Egypt Packing List: Essentials For Your Trip

Egypt is a bucket-list destination with a rich history and modern culture. However, its hot climate and conservative values mean you'll need to pack accordingly. Here's a comprehensive packing list to ensure you're prepared for your trip.

Clothing

- Light, breathable clothing made from cotton or linen.

- Loose, long pants or maxi skirts for women.

- Shorts, ideally knee-length.

- Airy, long-sleeve shirts and tops.

- Short-sleeve tops and t-shirts.

- Swimsuits that are more conservative, like a one-piece for women.

- Scarf or head covering for visiting religious sites.

- Light jacket for the evenings.

- Slightly more formal wear for dining in restaurants.

Footwear

- Comfortable, breathable walking shoes, like tennis or sports shoes.

- Sandals or flip-flops for the hotel or resort.

- Cotton socks for breathability.

- Band-aids for blisters.

Accessories

- Sunhat with a wide brim.

- Sunglasses with UV protection.

- Sun lotion with a high sun protection factor (SPF).

- After-sun care products with aloe vera.

- Scarf or head covering for religious sites.

- Insulated water bottle.

- Mini first aid kit with bug spray.

- Sewing kit.

Toiletries

- Toothbrush and toothpaste.

- Mini travel bottles of liquids.

- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion.

- Insect repellent.

- Basic medications like Imodium, charcoal supplements, anti-nausea medication, paracetamol, and ibuprofen.

- Toilet paper and tissues.

Electronics

- Smartphone with the right data roaming plan.

- Power bank.

- Power adaptor – Egypt uses two-pronged, rounded plugs with a 220-volt power supply. You may also need a power converter.

- Alarm clock.

- Camera and tripod.

Other

- Guidebook.

- Soft bag for souvenirs.

- Small screwdriver and screws for fixing sunglasses.

- Alcoholic beverages, up to two litres, if you prefer specific brands.

- Cigarettes, up to 200, if you prefer specific brands.

- A sense of humour and a good attitude!

Clothing: Pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Avoid polyester and other synthetic fibres

When packing for Egypt, it's important to keep in mind the hot climate and the conservative dress code. The key is to pack light, breathable fabrics that will help you stay cool.

Clothing

Pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Avoid polyester and other synthetic fibres. Go for loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin. For women, long, flowing skirts and maxi dresses are a good option, while men can opt for loose-fitting pants and linen shirts. It's also a good idea to pack a lightweight scarf or shawl that can be used to cover your head and shoulders when visiting religious sites. In terms of colours, light pastels and bright shades are a good choice, as they reflect the sun's rays.

While you can wear shorts and vest-style tops, be prepared to battle sunburn and mosquitoes, and you may feel uncomfortable with the extra attention you might receive in crowded places. It's generally recommended to cover your arms at least over the elbows and your legs past the knees.

If you plan on visiting religious sites or rural areas, make sure to pack a light cotton scarf and a long-sleeved top that you can easily carry in your bag. That way, you can cover up when needed.

For footwear, comfortable, breathable walking shoes are a must. Avoid heavy hiking shoes, as your feet will get too hot. Sandals or flip-flops are fine for the hotel or resort, but closed-toe shoes are best for walking and sightseeing, as they will protect your feet from the sun, sand, and dirt.

When packing for the evenings, a light jacket or cardigan should be sufficient, even in the cooler months.

Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent

Sun protection is essential when travelling to Egypt. The Egyptian sun can be intense, so it's important to take measures to protect yourself from its harmful effects. Here are some key items to bring for sun protection:

Hat:

A wide-brimmed hat will not only protect your face and head from the sun but also provide some shade for your neck and shoulders. Look for a hat with a UPF rating of 50+ to ensure maximum sun protection. The Coolibar Women's Aubrey Wide Brim Beach Hat is a great option for women, while the Sunday Afternoons Men's Charter Hat is a good choice for men.

Sunglasses:

A good pair of sunglasses is essential to protect your eyes from the bright sun and glare. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classics are a timeless and stylish option, offering full protection from UV rays.

Sunscreen:

Don't skimp on sunscreen! Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF rating (at least 30) and reapply it frequently, especially if you're swimming or sweating. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen is a great option as it provides protection while also moisturising your skin.

Insect repellent:

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in Egypt, especially at dawn and dusk. Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion is an effective option that is safe to use on the skin and clothing. It's also DEET-free, making it suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities.

In addition to these items, it's important to dress appropriately for the sun. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin. Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts will help protect you from the sun's rays. Light colours will also reflect the sun's heat, keeping you cooler. Don't forget to stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day!

Footwear: Comfortable, breathable walking shoes are a must

When travelling to Egypt, you'll want to make sure you have comfortable, breathable walking shoes. The weather in Egypt can be extremely hot, so you'll want to make sure your footwear is up to the task. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you choose the best shoes for your trip:

• Go for breathable fabrics and materials that will keep your feet cool and comfortable. Look for shoes with mesh or other ventilated designs.
• Consider the colour of your shoes. Light, neutral colours will reflect the sun's rays and help keep your feet cooler. Grey or sandy-coloured shoes will also show less dust and dirt.
• Choose shoes with good traction and support. The terrain in Egypt can be rough and uneven, so you'll want shoes with sturdy soles and good grip.
• Make sure your shoes are comfortable and broken in before your trip. Blisters and sore feet can ruin your holiday, so wear your shoes enough beforehand to make sure they're comfortable for long periods of walking.
• Pack more than one pair of shoes. In addition to comfortable walking shoes, you might want to bring sandals or dress shoes for evenings or more formal occasions.
• Keep your shoes clean and dust-free. Egypt can be dusty, so be prepared to give your shoes a wipe down from time to time.
• Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes: These shoes are highly rated for their comfort and breathability. They have stretchy fabric and come in a range of colours.
• Nike Motiva Walking Shoes: These shoes have excellent cushioning and support, and the rocker sole helps to propel you forward as you walk.
• OluKai Leather Sneakers: These leather sneakers are durable and provide good arch support. The back can be folded down, making them easy to slip on and off.
• New Balance 574 Sneakers: These sporty-looking sneakers are lightweight and comfortable, with good arch support and sturdy construction.
• Keen Elle Backstrap Sandals: These sandals are comfortable and secure, with good elastic straps that provide just the right amount of stretch. They're also flat and easy to pack.
• Chaco Women's Zx2 Classic Sandals: These sandals offer excellent arch support and sturdy construction. The adjustable straps can accommodate a range of foot widths.
• Kizik Lima Slip-on Sneakers: These slip-ons are lightweight and breathable, with good arch support and traction. They're easy to put on and take off, making them convenient for travel.
• Merrell Speed Eco Hiking Shoes: These shoes are lightweight and breathable, with good arch support. They're ideal for walking on dirt or uneven terrain.

Toiletries: Pack the essentials, including any prescription medication

When packing toiletries for your trip to Egypt, it's important to bring the essentials, including any prescription medication.

Prescription Medication

If you take prescription medication, be sure to bring enough to last your entire trip. It's also a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor noting the medication, its purpose, and its required dosage. While you may not encounter any issues, it's always better to be prepared.

Other Medication

In addition to any prescription medication, there are a few other medications you may want to bring along:

• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and fever
• Anti-diarrheal medication (traveller's diarrhoea is common in Egypt)
• Motion sickness medication
• Mild sedative or sleep aid
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
• Aloe vera gel for sunburns
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antifungal and antibacterial ointments
• Antiseptic wound cleanser
• Insect bite treatment

Toiletries

In terms of other toiletries, here are some essentials to pack:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner (opt for solid shampoo and conditioner bars to save space and avoid spills)
• Hand sanitiser
• Face wipes
• Makeup (tinted moisturiser, mascara, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, lipstick)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Feminine hygiene products (tampons and menstrual cups can be difficult to find in Egypt)
• Skincare products (face moisturiser, body lotion)

Electronics: Don't forget your phone, charger, adapter and power bank

Electronics are an essential part of any trip, and when travelling to Egypt, there are a few key items you should remember to pack.

First and foremost, don't forget your phone. It's a good idea to get an international plan or buy a local SIM card when you arrive, so you can stay connected and contact people in case of an emergency. Additionally, your phone can double up as a camera, so you can capture all the beautiful sights Egypt has to offer. Make sure to bring your charger as well, so your phone stays charged throughout your trip.

Speaking of chargers, don't forget to bring the right power adapter. The voltage and plug type in Egypt may be different from what you're used to, so a universal adapter will ensure you can charge your devices without any issues. It's also a good idea to bring a portable power bank, so you can charge your phone on the go and not worry about finding a power outlet when you're out and about exploring.

If you're planning to bring other electronics like a laptop, tablet, or camera, be sure to keep them in your carry-on luggage. Most airlines require that these devices are easily accessible and may need to be screened separately. Keep in mind that some countries have restrictions on spare batteries, so check with your airline before packing any external batteries or power banks in your luggage.

Lastly, remember to bring any necessary accessories, like memory cards or extra cables. You may also want to download offline maps and important information, so you can access them even without an internet connection.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to have all the electronics you need for a safe and enjoyable trip to Egypt!

Frequently asked questions