Egypt Packing List

Dress

Loose, light and modest. Away from beach resorts Egypt dresses more conservatively than Europe, and women who cover up get noticeably less hassle. It is cooler too: two hours on shadeless stone at Karnak in April means 35°C, and long-sleeved linen is far more comfortable than a t-shirt.

Women

• Loose trousers, long skirts or midi dresses in linen or light cotton.
• Sleeves to the elbow at least.
• A large scarf — needed in mosques, and handy for sun and chilly cruise decks.
• Closed shoes for the sites; Saqqara and the Valley of the Kings are rough underfoot.
• Swimwear is entirely normal at Red Sea resorts and hotel pools.

Men

• Long trousers, or shorts below the knee; mosques require long trousers.
• T-shirts are fine anywhere, but no sleeveless tops in mosques or churches.

Mosques and churches

Everyone covers shoulders and knees; women cover their hair too, with their own scarf. Shoes come off in mosques, so wear socks you don't mind walking in.

Easy to forget

1. A hat with a brim — a cap leaves ears and neck exposed.
2. Sunglasses — limestone glare is harsh.
3. A fleece — desert nights and the top of Mount Sinai are cold all year.
4. A power bank — you will take more photos than you think.
5. Small notes — 10 and 20 EGP notes are what tipping runs on.
6. Rehydration salts — the most useful thing in any first-aid kit.
7. A refillable bottle — water is provided on every tour we run, and a bottle cuts the plastic.

Electricity

220V at 50Hz, with European round two-pin sockets (types C and F). Visitors from the UK and US need an adapter.

Medicines

Carry prescription medicine in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Egyptian pharmacies are very good, inexpensive and hand over most things without a prescription — but bring your own of anything important.