Packing for Egypt is mostly about three things: staying cool and protected from the sun, dressing respectfully for mosques and churches, and walking comfortably over rough ground. Here is what we recommend to our guests.
Clothes
- Light, loose clothing in cotton or linen. Long sleeves and long trousers or skirts protect you from the sun better than shorts.
- For mosques and churches, clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Women should bring a light scarf to cover their hair.
- A warm layer from November to February. Desert nights, early balloon flights and evenings on a Nile cruise deck can be cold.
- Swimwear for hotel pools, the Red Sea and cruise ships.
- Something smart-casual for dinner on cruise boats and in better restaurants.
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential. Temples, tombs and the Giza plateau have uneven stone, sand and steps. Sandals are fine for the beach and the boat.
Sun protection
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, even in winter. A refillable water bottle helps; we provide bottled water on tour.
Health and essentials
- Any prescription medicines in their original packaging, plus basic remedies for stomach upsets.
- Hand sanitizer and tissues.
- Travel insurance documents and copies of your passport.
- A plug adapter: Egypt uses 220 volt power and two-pin European sockets (types C and F).
- Small bills for tips. US dollars, euros or pounds sterling are widely accepted, and Egyptian pounds are useful for small purchases.
Photography
Bring a spare battery and memory card. Some sites charge for cameras or restrict photography, and drones are not allowed without permits. See our Egypt tour packages.
