The Ultimate Egypt Packing List: What to Actually Bring

Get Ready for Egypt’s Magic (Trust Me, You’ll Need This List!). So, you’re headed to Egypt? Lucky you! I’m talking pyramids, ancient temples, bustling Cairo streets, and some of the most incredible history you’ll ever see up close. Egypt’s got it all – from mind-blowing desert landscapes to gorgeous Red Sea beaches where you can snorkel with fish that look like they’re straight out of Finding Nemo.

But here’s the thing – packing for Egypt isn’t like packing for your typical beach vacation or city break. I learned this the hard way on my first trip when I showed up in all the wrong clothes and spent half my time wishing I’d packed differently. That’s why I’m sharing this Egypt Packing List with you – so you don’t make the same mistakes I did!

This guide isn’t just some generic travel list. It’s packed with real advice from people who’ve actually been there, done that, and figured out what to pack for Egypt the smart way. Whether you’re planning to explore scorching hot pyramid sites, wander through ancient temples, or chill on the Red Sea coast, I’ve got all the Egypt travel essentials covered so you can focus on having an amazing time instead of stressing about what you forgot to bring.

What You Need to Know About Egypt (The Real Deal)

The Weather Situation (Spoiler: It’s HOT)

Okay, let’s talk about Egyptian weather because it’s… intense. We’re talking seriously hot and dry for most of the year. During summer (May through September), temps regularly hit over 100°F in places like Cairo and Luxor. I remember stepping off the plane in July and feeling like I’d walked into an oven – no joke!

Winter (October through March) is way more bearable with cooler days, but here’s what caught me off guard: the evenings can get surprisingly chilly, especially in the desert. I’m talking 40s and 50s°F, which feels freezing when you’ve been sweating all day.

The Red Sea coast (think Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab) is generally more chill temperature-wise, thanks to those lovely sea breezes. Perfect for diving and beach lounging!

The bottom line? Pack for crazy hot days and potentially cold nights – your future self will thank you.

Dress Code Reality Check (It’s Not As Scary As You Think)

Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room. Egypt’s a conservative, mostly Muslim country, and yes, there are some dress code considerations. But don’t panic – it’s really not that complicated once you get the hang of it.

For the Ladies: The golden rule is pretty simple: keep your knees, shoulders, and cleavage covered when you’re out and about. Loose, flowy clothes are your best friend here – they’re modest AND they’ll keep you cooler in the heat (win-win!).

You don’t need to cover your arms completely, but I found I felt way more comfortable in longer sleeves. T-shirts work great too. And yes, you’ll need a scarf for mosques – but honestly, scarves are super handy in Egypt for sun protection and dust anyway.

Can you wear jeans? Absolutely! Just maybe pair them with a looser top. The key is finding that sweet spot between looking respectful and not melting in the heat.

For the Guys: You’ve got it easier! Lightweight shirts, t-shirts, pants, or knee-length shorts are all totally fine. Just skip the tank tops in traditional areas – not worth the weird looks.

The Exception Zone: Red Sea resorts are way more relaxed. Bikinis, shorts, whatever – you’re good to go! Just don’t go topless (that’s a no everywhere in Egypt).

Egypt Travel Tips That Actually Matter

Here’s what I wish someone had told me: Egypt can feel chaotic at first, but that’s part of its charm! Embrace the craziness and you’ll have a blast.

Pickpocketing isn’t a huge problem, but I still recommend bags with zippers – you’ll be in crowded markets and tourist spots.

And seriously, DRINK WATER. Like, way more than you think you need. The heat is no joke, and dehydration hits fast.

Oh, and always carry tissues and hand sanitizer. Public bathrooms are… an adventure. You’ll understand when you get there!

What to Actually Pack (The Good Stuff)

Clothes That Won’t Make You Hate Life

Tops: Pack about 5-7 lightweight long-sleeved tops – cotton and linen are your best friends here. They breathe well and don’t stink up after one wear (trust me on this). Throw in about 7 t-shirts in light colors because dark colors + Egyptian sun = human furnace.

Add some flowy tunics or blouses that work for both day exploring and dinner out. A cardigan or light jacket is clutch for those surprisingly chilly evenings. If you’re visiting in summer or hanging around the Nile, grab a top treated with bug repellent – mosquitoes love dawn and dusk.

Bottoms: This is where palazzo pants, wide-leg pants, or those flowy harem-style pants really shine. They’re comfy, modest, AND actually keep you cooler than shorts (physics is weird, but it works). Pack 2 pairs minimum.

Bring 1-2 pairs of jeans for evenings or winter travel, but seriously skip them in summer heat. A couple pairs of capris that hit below the knee work great, plus one pair of shorts mainly for beach areas.

Long, flowy skirts are perfect for temple hopping while looking effortlessly put-together.

Dresses: 1-2 midi or maxi dresses in light, breezy fabrics are absolute lifesavers. Make sure they hit past your knees and aren’t too low-cut up top. These are perfect with a cardigan or scarf for extra coverage when needed.

The Jacket Situation: One thin windbreaker for desert nights and coastal breezes, plus one actual warm layer (fleece or sweater) for winter evenings, especially in Cairo. If you’re hitting Alexandria in winter, throw in a rain jacket.

Swimwear: 1-2 bikinis or one-pieces are essential for those amazing Red Sea beaches and hotel pools. One-pieces tend to feel more appropriate in mixed settings. Don’t forget a cover-up for walking to and from pools.

Underwear Stuff: 7-8 pairs of quick-dry underwear (you’ll be doing laundry), 2-3 comfy bras that won’t make you miserable in heat, cotton socks for closed shoes, and here’s a pro tip – anti-chafe stick or shorts for under dresses. Egyptian heat + walking = potential chafing disaster.

Shoes That Actually Work

Walking Shoes: One pair of really comfortable sneakers is NON-NEGOTIABLE. You’ll be walking on uneven, dusty surfaces constantly. I love Allbirds for this because they breathe well and don’t make your feet feel like they’re in saunas.

Casual Options: Good supportive sandals or flip-flops are perfect for shorter walks, hotel time, and giving your feet a break. Birkenstocks or Tevas are great because they’re supportive AND easy to clean when they get dusty (spoiler: they will).

Optional Extras: Simple flats for nice dinners (skip heels – the walkways are not heel-friendly). Water shoes if you’re beach-bound and worried about rocks. Slippers for cold hotel floors.

Sun Protection (This Is SERIOUS Business)

The Essentials: A wide-brimmed hat is your new best friend. Get a packable one so it doesn’t take up half your suitcase. Sunglasses with good UV protection are absolutely crucial – the desert glare is intense, and polarized lenses are worth the extra money.

Scarf Magic: Pack 2-3 scarves or sarongs because these things are miracle workers. Use them for mosque head covering, sun protection, shoulder coverage, dust protection, beach towels, or even emergency laundry bags. Some have hidden pockets for valuables – genius!

Cool Down Helpers: Cooling towels or a small portable fan can be lifesavers during those brutal midday temple visits.

Water Bottle Game: Get a good reusable water bottle – preferably one with a filter if you’re comfortable drinking tap water (opinions vary on this, so do what feels right for you). Insulated bottles keep water actually cold, which is amazing when it’s 100°F outside.

Don’t forget SPF lip balm – your lips will get fried otherwise.

Toiletries & Personal Care (The Practical Stuff)

Pack all your usual suspects: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, razor. Solid shampoo bars are great space-savers if you’re into that.

Egypt’s dry as a bone, so bring good moisturizer, face wash, and body lotion. After-sun with aloe is clutch for those inevitable sunburn moments.

Hair ties, brush, nail stuff, tweezers – the usual. Hair dryer is optional since most places have them.

The Critical Stuff: Hand sanitizer is absolutely essential. Seriously. Public restrooms often don’t have soap or even running water. Pack tissues or travel TP too because public facilities are hit-or-miss on supplies.

Ladies – bring tampons or menstrual cups from home. They’re hard to find in Egypt, though pads are easier to locate.

Medical Kit (Don’t Skip This!)

The Basics: Small first aid kit for scrapes and blisters, pain relievers (your feet will thank you), and here’s the big one – anti-diarrheal meds like Imodium. Traveler’s tummy is super common, and you don’t want to be stuck without help.

Rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets are crucial for the heat. I can’t stress this enough.

Natural Helpers: Good bug repellent for mosquitoes (they love dawn, dusk, and Nile areas). Skip strong perfumes – they attract bugs. Aloe vera gel works as moisturizer, sunburn soother, and general skin saver. Tiger balm is great for headaches and sore muscles from all that walking.

Prescription Meds: Bring what you need in original bottles with doctor’s notes, especially for anything controlled. Only pack what you need for your trip length.

Electronics & Gadgets (The Tech Stuff)

Must-Haves: Phone and charger (obviously), but also a portable battery pack. Your phone will die fast in the heat, and you’ll be using it constantly for photos, maps, and translation.

Camera Gear: Whatever camera setup works for you – phone cameras are honestly great these days. If you’re bringing a GoPro for Red Sea adventures or a DSLR, pack extra batteries and memory cards. You’ll take WAY more photos than you think.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT bring a drone. They’ll confiscate it, and you probably won’t get it back.

Power & Internet: Universal adapter (Egypt uses European-style plugs), and consider getting an eSIM or local SIM card for data from day one.

Nice-to-Haves: Good headphones for long travel days, e-reader instead of heavy books, small flashlight for poorly lit areas, and maybe a VPN for secure internet and accessing blocked sites.

Money & Documents (The Boring But Crucial Stuff)

Papers: Passport (valid for 6+ months), visa documentation, travel insurance info, and photocopies of everything. Keep originals in hotel safes.

Money Game: Cards without foreign fees are your friend (Wise, Monzo, etc.). ATMs are everywhere in major cities. Get small Egyptian pound bills for tipping when you arrive – banks have the best exchange rates.

Keep some backup USD or euros for emergencies. About $50 per person per day is a good guideline for a 2-week trip.

Tipping Reality: Tipping (baksheesh) is everywhere in Egypt. While some tourists use $1 bills, locals actually prefer Egyptian pounds because they can’t easily exchange small US bills. Do them a favor and use local currency.

Get an RFID-blocking wallet to keep your cards safe.

Bags & Organization (Make Your Life Easier)

Main Bag: A 40L backpack is usually enough and way easier to manage than wheeled luggage on Egypt’s crowded, uneven streets. Osprey makes good ones.

Organization: Packing cubes are game-changers – seriously, get them. They keep everything organized and your suitcase won’t explode every time you open it.

A good daypack with anti-theft features is essential for daily adventures. You’ll be carrying water, sunscreen, camera, and eventual souvenirs.

Other Organizing Stuff: Electronics organizer, shoe bags, laundry bag, toiletries bag, and a small padlock for hostels or securing bags.

Random But Important Stuff

Quick-dry travel towel (hotels have them, but having your own is nice), eye mask and earplugs for overnight trains or noisy hotels, travel wash for emergency laundry.

A notebook for jotting down memories, maybe some small gifts from home to share with locals you meet, and definitely download an Arabic phrase app. Even knowing “shukran” (thank you) goes a long way.

Physical or digital guidebooks are super helpful – specific rec: anything about Egyptian hieroglyphs if you’re into that stuff.

What NOT to Pack (Learn From Others’ Mistakes!)

Absolutely Don’t Bring:

• Drones (they WILL take them)
• Any kind of CBD products
• Excessive jewelry or expensive watches
• $1 bills for tipping (locals can’t exchange them easily)
• White clothes (they’ll be brown after one day)
• Strong perfumes (mosquito magnets)
• Heavy books (go digital)
• Egyptian pounds bought before your trip (terrible exchange rates)

Just Don’t Bother:

• Hair dryers (hotels have them)
• Bringing your own alcohol (you can buy local)
• Bulky luggage
• Too much makeup (it’ll melt)

Packing Hacks That Actually Work

Roll your clothes instead of folding – you’ll fit way more and have fewer wrinkles. Use packing cubes religiously. Before you zip up, triple-check you have passport, visa, chargers, adapters, cards, and meds.

Pack light and leave room for souvenirs – Egyptian spices, textiles, and jewelry are amazing. Choose clothes that mix and match easily.

Most importantly, prioritize comfort and respect for local culture. These two things will make or break your trip.

Ready for Your Egyptian Adventure!

Look, packing for Egypt doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is understanding what you’re getting into – intense heat, amazing culture, and the trip of a lifetime. Pack smart, stay hydrated, keep your documents handy, and get ready for an incredible adventure.

Egypt’s going to blow your mind with its ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and genuinely warm people. From the awe-inspiring pyramids to the colorful underwater world of the Red Sea, you’re in for something special.

This Egypt Packing List has everything you need to show up prepared and confident. Now stop overthinking it and start getting excited – Egypt is waiting for you!

FAQ (The Questions Everyone Actually Asks)

What should women actually wear in Egypt? Loose clothes that cover knees, shoulders, and cleavage. It’s really not complicated – think flowy pants, t-shirts, and scarves for mosques. Beach areas are way more relaxed.

Do I really need to bring toilet paper? Hotels have it, but public restrooms? Hit or miss. Pack tissues and hand sanitizer – you’ll use them constantly.

Can I drink the tap water? Opinions vary wildly on this. Some people say bottled water only, others swear by filter bottles. Do whatever makes you comfortable, but stay hydrated either way.

Are shorts okay? Knee-length shorts are generally fine, especially for guys. Women might feel more comfortable in longer options, but capris work too. Beach areas = anything goes.

Drones allowed? Nope, nope, nope. They’ll take it and you won’t get it back.

USD for tips? Locals actually prefer Egyptian pounds because they can use them immediately. Save everyone the hassle and get local currency.

Can I bring my medications? Basic stuff like ibuprofen is fine. Prescription meds need to be in original bottles with doctor’s notes. Only bring what you need for your trip.

Best shoes for walking around? Comfortable sneakers are essential – you’ll walk on uneven, dusty surfaces constantly. Good supportive sandals work for shorter distances and resort time.