Egypt, Cool & Dry
A curated packing list for your trip from Cairo bazaars to Luxor temples and a slow Nile cruise to Aswan. Built for desert sun, surprisingly cool nights, and the steady rhythm of millennia stacked on millennia.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Visa on arrival or e-Visa, $25 USD
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most other tourists can buy a single-entry 30-day visa on arrival at Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh airports for USD $25 cash. Or apply for an e-Visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg about a week before travel (95% approved instantly). Passport must be valid 6+ months. Sinai Resort visitors get 15 days free.
Cash is essential for baksheesh
Egypt remains a heavily cash economy outside upscale hotels and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard work in cities; everywhere else, EGP cash. At ATMs always pick "Local Currency (EGP)" not your home currency, the alternative costs you 5-12%. Withdraw daily; bring small bills.
Baksheesh is a way of life
Tipping (baksheesh) is woven into Egyptian culture and rewards every small service. 10-15% at restaurants (even with service charge), EGP 5-10 per bag for porters, EGP 5-10 per night for housekeeping, EGP 50-100 per person per day for tour guides. Stash a thick stack of small EGP notes from day one.
Modesty matters, especially outside resorts
Cover shoulders and knees in Cairo, mosques, churches, and traditional neighborhoods. Sharm El Sheikh and beach resorts are relaxed. Women: a scarf for mosque visits is non-negotiable. Loose, breathable, light-colored clothing reads as respectful and survives the heat.
Pyramid scams have a pattern
At Giza, expect aggressive offers: camel rides "free" that aren't, "guides" who weren't hired, jewelry pressed into hands. A polite firm "la, shukran" (no, thank you) and walking on works. Use authorized taxis or Uber from your hotel; never accept rides from drivers who approach you outside the gate.
Type C and F plugs at 230V
European-standard outlets (same as France, Germany). Type F is the official standard, Type C also fits. UK and US travelers need an adapter. Voltage is 230V/50Hz: most modern phone, laptop, and camera chargers handle it; single-voltage US-only hair tools will burn out without a step-down converter.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Light, modest, layered. Cover shoulders and knees in Cairo and at religious sites. Light colors handle the desert sun.
Shoes
Sand, sand, and more sand. Closed shoes save your toes at temple sites; sandals breathe in the heat.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Pharmacies are widespread but Western brands are limited. Pack your essentials.
Health & Medications
"Pharaoh's revenge" is real. Stomach issues are nearly universal at some point; bring a serious kit.
Documents & Money
Crisp USD for the visa, EGP for everything else, cards for hotels. Bring small denominations.
Tech & Electronics
Type C/F at 230V. Universal adapter is the safe choice.
Luggage & Organization
Soft-sided bags travel cruise cabins, dahabiyas, and dusty Luxor better. Leave room for bazaar finds.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long flights, long bus rides between sites, slow Nile evenings.
Weather & Climate Gear
Sun is the daily challenge; cold desert nights surprise nearly everyone.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Mosques, temples, and the Nile cruise have specific dress codes and rituals.
Safety & Precautions
Egypt is generally safe for tourists but persistent vendor hassle and pickpocketing target the inattentive.