hat of some description because walking all day in cities or around temples in Egypt’s heat can be tough!

I love this one from Hello Sunshine .

Shoes to Pack

1 Pair Trainers / Runners

Versatile, comfortable and essential if you want to see all the sights in this epic country.

I highly recommend New Balance who create stylish city runners that you can still wear in the evening too.

1 Pair Flip Flops / Sandals

Personally, I love my Birkenstocks , which I basically lived in during my time throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

The support they offer means you can sightsee to your heart’s content and never get sore soles!

1 Pair Evening Flats

A great addition to any Egypt packing list if you want to go out for dinner at least a few times during your trip.

Toiletries to Pack

Thin Toiletries Bag

To hook or not to hook, that is the question!

Either way, just make sure it is light and thin.

This one is a great and affordable option.

Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

I always go for shampoo and conditioner bars when I travel to save the plastic and keep the space down!

Although they are a bit pricey, they last for ages.

Say goodbye to mid-travel spillages and bulky bottles people, this is the future!

I always pack a natural crystal deodorant when I travel as they last forever and are free from many nasty chemicals.

Antibacterial Soap

Keep your soap in a ziplock bag to prevent soap slime leaking on to everything you own!

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss

Facial Wash, Toner, Serum, Moisturiser

Body Moisturiser

Cotton Buds / Pads

Hair Bands & Hair Brush

Glasses / Contact Lenses if you wear them

Razor & Spare Blades

Nail Scissors, Nail File & Tweezers

Medical / First Aid Bits to Pack

Natural Sunscreen

Choose a 30 SPF or higher for those helluva strong rays in Egypt and go natural if you can to keep the chemicals out of your skin.

This doubles as a great moisturiser, soother and aftersun.

SPF Lip Salve

Very important for those UV conditions in Egypt.

Natural Bug Repellent

See my post about how to make your own DEET-Free insect spray or else there are plenty of ready-made products on the market like this great one .

An ideal remedy for headaches, sore muscles and insect bites, tiger balm is a super versatile, travel essential for me!

Tea-Tree Essential Oil

A powerful antiseptic, anti-mould and anti-fungal treatment, tea-tree oil is also great to throw in with your washing, or you can use a few drops to freshen up smelly bags / laundry etc!

Get an organic tea-tree oil if you can.

Paracetamol, Antiseptic Cream, Antihistamines & Band Aids

The only medicine you need to take in my opinion!

There’s so many pharmacies in this country you’ll be able to get almost anything you need there anyway!

Menstrual Cup

The best way to deal with your time of the month when travelling ladies.

Check out the best prices for them here .

Electrical Items to Pack

Smartphone & Headphones

Taking your smartphone to stay in touch with those at home, check maps, book activities and upload some pics while you’re in Egypt is a great idea.

I’d also download some audiobooks and music onto your phone before you leave home – a good shout for travel days.

I recommend Amazon Audible and Spotify Premium for these purposes and wouldn’t travel anywhere without either these days.

Portable Charger

Portable chargers are great when travelling without a solidly reliable charging source, like in Egypt, where power cuts can be a regular occurrence!

I recommend the Anker PowerCore which allows me to charge both my phone and my camera – BOOM!

Camera, Lens, Spare Battery & Charger

I love my Sony A600 mirrorless camera , which I’ve used across North Africa and beyond.

Light, compact and sturdy, it’s perfect for travelling.

I’d also recommend a GoPro for Egypt if you want to capture some of that Red Sea underwater action.

Memory Cards

Take a large memory card if possible – like this 64GB one .

Might not be a bad idea to double up in case you lose it or fill it up.

High-speed memory cards are also a good idea for snappier processing times.

How are you going to charge your devices without an adapter?!

Egypt has the same type of plugs as continental Europe, so get a cheap adapter here .

Otherwise, you can splash out on a worldwide adapter – better value if you’re travelling elsewhere after North Africa or anytime in the future.

Headlamp & Spare Batteries

Never travel in Africa without a headlamp and try to choose a product that uses commonly found batteries and has a red night light function.

I love my Black Diamond Storm , which has served me well during my time across Africa.. and the globe!

A VPN service is a must for me when I travel, especially in high-risk countries.

I love NORD VPN who offer a huge number of global servers for a quick and seamless connection.

Documents to Remember

Passport & Photocopies

Definitely take a colour copy of your passport with you to Egypt and keep it with you at all times.

There are multiple checkpoints across the country and it’s necessary to have at least a copy of your passport with you if you get stopped.

Flight Tickets & Visa Documentation

Many nationalities can get free tourist visas for Egypt on arrival – hoorah!

Do check with your embassy before travelling however.

Immunisation Documentation

Always good to have with you wherever you travel.

Travel Insurance

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Credit Cards and Debit Cards

ATMs in Egypt are plentiful and accept both Mastercard and Visa.

They tend to dish out both USD and Egyptian Pounds (LE).

When it comes to using ATMs, or paying for things in Egypt generally, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates, which is why I always take my Wise Card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card in Egypt… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold!

Get yours here .

Cash in Small, Thin Purse

Bring US Dollars with you – they are most easily exchanged in Egypt.

And Don’t Forget…

Large Backpack

This whole packing list should fit into a 40l backpack – I never travel with anything bigger and love this great example from Berghaus .

Travel Towel

I recommend Latrek travel towels, because they are cheap, compact, soft and don’t smell.

Love, love, love mine!

Read my review here .

Good for sightseeing and beach days, this one from PacSafe is perfect.

Combination Padlock

Very useful for locking up bags and valuables when staying in hostels, these don’t have to be expensive, just reliable!

Eye Mask & Earplugs

Key for sleeping on overnight train journeys and in hotels in Egypt.

This eye mask from Alaska Bear is super comfy and a great travel treat.

Filter Water Bottle

Amazing pieces of tech, filter water bottles allow you to drink tap water anywhere in the world safely.

My go-to brand are Water-to-go bottles , which are inexpensive, but very reliable and will allow you to drink Egypt’s non-potable tap water without any problems.

These great bottles also help prevent more unnecessary plastic waste from polluting our planet – double win!

Travel Handwash

Great for doing emergency washing such as underwear in a sink, travel handwash is always a must when I adventure anywhere.

SAVE IT TO PINTEREST!

So that’s it, my complete Egypt packing list.

Have you been to this gem of a country?

What else did you pack that I might have missed?

Please let me know in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

Egypt Packing List – What To Wear, Camera Gear, and more!

Last Updated April 17, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Packing Lists » Egypt Packing List – What To Wear, Camera Gear, and more!

So you’ve just booked your flight to Egypt and secured your spot in a tour.  You’ve got the Nile, the pyramids, and Pharaohs on your mind but before you take off, you have to figure out what you’re actually going to bring on this trip.  I faced this exact problem a few days before leaving home on my recent trip to Egypt with Djed. 

Before I left, I captured everything that I brought with me and so I wanted to share with you a practical Egypt packing list that covers things that I found as must-haves, things I could’ve done without, and tips that I learned from being in the country.

• What kind of trip to Egypt are you on?

To tee things off, it’s first worth discussing what kind of trip to Egypt you’re doing.  For almost everyone, your trip is going to include the Ancient Egyptian sites.  How much of it you do will depend on how your itinerary is organized but that’s guaranteed.  What some of you may or may not have included is that trip out to the Red Sea.

For this Egypt packing list specifically, a trip out to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh was not included so beach vacation items weren’t included but if they are for you, make sure you factor those things in there.

With any classic trip to Egypt, there are a couple of things that make it challenging:

• The climate is dry – it is mostly desert out there.
• It is hot – Even in the high season of travel in Egypt (October – March) it is still hot.  We’re talking about the middle of the day hitting close to 40C/104F temperatures with no cover.  Heat exhaustion is real as I learned quite quickly.
• Conservative wear – Being mindful of Muslim culture means being more covered up but that might be something you want to do anyways.
• Lots of sand – Sand kind of gets everywhere and while there’s not much you can do about it, it can affect what you pack and what you wear.
• Tight quarters – If you plan on entering the pyramids, get ready for tight quarters, a serious squat work out, buzzing flies, and humidity from all the other bodies inside.
• Thirsty – Your guides should have a near unlimited supply of water but one thing you’ll notice is that you’ll be constantly thirsty so make sure at least one of your travel partners can carry water.

Read the full 10 Day Egypt Itinerary

As a companion piece to this packing guide, make sure to head to the full breakdown of our entire trip to Egypt including what we did, where we ate, and where we stayed.

READ THE ITINERARY

• Is Egypt safe now?
• Full review of the dahabiya experience
• 3 day Cairo itinerary
• Why Dahabiya is the best way to cruise the Nile

Looking for a local tour operator in Egypt?

• If you’re looking for a reliable and highly rated local tour operator, my recommendation is to look at Djed Egypt Travel .  I’ve travelled with them twice and I wouldn’t go to Egypt with anyone else.  With Djed you get excellent local guides on the ground, a company that owns the best fleet of Dahabiya cruise ships, and are going to be much more affordable than working with companies outside of Egypt that simply contract work with locals on the ground.

Table of Contents

Looking for something specific in this packing list?  Jump to what you want to read.

In This Article

What kind of traveller are you?

How many days will you be gone for, clothes for egypt, personal items, camera gear, electronics, what i missed in the photos, what was absolutely necessary, what i didn’t use or barely used, what i wish we had, the “rules”, the reality, hotspot wifi vs sim card, travel insurance.

If you’re regulars on Going Awesome Places and you’ve seen other packing lists such as for Ethiopia , New Zealand , or  Inca Trail , you’ll know that I try to pack light and minimal but my camera gear and some personal comforts always manage to bulk things up.

It’s worth noting this because every person travels differently and packs in a certain way.  As a guy, my set up is totally different than my wife’s but at the same time we are the kind of travellers that make sure we never bring too many pants, that most of our clothes are easily hand-washable, we bring versatile clothes and with that, leverage layers as a way to keep things warm if we need to.

If this isn’t you, that’s totally fine.  This Egypt packing list is meant more as a starting point if you’re looking for ideas of what to bring and also to be reminded of things you might not’ve thought of.

Without further ado, let’s jump into what to pack for a trip to Egypt.

The duration of your trip shouldn’t matter but it does in terms of counting how many sets of things you need to pack or how aggressively you need to hand wash your underwear and clothes.

For our 10 day trip to Egypt , what mattered was that we’d be moving pretty swiftly from city to city but also that we had a different type of way to travel in the Dahabiya Nile cruise.

Book with Djed Egypt Tours

Djed is a local tour operator that also has a full fleet of Dahabiya Nile cruise sail boats.  They are a full-service operator and truly a fantastic crew of people from the office down to the Egyptologists and drivers.  I’d recommend them in a hearbeat!

CHECK THEM OUT

The Egypt Packing List

For the past year, I’ve been travelling with this awesome combination of bags that really satisfies my needs as a traveller and photographer/videographer.  The key for me is that it’s versatile.  The backpack can be used as a day pack if I need to carry a lot of things and the sling can fit inside when commuting.  In situations where I need something light and portable, the 5L Sling was perfect.

I learned quickly in Egypt that more than anything having something that is light and not bulky makes things a lot easier because heat exhaustion can hit you pretty hard.

• Peak Design Travel Backpack – This is my carry-on bag and large enough to store my documents, laptop, all my camera gear, the 5L Sling, Tech Pouch, and additional personal items.  It gets large and heavy but it’s worked well for me.  Ignore the drone that’s in here though as I’ll get to that later on.
• Peak Design Large Camera Cube – This sized camera cube is great because I can still do side-access but also has a ton of divider space to store everything from lenses, drone, microphones, clothes, or anything else.  It keeps everything organized.
• Peak Design Capture – The metal do-hickey attached to the strap is what I use to clip my camera on for quick-access.
• Peak Design 5L Sling – The latest addition to my set up and pairs so well with the Travel Backpack.  It’s big enough to fit my camera attached to a lens, additional lens, extra batteries, and personal items which is more or less all you need when you’re exploring ancient sites in Egypt.  While I wasn’t able to carry water with this set up, luckily my wife had a good backpack (Marimekko Kortteli Backpack) to keep us hydrated.

Backpack vs suitcase?  In the end, we decided that travelling with a suitcase to Egypt would work just fine because this was the kind of trip where we didn’t need to be incredibly mobile.  Travelling with a tour company that was full-service like Djed Egypt Travel,  you have the luxury of travelling with a bit more bulk because there is a level of service where your luggage is transported from hotel to van, van to Dahabiya, Dahabiya, back to van, and to and from the airport, etc.  You don’t need to worry about this sort of thing.

• Standard check-in size expandable suitcase – 4-wheel 26″ roller suitcase.
• Travel-size sports towel – We knew that there would be towels at each accommodation but felt that this was an easy throw-in in case since we heard that there was a swimming opportunity on the Nile.
• Photocopy of important documents – Something you always want to travel with in case you lose something like your passport, credit card, or other important document.  Leave this in your suitcase and separate from your day-use bag.
• Stuff sack for dirty clothes – This is a standard 20L/ medium stuff sack that I use to throw in things that need to be hand washed.

When it comes to what to wear in Egypt, this is honestly my typical set up for trips.  You’ll find that it’s t-shirt heavy but what may be a bit unique is that I brought along more of my “safari”-type of clothing in the buttoned shirts which are great because they’re more conservative and also well-ventilated.

• Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube – This is the medium size and perfect for rolled up t-shirts.  I do prefer this over the Peak Design packing cubes because of simplicity and matching size to t-shirt width.  I can easily fit up to 8-10 t-shirts in here.
• Assorted t-shirts – I packed a total of 7 t-shirts for a 10 day trip.
• Pistol Lake long-sleeve henley and t-shirt – I reviewed them here and it’s been a staple in my travel setup.  These are super light, easy to wash, and simple shirts that go with any travel scenario.

• Columbia PFG long sleeve shirts – Two long sleeve “PFG” shirts that are Columbia’s line of “fishing shirts” that are perfect for safari’s and hot climate trips such as Egypt.  They’re well-ventilated, light, and blocks UVA rays.
• Mesh stuff sack – A medium stuff sack.
• Calvin Klein white linen shirt – While not completely necessarily, this was a nice clean shirt to be able to switch to at the end of the day on the Dahabiya.
• Mountain Hardwear short sleeve shirt – Similar to the Colmbia shirts, this is the long-sleeve version that has all the same benefits.

Pants are always hard to decide because you’d love to bring more but you have to be resigned to the fact that you’re just going to wear the same few pants over and over.  Nobody’s judging!  The key here is that jeans just don’t make a lot of sense (ever) and to bring a mix of things depending on what situations you might run up against.

• Swim trunks – Didn’t think we needed this but we learned that swimming in the Nile was part of the Dahabiya itinerary and so I packed this really for that one activity.
• Shorts – Knowing that temperatures would get close to 40C, this was a late addition.
• Capris – Mixing things up for variety.
• Casual pants – These are great pants by Uniqlo that are light, comfortable thanks to the drawstring waist and quite breatheable.
• Khakis – One pair of more technical khakis by Columbia that were perfect for dessert conditions and again light, washable, breatheable, and comfortable.

Here’s what I packed in terms of undergarments.

• Exofficial Boxer Brief – 5 pairs of underwear to use for the 10 day trip.  Hand-washing of course was key!
• Various socks – I mainly brought short sport socks but also brought 2 pairs of longer socks and 2 pairs of hiking socks.  I’ll get into down below what worked out well and what didn’t.

For PJs, I brought two tank tops in case I could use them at some point on the trip.

To round this out, here are a few additional layers and shirts that I packed for Egypt.

• Columbia Jackson Creek half-zip fleece  – You’ll definitely want at least one warm layer for evenings on the Dahabiya.
• J. Crew shirt – A nice layer to have for dinners on the Dahabiya and in case you need something a little nicer in photos.
• Switchfoot light windbreaker – A super thin outer layer in case it’s needed.

Okay probably a little bit extra but I brought two hats and a buff for this trip.  The full-brimmed hat was what I was feeling for Egypt and something I was looking to use in photos.

• Columbia hat – You’ll definitely want a basic hat for a trip to Egypt with how much sun you’ll be facing.
• Full-brimmed hat – Functionally not the smartest thing to bring but wanted a bit of a different look for this trip.
• Buff headwear – Something I bring as a versatile piece of gear great for wiping sweat, as headwear, to clean things, or anything else you can come up with.

Lastly, is footwear.  This is also another challenging part of packing because it’s easy to get carried away here and that can be a problem because shoes are very bulky.  I may have gotten carried away here but here goes.

• Slippers – These are easy to throw in on the outside compartment of the suitcase.  Thanks Marriott!
• Rainbow sandals – Useful to have to use in the hotel
• Keen Glenhaven shoe – A more formal shoe but is also good for hiking and is waterproof.
• Keen Explore Vent – In Merlot, this was my primary shoe for the trip and it did incredibly well.  The fact that it was ventilated meant that my feet stayed relatively cool but that also did mean that sand could get in.
• Peak Design shoe pouch – A small accessory by Peak Design but nonetheless quite useful as a lightweight bag to store shoes while keeping your suitcase clean.

I won’t bother listing out everything that I have here but this is everything that I am able to fit in the Sea to Summit TravellingLight Hanging Toiletry Bag  minus the Braun shaver.

The below are a few miscellaneous items packed as well that are going to be important for a trip to Egypt.

• Swiss Card – With knife and scissors removed, just a few items here that I keep in my kit in case.
• Nail clippers – You’ll definitely need these especially with how dry it gets in Egypt.
• After Bite – In-case especially for those that are easily bitten.
• Sun Bum 50SPF sunscreen – There’ll be LOTS of sun.
• Strepsils – I get sore throat easily so a pack of these is always in my bag.
• Hand-sanitizer – Always handy to have especially at restaurants and spontaneous snacking.

The usual important travel documents and cards should be packed.

As far as other personal items, these are some of the things that were usually on me or in my pocket.

• Croakies eyewear retainer – Not the coolest accessory I have but almost mandatory because I always have to take off my sunglasses to use my camera and I’ve dropped my sunglasses way too many times clinging to my shirt collar.
• Maui Jim Chee Hoo sunglasses – As I’ve said many times before, once you go Maui Jim, you can’t go back.
• Burt’s Bee’s lip balm –
• Sea to Summit wallet –
• OCS dive watch – Not that we were going to be diving on this trip but this is my only rugged sports watch so it usually comes with me.
• Travel insurance paperwork – Using Kanetix , I purchased another year of multi-trip annual travel insurance and this slip is just a small “cheatsheet” of my policy and coverage provided by Allianz.
• iPhone 11 Pro – A recent upgrade of tech that has been totally worth it.  The extra battery life and wide angle lens has been so incredibly useful for travel.

For this trip to Egypt, extra gear had to be packed because I knew that I’d be filming video as well.  That said, most of what you see here are part of my standard photography and videography kit.

Starting from the top and working my way down:

• Sirui T-024X carbon fibre tripod – With the Peak Design tripod not out yet until December 2019, I still travel with this lightweight tripod.
• Ikea 9V battery – I’ve learned over the years to always bring backup batteries.  This is for the shotgun mic.
• Eneloop AAA battery – This is a backup battery for the lav mic.
• Olympus microfibre cloth
• Peak Design Leash – While I don’t use this very often, in situations where I need my camera to sit around my neck, this is always available in my backpack.
• TASCAM DR-10L portable lav – Not something I normally bring but I knew I needed something to record good audio for interviews.
• Rode VideoMic Pro – Shotgun mic for those same interviews as better back up audio.
• Formatt Hitech filter set – This is primarily used for long-exposure photography and consists of the Elia Locardi Signature Edition set.
• B+W circular polarizer filter – Great for sunny skies and water reflections from the Nile.
• Giottos Rocket Air Blaster – With all the dust and sand from Egypt, this is something that you’ll need to clean your lenses.
• Lenspen – Another lens cleaning tool.
• Olympus 4o-150mm lens – Telephoto lens that I envisioned to be using it for portrait photos and from the Dahabiya.
• Olympus 7-14mm lens – Wide angle lens especially for the temples and pyramids we’d be close up to.
• Think Tank Photo SD Pixel Pocket – Memory card carrier with tons of SD and MicroSD cards.
• Peak Design hex key –
• Extra batteries for the camera
• Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark 2 – My primary camera body for photo and video for the past 3 years and honestly the perfect set up for someone like me.
• Olympus 12-40mm lens – This is the lens attached to the camera body.
• Instax Mini90 – I brought this for kicks because I knew we’d be travelling with friends and this is a great way of creating mini memory keepsakes.
• Extra film for Instax

What about the drones?   Well I planned on bringing them to Egypt but on the night before, I did some research to find out what the rules were and it turns out that drones are completely not allowed in the country.  As I dived deeper into research, there were many stories of drones being confiscated at the airport, never to be seen ever again because of the hoops they’d put you through to get them back from the airport.

This is the last section of this Egypt packing guide and we get to some of the electronics that I brought with me on the trip.  While a laptop certainly isn’t necessary, I usually bring mine because I can do work if something arises and it also allows me to back up my photos and edit photos on the fly much more easily than through my phone.  The Tech Pouch is also another key part here and I basically don’t travel without it now because it keeps all of this gear nice and organized.

Starting from left to right:

• Apple 13″ Macbook Pro (2018) – Powerhouse machine that I use for all of my blogging and vlogging content creation.
• KableKard – A Kickstarter project out of Singapore that I usually have in my Tech Pouch that’s handy for storing SIM cards, adapters, SIM card pin tool, and also acts as a stand.
• Samsung T5 2TB SSD – The perfect external hard drive where I store all of my photos and videos.  I back up my photos onto here as the trip goes on.
• Various adapters – The reality of things with Thunderbolt/USB-C.
• Anker PowerCore II 10000 – While the iPhone 11 Pro has excellent battery life, this is a good back up incase of heavy usage.
• Apple AirPods – Primarily for watching Netflix on the plane.
• Pen – For filling out custom forms
• Business card holder
• Power blocks for the Macbook Pro and iPhone
• Ultimate Ears UE900 – Old earbuds that I use for airline entertainment systems.
• Peak Design Tech Pouch – I do a full review and breakdown of the tech pouch .  This is a great organization system especially when you have a lot of small gadgets that need to be kept together.  This bag is perfect for all the things you see above (minus the laptop of course).

Lastly are the various chargers for all of the camera gear and electronics for the trip.  Of course, the big DJI charger to the right was removed because the drone didn’t come with me.

• Dual charger for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark 2 – Since I go through at least 2 camera batteries a day, single battery chargers just don’t cut it anymore so having a dual charger is mandatory.
• European outlet adapters – Got a bunch here but the most best of the bunch is the Skoss Europe adapter .  That said, the outlets in Egypt don’t have the circular receptacle that you find in most parts of Europe so even something as simple as the black one here work fine.
• Eagle Creek sac – This is an all-purpose travel pouch (medium size) that I turned into a bag for my chargers.
• Bug spray – We knew October wasn’t mosquito season but just in case
• Bag for single day clothes – Something I learned to do is always pack a separate bag that comes with you with an additional day’s worth of clothes in case the airline loses your bag.
• GoPro – Since I had to pull out the drone, I ended up replacing it with my GoPro Hero 5 , grip , battery and charger

Real-life feedback from the trip

So of course all the photos were taken prior to going to Egypt but thinking what you’ll need is often different from what you end up using or realizing you wish you had on a trip.  So the below is a quick breakdown of the things that I picked up on from our 10 day trip to Egypt .

• Sunscreen – At one point we thought we’d run out but between the two of us we were constantly applying and re-applying especially on those intense days in Cairo and Luxor where there was no cover at all and we were bouncing between ancient sites.
• Sunglasses – Goes with the sunscreen above
• Long-sleeve shirts – The warmer layer is helpful but what I wanted to say here is that most people on the Dahabiya put on their nice clothes for dinner and so it was actually good that I packed a few nicer long sleeves for the evening.
• Half-zip fleece – Now I don’t mean to say that a lot of warm layers are needed but the Dahabiya does get cold at night and at sunrise when I was on the deck so I either threw this
• Hand sanitizer – You’ll get super hungry on those long days in Cairo and Luxor so this is good to have when you want to snack in the car or while on the go.
• Hats – A must-have.  The sun is so intense in Egypt.
• Peak Design 5L Sling – So thankful that I had this with me on this trip.  I don’t know if it was heat exhaustion but at times when I had the heavy backpack, it was really slowing me down.  The 5L Sling was perfect for those situations where you’re running out of the van or Dahabiya to see something.
• Sandals/flip-flops – Let’s just say we had a unique bathroom situation in Luxor with our “open concept” bathroom.
• Imodium – Unfortunately I and a few others did end up getting some stomach issues along the way so always come prepared.
• Chapstick – Glad I had mine as I definitely felt the dryness almost immediately when arriving in Egypt.
• Moisturizer – Whether it’s hand, face, or body moisturizer, you’ll need it all.  For some reason my fingers started getting extremely dry and resulted in hang nails and peeling skin.
• Telephoto lens – I used this a handful of time while on the Dahabiya because we had more free time and I could shoot animals and fishermen along the Nile but while we were in Cairo or Luxor, there was never a moment where it made sense to lug it around since I was mostly travelling with the 5L Sling while the Travel Backpack stayed in the van.
• GoPro – This has always been the issue with the GoPro where it’s only useful for water-related activities and POV type of shots.
• Peak Design Neckstrap – The only scenario where I thought I could’ve used it was on the camel but because of how rushed the whole thing was, the 5L Sling ended up being ok.
• Sports towel – We use this after taking a dip in the Nile but we totally could’ve just used the Dahabiya’s bath towels.
• Formatt Hitech long exposure filter kit – Didn’t get any use at all because there just weren’t any opportunities to do any serious shooting
• Windbreaker jacket – This stayed in the suitcase the whole time because the half-zip fleece was the only thicker layer I needed.
• Tank tops – It was hot but considering the more conservative dress in Egypt, it was just never a good idea.
• Hiking socks – Those thick hiking socks I had to wear because I was running out at one point but they were just a bit too thick in this climate.  Stick to the low-ankle, thin socks if you can
• More European plug adapters – We managed to charge all of our different devices since I had my laptop but with 4 outlets in the Dahabiya cabin, I think we could’ve used another adapter to charge more devices while the power was on.
• Toilet paper – More for the ladies or #2s but you’ll find that most public bathrooms will not have any toilet paper so it’s a good idea to have a roll or tissue paper packs with you
• SPF Chapstick – In retrospect, SPF protection on the lips would be helpful to have.
• Headlamp – Not absolutely necessary but with power out on the Dahabiya, this can be useful although I just ended up using my phone’s flashlight.
• More cash – We certainly underestimated how much cash we needed for this trip.  We budgeted $500 USD in cash for the two of us but ended up converting some extra CAD we had with us to supplement.  What you’ll end up spending more on is not so much the shopping but the tipping.  More on this on the Egypt 10 day itinerary .
• Snacks and granola bars – Our time in Cairo and Luxor was amazing but we had to skip a ton of meals because our schedule was that packed.  I’d recommend packing a bunch and keep them in your backpack or in a bag in the van.

What to Wear in Egypt

Something that’s worth noting in this Egypt packing list is a breakdown of whether there’s a “dress code” in Egypt.  Even as a seasoned traveller, you’ll want to tailor your packing to the country and make sure you’re respecting customs and dressing smart.

Let’s dive into what to wear in Egypt.

The combination of hot climate and conservative Muslim culture makes it challenging when deciding what to wear in Egypt.  You’re probably wondering, “can I wear shorts?”, “are dresses ok?”, “are sleeveless shirts allowed?”, and “do I need to cover my hair?”

In general, Muslim culture is conservative so the overall rule of thumb is that you should limit the amount of skin you show and curves especially if you’re a woman.  That said, the question I’m sure you’re asking is “how much” you should limit your skin showing?  Legit question!

For travellers to the country though, there’s no imposed Muslim dress that’s applied and so when you’re trying to figure out what to wear and what to pack in Egypt, it’s all about dressing for comfort but also not blatantly being rude.

As a woman, do you need to cover your hair or wear a hijab? – The answer is no.  There are some thoughts that as a solo traveller it’s a good idea especially if you’re travelling without a guide in the big city but as a non-Muslim, it’s not something that people will impose on you.  At the end of the day, wear what’s comfortable for you.  The only exception is when visiting mosques where you’re expected to cover yourself up with a scarf.

Do you have to wear long sleeves? – No absolutely not.  With such hot climates, you’ll want to wear t-shirts but the part you want to know about is whether tank tops and anything revealing shoulders or cleavage is okay.  Showing elbows isn’t a problem.  Tank tops revealing your shoulder is frowned up and you’ll probably get some looks but that’s certainly not to say that I didn’t see people wearing this.

Can you wear shorts or capris? – For women, it’s expected you cover your knees so capris are perfect.  I’ve read that shorts are okay for men but it’s still preferable to cover the knees and so capris are perfect.  What you wear instead should be also then balanced by what you’ll be looking for in terms of sun cover and keeping your legs clean from the sand and dust.

Are tight clothes ok? – There’s no rule here for this but again especially if you’re a woman that you’ll get looks and unwanted attention if you do but a lot of that is because you’re a foreigner. On my latest trip to Egypt, I saw tons of locals wearing tight jeans and ripped jeans as well so those styles have definitely made their way over.  Just like the above, use your best judgement here.  Loose clothing has the benefit of not drawing too much attention but also helping you stay cool.

Are flip flops and sandals allowed? – Actually most locals wear these so you’re in the clear.  I did want to point out that one thing to consider about any type of sandals or flip flops.  I didn’t wear them while on the road (mine were exclusively used in the room as slippers), because I didn’t want to be covered in dust and sand.  On the Dahabiya this means rinsing your feet every time you get back on the boat but of course the advantage being that you have full ventilation while you’re exploring temples or walking through a village.

The truth of the matter is that while in large crowds and throughout our entire trip to Egypt, I saw people dressing the whole range of clothes.  No matter what you wear, when you’re walking through the street of souvenirs, you’re going to get hassled and it’s not because of what you’re wearing but because you’re a tourist.

Dressing respectfully is a good idea but as you’ve seen from my recommendations above, a lot of it is paired with being smart with the climate.

The other thing to consider is that you’ll most likely be travelling through Egypt fully guided like we did.  If that’s the case, you’ll never be put into situations where you’ll get awkward stares or aggressive attention.  On the Dahabiya Nile cruise, it’s even more easy going because you’ll be spending a ton of time on the boat and on deck, you can wear anything you want.

For my latest trip to Egypt, I had two choices – I could either get a local SIM or use my Skyroam.  Since our tour guide, Djed Egypt Tour, said that they’d be taking care of our data needs for us, I ended up leaving Skyroam at home.

When we landed in Cairo, we picked up a Vodafone SIM card at the airport.  Their “tourist bundle” packages are pretty straight forward and are laid out below.

That said, I think we could’ve easily brought our Skyroam as well and used their day passes for unlimited usage that is also shareable with your friends and family because it’s a wifi hotspot and no SIM card is required.  You can read my full review of Skyroam to decide for yourself whether it’s something you want to pick up before you go to Egypt.

(As a reader of Going Awesome Places, you can save 10% on Skyroam products by using the code SKYROAMINGAWESOMEPLACES !)

Alternatively, also take a look at the competitor to Skyroam which is Pokefi.  Their starter bundle is $194 USD but by using code GAP23200 you save almost $25 USD off of that.  It comes with an extra battery and 5GB of data already built in.  For extra data packages, theirs is only $15 USD for 5GB which beats most other packages in the market.  Watch my unboxing of PokeFi on YouTube !

Another top question that I had and what I’ve gotten the most questions about is “is Egypt safe?”.  To answer that question will require another blog post .  That said, I’ve been to Egypt twice post-revolution and on both trips I’ve always found Egypt to be safe .

Now does Egypt have some quirks in terms of being hassled by souvenir shop owners and locals finding creative and aggressive ways to ask for tips?  Yes but unlike in Athens , I never felt like there were gangs of pickpockets or general thieves ready to pounce.  It’s not that kind of country and the Egyptian people are very friendly and welcoming.

With that said, I never travel without travel insurance these days because you never know what might happen.  Politically, Egypt is unstable and I’m not going to lie, there have been incidents in the country so even more reason to have at a minimum basic medical travel insurance coverage.

In Canada, I typically go through RATESDOTCA to make sure I can find the cheapest rates for travel insurance.  Another place I’d recommend buying coverage is through World Nomads .

Have specific questions about your own Egypt packing list as you prepare for your trip?  Don’t hesitate to drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!

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About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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