Packing for Egypt is simple once you know the two rules: the sun is stronger than you think, and modest layers open more doors than shorts ever will. Beyond that, the country sells almost everything you might forget, cheaply.

Here is the checklist our team gives every guest, tuned for temple days, desert nights, Nile evenings and Red Sea swims.

Red Sea coast of Egypt
Red Sea coast of Egypt.

Clothing

Light, loose clothing in breathable fabrics is the core of any Egypt packing list. Long sleeves actually keep you cooler than bare arms in the sun, and they respect mosque and church dress codes. Women should bring a scarf for covering hair in religious sites.

Red Sea at Ain Sokhna, Egypt

  • Loose long trousers, skirts or breathable shirts

  • A scarf or shawl for women, useful for sun, dust and mosques

  • A warm layer for desert nights, AC buses and winter evenings

  • Comfortable broken-in walking shoes, plus sandals

  • Swimwear and a cover-up for pools and the Red Sea

Sun, Health and Comfort

The Egyptian sun is no joke, even in winter, and temple sites have little shade.

  • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm

  • Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat

  • A refillable water bottle, drink bottled or filtered water

  • Basic medical kit, stomach remedies, plasters, painkillers

  • Hand sanitizer and tissues for smaller restrooms

Gear and Electronics

Egypt runs on 220V with European two-pin sockets, bring a universal adapter. A power bank helps on long temple days, and a scarf protects cameras from dust on desert trips.

  • Universal power adapter (Type C/F sockets)

  • Power bank and spare camera/phone batteries

  • A small daypack for excursions

  • Dry bag or zip locks for boat days and dust

What NOT to Pack

Drones require permits and cause airport trouble. Leave expensive jewelry home. Hard liquor is available but heavily taxed, a bottle from duty-free is easier. And you do not need a huge first-aid pharmacy, pharmacies are everywhere and inexpensive.

Recommended Tours

Explore these Egypt Rest Tours experiences related to this guide:

Related Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What should women wear in Egypt?

Loose clothing covering shoulders and knees, with a scarf for hair in mosques. Within resorts and boats, dress is relaxed.

Do I need warm clothes in Egypt?

Yes for desert nights and Nile evenings, especially October to March. The White Desert can drop near freezing after sunset.

What kind of plug does Egypt use?

220V electricity with European-style two-pin (Type C/F) sockets. A universal adapter covers everything.

Four practical planning questions for What to Pack for Egypt

What to know before packing

Build the list for What to Pack for Egypt around season, destination, planned activities, baggage allowance and personal medication rather than a universal packing list.

Where your packing needs change

Expect different conditions across Cairo, the Nile Valley and the Red Sea regions relevant to your route. Layers, sun protection and footwear should match the hottest, coolest and most active parts of the route.

What to bring for daily activities

Keep documents, water, sun protection, charged devices and any essential medication accessible. Use modest, breathable clothing for active religious sites and comfortable shoes for uneven ground.

What to buy before or after arrival

Buy specialist or prescription items before travel; ordinary toiletries and simple clothing are widely available in cities. Review the published Egypt tours before deciding which activity-specific equipment is actually needed.

Related Egypt Planning Guides

Continue with these published guides to connect this decision with the wider route: