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The Ultimate Egypt Packing List

Here’s all the clothing, shoes, gear, and accessories you need for your first trip to Egypt.

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Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

The allure of a trip to Egypt is undeniable; the bucket-list destination is one of the world's oldest and most intriguing countries with an equally rich modern culture to match. Still, Egypt gets extremely hot (we’re talking up to 109 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months), and has a predominantly Muslim population, so there are things to consider when curating a packing list as a visitor.

You won’t want to get caught wearing inappropriate garments or becoming too sweaty to enjoy the experience, so we spoke to a handful of Egypt travel experts to get their insights on exactly what you’ll want to pack (and other important tips to keep in mind).

This guide will help ensure you’ve got everything you might not have thought about for your trip to Egypt — but don’t forget your usual travel essentials as well! It’s pretty easy to find replacement toiletries or electronics while in Cairo but nobody wants to spend their vacation hunting for something instead of sightseeing.

Packing Checklist for Egypt

Packing for Egypt takes a little extra planning than, say, Spain or Italy, but with a little thoughtfulness you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable experience. Here are all the things you need in one comprehensive vacation checklist.

• Best Long-sleeved Top for Women: Toomet Women's UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection Shirt
• Best Short-sleeved Top for Men: Coofandy Men's Cotton Linen Henley Shirt
• Best Pants for Women: Amazon Essentials Women's Linen Blend Drawstring Wide Leg Pant
• Best Pants for Men: iWoo Mens Cotton Linen Drawstring Pants
• Best Long Skirt: Simlu Maxi Skirt for Women
• Best Maxi Dress: Kranda Round Neck Short Flutter Sleeve Smocked Ruffle Floral Maxi Dress
• Best Swimsuit for Women: Summersalt The Sidestroke 
• Best Swim Trunks: Lululemon Pool Short
• Best Coverup: L*Space Sungazer Dress
• Best Sneakers for Women: Adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure-2.0 Running Shoe
• Best Sneakers for Men: Adidas Men's Kaptir 2.0 Running Shoe
• Best Sandals for Women: Sandalup Women's Elastic Flat Sandals
• Best Sandals for Men: Birkenstock Men's Arizona Grip Horween Slides
• Best Comfortable Flats for Women: Margaux The Demi Flat
• Best Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men: Cole Haan Men's Grand Atlantic Oxford
• Best Camera: Sony Alpha 7R V Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera
• Best Tripod: Amazon Basics 50-inch Lightweight Camera Mount
• Best Power Bank: Anker Portable Charger
• Best Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Body
• Best Insect Repellent: Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion
• Best Travel Laundry Bag: Miamica Travel Laundry Bag

Accessories

• Best Belt Bag: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
• Best Lightweight Backpack: Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack
• Best Sunhat for Women: Coolibar Women's Aubrey Wide Brim Beach Hat
• Best Wide-brimmed Hat for Men: Coolibar UPF 50+ Men's Kaden Crushable Ventilated Hat
• Best Sunglasses: Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer Sunglasses
• Best Wrap: Happyluxe Wayfarer Travel Shawl Wrap

“Many residents of Egypt tend to dress more conservatively and it’s nice to respect the country you’re entering by dressing in a similar fashion,” says Jasmine Padda, Egypt Destination Specialist for Kensington Tours. “Of course, the standards for tourists are more liberal, the general suggestion is to ensure your shorts/dresses/skirts don’t go above mid-thigh, and that there isn’t excessive cleavage being shown.”

You’ll also want to prioritize sun protection and breathable fabrics that you’ll be able to wear comfortably for the entire day. Egypt gets unbearably hot in the summer months — but even in the spring and fall, you’ll easily find yourself working up a sweat as the day goes on.

Best Long-sleeved Top for Women

Toomet uv sun protection shirt.

Packing a breathable long-sleeved top will likely end up being the most important item in your Egypt wardrobe. Women should plan to dress quite modestly in Egypt but you’ll also want to ensure the garments you pack are going to be moisture-wicking or you’ll wind up overheating in the Egyptian sun. This Toomet Women's UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection Shirt is our top pick in the long-sleeved shirt department. It’s made from a 50+ UPF material that’ll ensure optimal protection from the harsh sun while also providing a very airy feeling against the skin. The loose-fitting shirt is also quick drying so you can easily give it a wash and hang dry in the hotel sink as needed.

Best Short-sleeved Top for Men

Coofandy linen henley shirt.

While men have different considerations when it comes to conservative dressing, you’ll still want to opt for loose-fitting garments to ensure optimal comfort. The Coofandy Men's Cotton Linen Henley Shirt is our favorite short-sleeved top for men due to its versatile style and cotton/linen material. This combination is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and breathable, but the stand collar and button detailing give this option a slightly more sophisticated look than the average linen shirt (which will allow you to style it for semi-formal dinners just as easily as you would to explore the pyramids).

Best Pants for Women

Amazon essentials women's linen blend drawstring wide leg pant.

While you could opt for jeans or cotton trousers while traveling in Egypt, you’ll be far more comfortable in something loose-fitting and breathable like linen drawstring pants. The Amazon Essentials Women's Linen Blend Drawstring Wide Leg Pant is a super versatile option that will provide the same breezy comfort as a pair of shorts but will be much more appropriate while visiting the hot spots in Cairo and beyond. The wide-leg pant features four functional pockets and is also machine washable (read: low maintenance). We also like that this pair comes in a huge array of light colorways to help keep you cool even in the baking hot sun.

Best Pants for Men

Iwoo linen drawstring pants.

The iWoo Mens Cotton Linen Drawstring Pants are going to be the best option for men looking for a cooling and comfortable pair that’ll offer protection from the sun without feeling too stuffy. The linen and cotton blend is moisture-wicking and quick-drying while the relaxed drawstring fit gives these pants a leg up when it comes to all-day comfort during those hours-long guided tours on your feet. This option also has two back pockets with buttons which offer a distinctly more sophisticated look than the average linen pant.

Best Long Skirt

Simlu maxi skirt.

Skirts and dresses are completely appropriate to wear in Egypt — but you’ll want to look for something that hits below the knee as a more respectful style. The Simlu Maxi Skirt for Women is a great option that’ll tick all the right boxes for adventures in Egypt. It’s budget-friendly to start — but it is also crafted with a comfy (and stretchy) modal material that sits snugly at the hips and flares out into an elegant gathered style that is conservative but flowy enough to get really great Instagram photos in front of the Great Sphinx of Giza. It’s available in a wide array of cool colors and prints, including mustard yellow stripes and cheeky black-and-white polka dots.

Best Maxi Dress

Kranda floral maxi dress.

When it comes to travel wardrobe heavy-hitters, a maxi dress is truly the G.O.A.T. You don’t have to worry about mixing and matching multiple pieces — it’s a one-stop-shop that allows you to get dressed and go in an instant. The Kranda Round Neck Short Flutter Sleeve Smocked Ruffle Floral Maxi Dress is a particularly great option for this kind of convenience, especially while traveling through Egypt. The flowing skirt and loose-fitting sleeves are breathable and stylish while still offering a modest silhouette.

Best Swimsuit for Women

Summersalt the sidestroke.

You don’t have to worry as much about modesty if you’re staying at a western resort or hotel, but if you’d still prefer to stick with a one-piece over a bikini in this case, we’re pretty fond of the Sidestroke bathing suit by Summersalt. It packs comfy-yet-flattering compression and a unique one-shoulder design that is both stylish and still efficient for swimming laps (or just lounging by the pool). We also like that this option is size-inclusive; it’s available in sizes 0 to 24.

Best Swim Trunks

Lululemon pool short.

Likewise, men can opt for whatever swim trunks you’d pack for any other resort or warm-weather vacation. The Lululemon Pool Short is our top pick when it comes to a long-lasting and comfortable pair. They’re crafted using a water-repellent and abrasion-resistant fabric which means they’ll dry quickly once you’re out of the water and they also won’t get banged up with regular use. We also really like that these swim trunks are made using more than 80 percent recycled materials, including recycled nylon and recycled polyester.

Best Coverup

L*space sungazer dress.

It doesn’t matter if you’re at a resort in Cancun or Cairo — it’s considered polite to have a decent bathing suit coverup on hand for moving between the restaurants and interior of the hotel to the pool. The L*Space Sungazer Dress is our favorite swimwear coverup for a handful of reasons. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but it’s well worth it if you want an elegant and long-lasting coverup that’ll work just as well (with a tank underneath) at the hotel buffet as it will as a casual evening dress in a pinch. The full-length dress features a deep v-neck, a smocked waist, and subtle side slips for added comfort and visual interest.

“Egypt typically requires a lot of domestic travel to see the most significant points of interest,” points out Padda. “Air travel is popular to make the most of your time, so try and limit your luggage to one checked bag, or better yet, one carry-on per person.” This means being super intentional with your footwear; we suggest going simple with a comfortable pair of running shoes, a sandal, and maybe a pair of evening-appropriate dress shoes if you’re planning to attend more formal dinners at your resort or hotel.

Lastly, if you plan on visiting a mosque, you may want to pack a spare pair of socks, especially if you’re wearing sandals and don’t want to be barefoot indoors.

Best Sneakers for Women

Adidas cloudfoam pure 2.0 running shoes.

You’re going to be on your feet a lot while exploring Egypt — so you’ll want to ensure you have a pair of sneakers that are comfortable and actually broken in. The Adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure-2.0 Running Shoe are our top pick when it comes to comfy and durable sneakers for travel; they provide superior cushioning and built-in memory foam that protects your feet from impact and the exterior is durable so you won’t need to worry about scuffing your shoes while running around. We also like that this sneaker is made with at least 50 percent recycled materials, and comes in a huge spectrum of colors to best suit your style.

Best Sneakers for Men

Adidas men's kaptir 2.0 running shoe.

Likewise, the Adidas Men's Kaptir 2.0 Running Shoe earns our seal of approval for a comfortable running shoe that will keep going from dawn to dusk. The heavily cushioned sole is inspired by runners — which means you’ll be spared the impact that can sometimes irritate the feet and legs when spending a ton of time walking or running. This sneaker also has a comfortable knit upper and sock-like opening that will help protect ankles and heels from irritation and blisters.

Best Sandals for Women

Sandalup elastic flat sandals.

We named the Sandalup Women's Elastic Flat Sandals as our top pick when it comes to the most comfortable sandals for women — and, once you’ve slipped them onto your feet, you’ll see why. The straps are snug so you don’t have to worry about them rubbing or sliding around on your feet, and they slip on and off so you don’t have to mess around with buckles or ties while on the go. It’s also worth noting that these sandals are comfortable right out of the box; no awkward breaking-in period or blisters required this time.

Best Sandals for Men

Birkenstock men's arizona grip horween slides.

For men (and honestly for women, too), the Birkenstock Men's Arizona Grip Horween Slides are an excellent option for travel. Admittedly, Birkenstocks can sometimes take a little while to break in but once they mold to your feet (while maintaining proper arch support), they’ll work for hours of wear. We also really like that these Birkenstock sandals are made from renewable resources — including natural cork and latex from rubber tree resin — so you can feel good about your purchase

Best Comfortable Flats for Women

Margaux the demi flat.

A timeless pair of comfortable flats is an imperative part of a smart travel wardrobe. Ballet flats are designed to be both casual and classy which means you can wear them pretty much all day and night without worrying about being too dressed up or down. The Demi Flat by Margaux earns our seal of approval for its adjustable bow and the fact that it is a handmade (and customizable) work of art. The shoe is made in Spain using supportive foam padding that, unlike cheaper flats on the market, will actually provide arch support and cushioning for all-day wear.

Best Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men

Cole haan men's grand atlantic oxford.

You likely won’t need dress shoes during the day while exploring Egypt — but if you’re staying at a mid-level resort or hotel you might want to consider packing something a little more formal for the evenings. The Cole Haan Men's Grand Atlantic Oxford isn’t exactly a formal dress shoe in the traditional sense and that’s why we like it. The oxford-style could really be worn both formally and casually which gives you the flexibility to wear it for multiple occasions while traveling. We also really like that this option is made in the U.S. using a unique cushioning technology for extended periods on your feet.

There are certain items you’ll want to remember to pack to make your trip to Egypt as stress-free as possible, such as a portable charger for staying connected throughout the day and ample sunscreen to keep yourself protected from the sun’s rays.

You’ll also want to ensure you bring a copy of the prescription for any meditation that you’ll need while in Egypt. Double-check that any over-the-counter medications you usually pack are permitted in the country as well; the CDC also recommends packing medication like loperamide (Imodium) and ibuprofen just in case.

Best Camera

Sony alpha 7r v.

We know, we know. Smartphone photography has come a long way since the early days of the iPhone — and it’s certainly more convenient than lugging around a huge DSLR and immediately pegging yourself as a tourist. But, trust us, you’re going to want to have genuinely high-quality images produced by a great travel camera to look back on after such a bucket list trip. The Sony Alpha 7R V Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera is our top pick when it comes to a camera that can do it all and is relatively easy to learn while on the go. The mirrorless camera delivers professional-quality images but it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly thanks to features like adjustable autofocus and artificial intelligence subject recognition.

Best Tripod

Amazonbasics 50-inch tripod.

Investing in a tripod is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting great photos as a solo traveler but it’s also great for families who don’t want to opt for selfies or always rely on a random passerby to snap photos for the group. The Amazon Basics 50-inch Lightweight Camera Mount is a great option when it comes to affordability and ease-of-use but it’s also super lightweight and not as burdensome to carry around with you. Note that you’ll want to use your judgment when setting up and taking tripod photos; it’s probably not the best idea to try this in particularly crowded tourist zones where you could lose your device.

Best Power Bank

Anker portable charger.

If you’re going to be on the go all day — and you should anticipate it while visiting Egypt — you’ll want to have more than enough juice to fuel your phone all day long. The Anker Portable Charger offers a generous 20,000mAh cell capacity which means it’ll charge the average smartphone about five times over. We also really like that this option is compact and has two different USB ports which allows you to charge two devices at once. It’s also a relatively inexpensive option compared to similar portable chargers on the market right now.

Best Sunscreen

La roche-posay anthelios melt-in milk sunscreen.

It’s hard to pinpoint just one item as the essential must-bring for a trip to Egypt, but a decent sunscreen comes pretty close. We especially love the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Body as it won’t just protect your skin from the rays, but helps to keep it moisturized in the hot and dry weather at the same time. We also really like that this option is non-greasy and fast-absorbing so you won’t feel like you’re slathered in sunblock.

Best Insect Repellent

Sawyer products 20% picaridin insect repellent.

The mosquitos can get pretty rough in certain parts of Egypt (especially at dawn and dusk) so you’ll want to ensure you pack ample bug spray to keep the pests at bay. We like the Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion because it protects against ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they spread — but without the unpleasant odor thanks to its DEET-free, but still effective, 20 percent picaridin formula. (This also means that this repellent is safe to use on kids or those with allergies or sensitivities.) The spray should work for about 12 hours but it’s available in pocket-sized sprays that can easily be thrown into your day bag or backpack as well.

Best Travel Laundry Bag

Miamica travel laundry bag.

Things get dusty in Egypt, like, really dusty. You’ll want to plan to bring a decent laundry bag to keep your grimy items away from your clean clothes until you have the chance to throw them into the wash. Despite the fact that this Miamica Travel Laundry Bag can expand to hold up to a week’s worth of clothing, this option is ultra-lightweight and packs down to next to nothing when it’s empty. It also has a full zip closure so you won’t have to worry about dirt sneaking out and contaminating your clean items.

There are a handful of accessories that will make your trip a lot easier. The tourist hot spots in Egypt, like any other major tourism destination, can be crowded and prone to pickpocketing so you’ll want to opt for a belt bag or inconspicuous backpack to store your valuables. You’ll also want to ensure you have sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for protection from the bright afternoon sun.

Best Belt Bag

Lululemon everywhere belt bag.

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is, in fact, everywhere. But it’s easy to see why. The basic silhouette — a cousin to the fanny pack — is easy to pair with just about anything, from activewear to streetwear.  The water-repellent fabric is designed to last through heavy day-to-day use while the additional interior pockets make it easy to organize and keep track of your gear while on the go. We also really like that this option comes in a huge variety of colors and is easily adjustable to best suit exactly how you want to wear it. (We recommend using it as an over-the-shoulder crossbody with the pouch on your chest for safety and style.)

Best Lightweight Backpack

Longchamp le pliage backpack.

We never travel without a Longchamp Le Pliage Bag; it’s really one of the best unsung heroes of an efficient travel wardrobe. The folding style literally packs down into a tiny square when it’s not in use which means you can easily throw it into your carry-on without taking up any space at all. The Le Pliage backpack is a particularly great option for bringing to Egypt thanks to the lightweight design and durable (and easily washable) nylon exterior that won’t get destroyed in the dust or the hot sun.

Best Sunhat for Women

Coolibar wide brim beach hat.

The Coolibar Women's Aubrey Wide Brim Beach Hat is going to be your best bet for those hot days in the desert or in the city. The casual sun hat blocks 98 percent of UVA/UVB rays but it’s also extremely breathable and won’t leave your head or hair feeling sweaty. This option is available in sizes small and large but it also has a built-in adjustable fastener at the back to ensure it fits your head perfectly — and won’t fly off and into the water when you’re cruising down the Nile.

Best Wide-brimmed Hat for Men

Coolibar ventilated hat.

The Coolibar UPF 50+ Men's Kaden Crushable Ventilated Hat is our top pick when it comes to a smart hot weather hat for men. Like the women’s style, this option offers UPF protection without leaving your head super sweaty. The ventilated hat is also “crushable” which means that you can fold it up to pack among your clothing without ruining its shape. We also like that this hat includes an adjustable chin cord to keep it firmly in place even in windy conditions.

Best Sunglasses

Ray-ban original wayfarer classic.

It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on staying in the city or heading into the desert — you’re going to want to have a good pair of sunglasses on hand. The Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer Sunglasses are a classic and will work with just about any existing style thanks to the timeless shape and classic black colorway. The sturdy plastic frame feels solid while on the bridge of the nose but is still lightweight enough to wear all day without worrying about irritation on the sides of the nose.

HappyLuxe Wayfarer Travel Shawl

Keep in mind that Egypt has a predominantly Muslim population which doesn’t just mean you’ll want to dress more conservatively but also that you’ll probably wind up visiting a handful of historic mosques during your travels. Keeping a travel wrap in your bag, such as the Happyluxe Wayfarer Travel Shaw, will ensure you don’t have to borrow something while visiting landmarks that require more conservative attire. It’s also helpful to keep on hand as a shawl for cooler evenings in the desert or even as an impromptu blanket on chilly flights.

“The best time to visit the destination is October until May as the weather is nice and warm with guaranteed sun during the daytime but a lovely cool chill at night,” explains Omar Asem, Travel Director and Egyptologist at Insight Vacations. Of course, the weather can be manageable for travelers year round but it's important to remember the summer months can be very hot.

“It’s crucial to note that drones are absolutely forbidden in the country,” explains Asem. “Travelers must make sure all medical drugs in their possession can only be dispensed with a prescription and beware to not travel with any kind of narcotics.”

Female travelers are recommended to dress modestly by western standards while traveling in Egypt including garments that cover the shoulders and go below the knee. For maximum comfort in the desert climate, Asem recommends wearing loose fitting pants and blouses. During visits to religious places such as mosques and churches, women are expected to wear long sleeves and a head scarf to respect the culture and tradition.

“Local SIM cards are very handy for using your phone to get around and can be obtained easily at a local shop, however travelers must remember to bring their passport to secure one,” says Asem. “Cash in small denominations is helpful when doing local shopping or taking a taxi. It’s smart to learn some key Arabic words and phrases that can help with communication like shukran (thank you), aywa (yes), la’aa (no) and ma’alsalama (good bye).”

Traveling with a trusted travel brand allows travelers to let the local team show off the top sights and expert insights while taking care of everything so you can enjoy in comfort and style. “With a guided tour, travelers will get up close and personal with the destination with passionate Egyptologists by their side,” adds Asem. “Cruising around the Nile is a wonderful way to explore the area between Luxor and Aswan with all of its incredible sights from royal tombs to breathtaking temples.”

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a full-time travel writer to curate the best options to suit most needs. She also consulted Omar Asem , Travel Director and Egyptologist at Insight Vacations , and Jasmine Padda , Egypt Destination Specialist for Kensington Tours .

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What to Wear in Egypt & 11 Egypt Packing List Essentials (2024)

Wondering what to wear in Egypt ? You’ve come to the right place! In addition to a complete Egypt packing list, there are also guidelines for everything you will need to pack for a trip to Egypt.

We’ll cover appropriate attire for women in Egypt (men too) , the Cairo dress code and 10 essential items you may be forgetting on your Egypt Packing list.

We found Egypt to be modern, yet conservative. What to wear in Egypt is pretty straightforward but definitely different for men and women. Just follow these few key packing tips you’ll be visiting Egypt with confidence.

You will also find a comprehensive Egypt packing checklist at the bottom, including travel gear and which items to leave at home.

This site uses affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. You can read our full disclosure policy  here .

Table of Contents

Weather and the Best Time to Go to Egypt

The weather in Egypt is something you will want to consider although the majority of the year has pretty high temperatures.

High season – the most popular time to visit, is the winter. December through February has warm daytime temperatures and cool weather by night.

Shoulder season – occurs from October-November and March-April. This time of year is very hot during the day, and so it is best to plan activities for the morning and evening. Book a hotel with a pool to be comfortable mid-day.

Low Season – May through September temperatures can be excruciatingly hot, so I don’t recommend visiting during those months.

What to Wear in Egypt for Women & Men

There are two things people are typically thinking of when trying to figure out what to wear in Egypt. The first is the temperature. Egypt is a desert which means most of the things on your packing list will be for warm, dry weather.

The second and bigger consideration, is the type of clothing that is appropriate for a conservative country like Egypt . The good news is that modest clothing for Egypt doesn’t mean that you have to be fully covered all the time.

Since the sun can be very strong, sunscreen and a hat is essential. Closed toe shoes work the best when you are out touring dusty monuments. A mask will protect you from germs and also help with the dust.

Typically this is a trip where you move around a lot so it will make your life easier if you can pack everything for Egypt in a carry-on suitcase .

Since all your clothing will be lightweight, it will be easy to pack in a smaller bag. Compression packing cubes can help you fit everything into a smaller suitcase as well.

What Men Should Wear in Egypt

In Egypt, men dress smartly. They wear pants and a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt. Some wear the more traditional abaya, which they jokingly refer to as Egyptian air conditioning.

My husband wore shorts and he was assured by people that it was okay but no Egyptian men wore shorts. Men can generally wear what they want in Egypt.

What to Wear in Egypt for Women: Egyptian Outfit

The Egyptian dress code for women is conservative but a little more modern in Cairo than other parts of the country.

• Choose lightweight and airy clothes that don’t expose a lot of skin.
• Outside of beach resorts, crop tops or anything showing your stomach is a hard no.
• Shorts are typically for resorts or cruises. You can wear them in a big tour group but choose shorts that are long enough to cover your butt. If you’re NOT in a big tour group, don’t wear shorts anywhere you wouldn’t wear a bathing suit.

I wore shorts to the train station in Luxor, attracting unwanted attention and almost died of embarrassment. You can see the video that shows it all here.

My Egyptian outfit consisted of a midi or maxi dresses that were short sleeved or sleeveless. Then I added a long sleeved button up shirt and/or scarf when necessary and I wore sneakers.

Many taxis don’t have air conditioning, so being able to get rid of sleeves will be a godsend. You can also wear t-shirts with pants or long skirts. Just make sure they aren’t low cut showing cleavage. You can also pack this Mini Fan .

The Cairo Dress Code

What you wear in Cairo might be different than other parts of your trip. Cairo is a big city with great restaurants and nightlife. You can wear what you would typically wear for a night out as long as it is conservative. There is no dress code per se in Egypt.

Egyptian women wear the same things we do including fitted clothing like skinny jeans and leggings.

They typically wear loose, long sleeved tops with high necklines (no cleavage showing). They don’t wear tank tops, anything with their stomach showing or mini skirts.

For the Pyramids of Giza, you will need modest clothing that offers sun protection. Again, I recommend a sleeveless dress and carrying something to put on top when necessary. It is very hot and there’s no place to get out of the sun.

Mosques in Cairo require women to have shoulders covered, long skirts or pants and head covering. They will typically have you remove your shoes.

10 Things You Will Want to Pack for Egypt

If you are wondering what the best clothing to wear in Egypt is, check out these 10 essential you will want for your Egypt trip..

1. When Packing for Egypt a Scarf Should be #1 on Your List

Something that most people don’t think to pack for warm weather is a scarf but you will wear it often in Egypt. Bring one like this lightweight linen beach gauze shawl that can also cover your shoulders. It is necessary to have your head covered in a mosque.

I brought a scarf but forgot to take it with me when we were going shopping in Cairo. We happened upon a beautiful mosque and they wouldn’t let me in without putting on this borrowed, unfortunately smelly, abaya.

The moral to this story is to pack a light-weight scarf or two in your bag AND it carry with you.

2. Hat to Block the Sun is an Essential Part of Your Egypt Outfit

The sun can be brutal and you’ll find many times when you can’t find a shady spot. You will wear a hat constantly in Egypt. A wide brim straw hat is the best to block the sun.

I like to take an inexpensive packable hat with me that I don’t mind losing or damaging. Other people prefer a designe r packable hat that you can put in your suitcase.

I also brought a fedora hat to change up the look a bit. Two hats are easily packable to if they fit inside each other.

3. A Sun Umbrella is Also a Great Idea for Your Egypt Packing List

The inexpensive 50+ UV protection sun umbrella I packed for Egypt was a lifesaver at the Pyramids of Giza. We were out in the sun for hours with no shade protection and it cut down the amount of heat, which made all the difference.

It comes in 5 different color combinations. We tested umbrellas with white and black underneath. The black underneath was definitely cooler and cut down glare.

To take it up another notch, this double sun umbrella will provide even better protection. The umbrella is so compact that it’s easy to pack in your suitcase or daypack.

4. A Power Bank to Keep Your Phone Charged

A typical day trip in Egypt means that you’ll be using your phone for navigation, photos, videos, getting an Uber and staying in touch. Often that means being out all day or hours traveling between cities. You need to charge your phone on the go .

One of the most important items on your packing list for Egypt is a portable power bank that can charge up to 3 devices simultaneously. You can easily keep it in your pocket or purse all day long and get 3 full charges out of it.

5. Step Down Power Converter and Plug Adapter for Egypt

When you get back at night and are ready to charge your electronics, you need an Egypt plug adapter and a step down voltage converter .

• An international power adapter will work for your phone, computer and dual voltage appliances. Anything that’s NOT dual voltage needs a step down voltage converter.
• Our favorite step down voltage converter has traveled with us all over the world since 2018. This converts the power from 220 volts to 110 volts so you don’t burn out your USA appliances. It has 2 110V outlets and 4 USB ports to charge everything at once.

The voltage converter can take the place of the power adapter if you don’t need more outlets.

Since you can’t buy a step down voltage converter overseas, it’s one of the most important items for your Egypt packing list.

6. Long Sleeve Button-Down Shirt

While Egypt is a more progressive middle eastern country, it is still important to be respectful of the culture and religious beliefs of its people. Furthermore, Egypt is hot.

To stay as cool as possible and protected from the sun while sightseeing, yet still maintain a respectful demeanor, a basic button-down shirt is a must for your Egypt packing list.

Not only is it a versatile piece of clothing for Egypt, but you will wear it during the day or out at night.

7. Wear Comfortable Shoes for Sightseeing in Egypt

There are endless sights to see throughout Egypt, many of which require walking on paths and often through dirt. Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking, your shoes need to be comfortable and protective.

My favorite sneakers to wear on vacation are super comfortable, inexpensive, easy to clean off and they get replaced when necessary. They were perfect to wear in Egypt for almost everything. Don’t bring sneakers you can’t get dirty.

Beyond having regular walking shoes, when going into town to shop for food or trinkets, or even just lounging around the hotel, it’s always nice to have a pair of open, breathable sandals to throw on when you aren’t doing anything too strenuous.

6. Dresses for Egypt

When people ask me what to wear in Egypt, my first answer is a lightweight maxi dress. I found this super soft, lightweight jersey fabric, cami maxi dress that doesn’t wrinkle, comes in 22 colors and is the best deal.

The other dress I found and love is this button up, short sleeve maxi dress that comes in tons of prints and colors. It’s also a great deal and the flowy skirt looks amazing for an Instagram post .

You could pack 2 of each of these dresses to your list for Egypt and barely use any of your packing space. That’s how lightweight and perfect they are.

With a long sleeve shirt to go on top, you would have 8 outfits. You might also consider a lightweight maxi skirt for more versatility.

9. An Anti-Theft Purse or Anti-Theft Backpack Will Keep Your Items Safe in Egypt

An anti-theft travel purse or safe backpack is a must at tourist sights in Egypt since pickpocketing is an issue.

You will find people trying to sell you scarves or things they can use to cover your bag while they grab something. Anti-theft bags have locking zippers, slash-proof straps, and an RFID pocket to protect your passport and credit cards.

Protect yourself with a secure cross-body bag or safe travel backpack that zips up and locks.

ANTI THEFT PURSE OR CROSS-BODY BAG

This anti-theft cross body bag has a locking main compartment, slash-resistant straps, and RFID-blocking slots for credit cards and passports. It also has plenty of room for your phone, a charger, makeup, and an AirTag if lost or stolen.

For Egypt, I wore a small cross body travel wallet that held my credit cards, passport, phone, lip gloss, and hand sanitizer.

The cross body strap held it in front of me and I kept my hands on it when walking through a crowd. The other reason I like it is because it easily fits in my travel backpack without being an extra item for carry on.

READ NEXT: 10 BEST ANTI-THEFT PURSES & CROSS BODY BAGS FOR TRAVEL

ANTI THEFT BACKPACK OR SLING BAG

Men and women love this anti-theft backpack that’s the perfect size to hold everything you need for the day and has a water bottle pocket.

If you prefer, a backpack with a cross body fit, this is the most popular anti-theft sling bag with a hidden pocket on the back and a locking zipper.

My husband carries this roll-top camera backpack . The roll top is impossible for a pickpocket and the part that opens the side of the bag is against your back. There is a padded grid inside to protect your camera and lenses.

They now make an 11-liter camera backpack for women and men that works great for a day pack.

READ NEXT: 9 BEST ANTI-THEFT TRAVEL BACKPACKS FOR MEN & WOMEN

If you don’t have an anti-theft bag, you can get a cable lock to keep the front compartments of your backpack secure.

ANTI THEFT NECK WALLET

Another option is to keep your valuables concealed completely. This top-selling anti-theft neck wallet will hold your phone, cash, credit cards, passport, and keys where no thief can access it.

It’s lightweight and also keeps your hands free, which is perfect if you are out shopping.

10. A Bag Tracking Device

When we became full time travelers in 2023, our Apple AirTags became an essential part of our gear. I can’t even imagine traveling without a bag tracking device anymore.

This is one of the most cost effective items to give you peace of mind while traveling.

Buy an AirTag for each one of your bags so you know where they are at all times. You can buy a single AirTag or save money with an AirTag 4 Pack .

• There should be an AirTag in each checked bag so you know where your bags are even if the airline doesn’t.
• Put one in your backpack or purse and you will get a notification if you ever leave your bag behind.
• If someone steals your bag, you can track it immediately.
• Buy an AirTag holder for your wallet or an AirTag keychain holder to securely attach it to your keys or bag
• We also keep an AirTag on our escape artist of a dog that has paid off multiple times

11. Pack a Mini Fan & Sunscreen to Beat the Heat in Egypt

Rechargable Mini Fan

One of my favorite travel accessories for warm destinations is this Mini Fan . It fits in your pocket and has 3 functions.

Use it as a handheld electric fan or fold it and set it on a desk in your hotel room. It also doubles as a flashlight!

The fan operates for up to 20 hours on one charge. Then just plug it in to a USB charger.

For such an inexpensive item that takes no space in your bag, it’s a game changer when you have to beat the heat!

As we all know, most of Egypt is desert land. In addition to hats and sun umbrellas, you really need high SPF sunscreen that you apply throughout the day.

If you are just staying in cities, use a weightless, clear 30 SPF sunscreen that also works as a makeup primer. It’s my go to everyday sunscreen and it’s perfect travel size will last you for the whole trip.

If you are heading to the Red Sea for water sports and active pursuits, use a broad spectrum reef friendly SPF 50 sunscreen .

READ NEXT : The Best Egypt Itinerary 7 Days in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan

Packing List for Egypt Checklist

• Passport with at least 6 months of validity
• Credit cards, ATM Card and some cash including $25 for visa on arrival
• Driver’s License and insurance card if you plan to rent a car
• A hardcopy of your Travel Insurance policy
• Secure Anti-theft purse
• Camera backpack
• Step Down Voltage Converter
• Egypt plug adapter
• Charging cords
• Compression Packing Cubes
• Comfortable sandals
• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
• Lightweight maxi skirt
• Loose fitting wide-leg pants
• Button down shirt
• A lightweight sweater or light jacket
• Lightweight scarf
• Compression socks
• Bathing suit
• Packable hat
• Sun umbrella
• Collapsible Water bottle

Things to Leave off Your Egypt Packing List

• Shorts – Although we typically wear shorts in high temperatures, Egypt is extremely conservative. It is best to not show much skin unless you are on a specific tour or Nile river cruise where shorts are allowed.
• Tank tops and crop tops – Unless you are by the pool or beach, these shouldn’t be worn.
• Heavy jackets – you will rarely ever need any heavy clothing in Egypt. To cover up, a light cardigan or button-down shirt is perfect.
• Valuables – It’s important to leave as many valuables as possible behind. Tourists are very easily targeted, especially in popular destinations, so make sure to keep your essential valuables close to you.
• Drone – we were stopped each time at the airport with our camera equipment. You cannot use a drone so don’t bring it.

Practical Information for Egypt

Egyptian Visa & Money

In Egypt, Visas are offered upon arrival. This means that when land in Cairo, you can enter the country by purchasing a visa. In this case, make sure you bring along 25 USD exactly and purchase your visa before entering customs.

We had no problem with this, although we arrived very early in the morning. You can purchase your Egypt visa in advance here , or if you are on a tour, they will likely coordinate the visa process with you.

The currency in Egypt is Egyptian pounds. Cash is necessary and there are many ATMs available throughout the country. However, there is a limit as to how much you can withdraw so be aware of that.

Safety in Egypt

Even though this is definitely not something you would typically find in a packing guide, many people worry about safety in Egypt. There are some things you can do to plan ahead.

Start by looking up the Egypt Travel Advisory to be aware of any current issues. Since things are constantly changing in the world, we highly recommend travel protection.

There are 2 ways we protect ourselves. We book our tickets with our  Chase Sapphire Preferred  that has built in travel protection and we use  SafetyWing travel insurance . If we ever need to cancel a trip, we are totally covered.

One last note regarding safety: always be aware of your surroundings. No matter where in the world you travel, even if it is within your own country, be alert. Tourists are always a target. The less touristy you look, the better.

As mentioned above use a secure travel purse or secure backpack to protect yourself from petty theft . For more information read our Egypt Travel Tips .

Planning Your Trip to Egypt Last Minute?

Here is a quick reference guide to the tours and hotels we recommend.

• Cairo Private Tour to Pyramids, Sakkara & Memphis with Lunch
• Full or Half-Day East and West Bank Luxor Tours
• 3-Night All-Inclusive Nile Cruise From Luxor to Aswan & Hot Air Balloon
• The St. Regis Cairo – CAIRO
• Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor – LUXOR
• Benben by Dhara Hotels – ASWAN 

You can also get more detailed information on our 7 Day Egypt Itinerary and 15 Things to Know Before Traveling to Egypt for important Egypt travel tips. Lastly, there are short videos for Aswan , Luxor and Cairo on our YouTube channel.

Want to Save What to Wear in Egypt or this Egypt Packing List for later? Pin It!

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29 comments, jasmine a owens.

Thank you all for the great tips on dressing. My plans are for the end of Sept 2023. You all have been helpful!

Have a great trip!

Hi, tips re egypt is a 3/4 sleeve maxi just as Ok to take than a shirt sleeve with shirt over the top of it? I read wearwhite isn’t appealing as the colour of the desert sand quickly dirties it. Was this your experience too? Thanks 😊

Hi Jo! 3/4 sleeve maxi is fine. The reason I did a shirt on top was to be able to take it off in the taxi where there was often no A/C. I don’t have a good tolerance for excessive heat, but a lot of people are fine with it. I love white and did not have a problem keeping things white other than my white leather sneakers that I just cleaned at the end of the day with a little water and a towel. Hope you have the best trip!

Jan Schmidt

I’m going to Egypt in October 2023. I was recommended to spray my clothes with Permethrin insect repellent, is this necessary??

We didn’t need to do that and we went in October. I guess you should see if you are going somewhere they expect bugs that were not places on our Egypt itinerary – Aswan, Luxor, Cairo, Giza.

Why do you need a step down power converter ? I already have a plug adapter

A plug adapter is fine for any dual voltage appliances which includes things like an iPhone. But anything that is not dual voltage, needs a step down converter to change the voltage to 110, assuming you are coming from the US. My curling iron starting smoking once when I didn’t have a step down converter.

I’m at the end of day one and want to say thank you for this blog! The Amazon maxi dresses and button down shirts have been lifesavers!

That’s so great to hear. You totally made my day. Thanks for taking the time to tell me. Have the best trip!

Thanks so much for this! We are leaving Tuesday and thankfully, Amazon Prime can get your recommendations delivered by then!

Gotta love Amazon Prime quick delivery!

Hello, one of the things that was ask of me as a requirement for my trio to Egypt was 75€, for tips, and that money was to be given to my Guide and he would negotiate the tips for me, Is that a normal thing to happen|? I have travel to many places and of course we tip but to be a mandatory thing and to have to give the money to the guided never happened before

We didn’t take a tour so I don’t know but Egyptians can be quite persistent trying to get money from tourists. You might try telling him that it isn’t possible for you to tip ahead but that you will do it along the way as services are provided.

We just went to Egypt in January 2022. I did not have to cover my head in the various Mosques as we are not Muslim. Visitors are not expected to per our guide. There were lots of other visitors that did not need to cover. This is cultural and not Islamic/Muslim.

Thanks for sharing. One of the benefits of having a guide is definitely knowing the ins and outs. Another benefit – especially in Egypt is that you are left alone. I was instructed in multiple mosques to wear a covering in addition to being prohibited from carrying a small tripod. When a guide was with us, no one said anything.

This is so great, thank you! I”m planning for my LONG awaited trip coming up this May and while I have travelled enough to know this stuff it’s nice to confirm my ideas and to see a few *specific* suggestions for dresses that have been tested, hats, etc.

TIP for others: I’m bringing an umbrella as well, to help stop the sun too, esp as I’ll be in Jordan in end of May or even June. ~ AdventuressAli

Definitely agree – there’s a great sun umbrella in the list and it’s a lifesaver. We just added a post with great bubble hotels in Jordan if you get to Wadi Rum.

Thank you very much for the great tips and wardrobe links! I’d love a couple of the button down shirts you suggested but they are no longer available. Can you offer suggest a substitute? Going to Egypt in October 2021!

White button down shirt is updated and all other links are being checked now. Thanks for letting me know. Hope you have an amazing trip!

Thanks for these wonderful tips. It’s really helpful. Following your blog since a very long time and I am pretty happy from the insights I am getting via it.

I’m planning to go to Egypt this year. God willing. Where did you get that red skirt? It’s beautiful!

Hope you are able to go. It’s the trip of a lifetime! Here’s a link for the dress but it may be sold out. https://bit.ly/3cbOVqT

Mark Burnett

Yes, I agreed! The best time to visit Egypt is in December, I had visited therein in 2018 and it was a great time there. Thanks for sharing this such a great article,

Avis Lawton

I have visited Egypt last year, before corona and I can agree with this that Egypt is modern but conservative. I am going to visit it next year again just when the covid-19 gets into normal and thanks for this Closed-toe shoe idea.

Such a breathtaking place indeed. Happy New Year dear!

I’d love to visit Egypt one day! This is such a helpful guide, thank you! You took so many beautiful photos while you were there as well. I wear a lot of maxi skirts and dresses so it’s good I could just rewear my regular wardrobe there!

Hope you had a merry Christmas 🙂 We had a great time with family and so much good food! Have a happy new year 🙂

Your current wardrobe sounds perfect for a trip to Egypt. We can all reduce our carbon footprint by loving the clothes that are already in our closets. Happy New Year!

I would love to go to Egypt!

Jennifer Effortlessly Sophisticated

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What to wear in Egypt

If you're going through your closet in preparation for your big Egypt adventure and wondering what you can pack and what you can leave at home, keep the two Cs in mind – cool and conservative.

Summer temperatures in southern cities like Aswan can reach heights of 50°C and don’t always drop at night. Light fabrics like linen, cotton and athletic gear made to take the heat are best. Just remember to cover up from your shoulders to below the knee. While women are expected to dress more conservatively than men, even the fellas should leave the short shorts and tight singlets at home.

Also, avoid packing anything in white. While standing in front of the pyramids in an all-white linen suit makes for a great photo, the desert dust will quickly turn those light-coloured clothes a not-so-delightful shade of brown.

If you’re travelling outside of winter, don’t underestimate the cool change that can come in the evenings, especially if you spend the night in the desert or on a Nile cruise . A light fleece or jacket should be sufficient to keep you warm on Egypt’s chillier nights.

In terms of footwear, sneakers and/or sandals made for walking are essential. Pathways on historical sites are often rocky and uneven, and the footpaths in the main cities aren’t much better.

Learn about the weather in Egypt

Women are held to a more conservative dress standard than men in Egypt. While the expectations for travellers are less strict than for local women, you will draw less attention (and have a more immersive journey) if you pack clothes that cover from at least shoulder to below the knee.

The looser your clothes are, the better. Form-fitting clothing can be just as poorly received as exposed skin. Packing a couple of tunics and long-sleeved shirts that you can slip over the top of your outfits is also a good idea for easy layering in more conservative areas.

For mosque visits, female travellers should wear clothing that covers from ankle to elbow as well as decolletage and hair. Don’t worry if you have a few stray strands hanging out beneath the head scarf; it’s more about being seen to make the effort. Aside from mosque visits, female travellers are not expected to wear a headscarf.

So, what if you want to swim? The good news is you can pack your regular swimsuit when travelling to Egypt. Hotels with pools that cater to foreigners do not have dress codes.

• Long, baggy skirts and/or pants
• Long-sleeved t-shirts
• Bathing suit
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A scarf or shawl for women to cover their hair when visiting mosques
• A light fleece or jacket if travelling outside of summer

Read our ultimate Egypt packing guide

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How to dress in Egypt: tips on what to pack

It’s always a good time to visit Egypt . But before you go, you'll need some outfit ideas that will keep you cool and comfortable. That’s where we come in. Keep reading for what to wear in Egypt and the best clothes to pack for your trip to the City of the Thousand Minarets.

Climate in Egypt

Which clothes to wear on vacation in Egypt depends on when you go. In the summer, temperatures in Egypt average 104 degrees. That’s really hot—and exactly why most tourists visit the country during the winter instead. But winter isn’t the only time you can go on a tour of Egypt . As fall arrives, the summer heat lets up as temperatures begin to drop to more moderate levels.

Read 5 reasons to visit Egypt in the fall →

So, what is the weather like in Egypt in September? The temperature tends to range from an average of 68 to 91 degrees in Cairo with lots of sun and little rain. Then, as you head into October and November, it cools off even more, with nighttime lows hovering around 51 degrees by late November. The cooler weather makes exploring the busy streets of Cairo, gazing at the Pyramids in the sunny desert, and exploring ancient tombs more comfortable and enjoyable.

Discover facts about the Pyramids of Giza →

Egypt weather tip: Even if it’s not going to be as hot as it is in the summer, bring a hat. You’ll want to shield your eyes from the sun .

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What to Wear in Egypt (+ A Practical Egypt Packing List)

Gearing up for a travel adventure and no idea what to wear in Egypt? This ultimate Egypt packing list walks you through everything you need to know. 

Egypt is world-renowned for its iconic ancient civilisation, desert-towering pyramids, and  incredible contemporary culture – so it’s no surprise that you’re planning your trip. 

I’ve just returned from spending some time in Egypt and it was every bit as wonderful as it promised to be. 

Unlike other destinations where packing is simply a matter of throwing whatever into a bag, understanding how to dress in Egypt and therefore what to pack, requires a little more consideration. 

Egypt’s desert climate and conservative Muslim society play a large role in what you should wear in the country. Don’t stress, packing for an Egyptian holiday is easier than you think. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top things you need to consider when thinking about what to wear in Egypt, as well as outline a practical, step-by-step packing list to help you pack for your trip. 

What to Wear in Egypt: Top Tips

As I mentioned above, Egypt is quite a conservative country and you should dress in a way that respects that. It’s also incredibly hot, particularly in the summer months. It might sound like a difficult combination but it’s not. 

Here are my top packing tips for visiting Egypt.

• Pack summer clothing made with light fabric — Egypt is dry, hot, and crowded with lots of desert.
• Loose long-sleeved shirts and dresses are your best friend — cultural norms prescribe that women dress in this fashion.
• Bring closed-toe but comfortable shoes — nothing is more annoying than getting sand in your shoes but you’ll be doing a lot of walking so they need to be comfy or you will regret it. 
• Pack a sun hat, sunglasses and a decent amount of high-factor sunscreen.
• Always carry a scarf — You never know when you might need it.

What to Wear in Egypt – In More Detail

What to wear in egypt as a woman.

So what do women wear in Egypt? 

Local women in Egypt wear loosely-fitted clothing, covering their knees and shoulders, and the hijab, or niqab. The reasons they choose to do so are varied, and not solely religious. The hijab or “headscarf” is not obligatory – it can also serve to protect a woman’s modesty and privacy from unrelated men.

Female tourists do not have to wear a headscarf – most do not. However, women must cover their hair when entering sacred or holy sanctuaries like mosques. 

Aside from the headscarf, follow the example set by the locals – wear loose-fitting trousers / long skirts and modest tops that cover your shoulders, stomach and cleavage. Maxi dresses are a great option too. 

Personally I spent most of my time alternating between wearing harem pants, a loose-fitting top and lightweight kimono and wearing a maxi dress paired with a kimono.

This kept me nice and cool – or as cool as I could be in the 40-degree heat – and meant I could create a number of different outfits with a small number of pieces, because I’m just not the gal for lugging around a gigantic suitcase when I’m changing hotels every 1-3 nights. 

Two Egypt Packing Hacks for Women to Make An Existing Wardrobe More Appropriate 

If you read through the section above and felt a bit alarmed because you don’t have clothing that quite fits the bill, there are a few staple items that can help to make your existing wardrobe more appropriate. 

The first is a pashmina / large cotton scarf. Not only can you use a pashmina as a headcovering if you’re going into a mosque, if you wrap it in the right way, it can cover your shoulders and cleavage for a top or dress that doesn’t quite do the trick. 

The second is a lightweight kimono. As you can see from lots of my Egypt photos, I wore two kimonos pretty much constantly during my Egypt trip. Most of my dresses and tops are short-sleeved so I wouldn’t have felt comfortable wearing them solo on the trip – but they were totally fine when I paired them with a kimono. 

I really do recommend following these guidelines – not only to respect the country you are travelling in, but also to avoid getting unwanted attention. 

Some female travellers have encountered heckling and even harassment when wearing what the locals would class as immodest clothing. Respect the local culture. 

What to Wear in Egypt as a Man 

It will come as a surprise to noone that this section is much shorter than the women’s one. 

Egyptian men also dress conservatively. While the rules for male tourists are much looser, a classic lightweight shirt and loose trouser combo works well. 

Firstly, it’s more culturally appropriate than shorts and a t-shirt, and secondly, it’s more climate-appropriate – trust me when I say that you will be glad for as much protection from the sun as possible.

Egypt Packing List

Travel to Egypt Checklist: Luggage

You may think it’s as simple as piling things into a carry-on bag , but it’s more complex than that. If you’re planning an extended vacation, you’ll need to cover a few different bases throughout your trip. 

Rolling Suitcase

A rolling suitcase isn’t only slick and stylish and very convenient. The 360-degree spinner wheels make your journey smooth. I recommend the Samsonite Flux Spinner – a lightweight but durable plastic suitcase that’s ideal for moving between destinations and keeping your belongings safe in transit. 

Packing Cubes

Travelling with just one bag? You can use packing cubes to separate and organise your luggage. These cubes help keep your clothes wrinkle-free and are waterproof. I recommend the eBags Classic Packing Cubes 3-piece Set .

A daypack is an ideal tool to carry lightweight essentials when going on an excursion. Relatively smaller than regular backpacks, daypacks work brilliantly for going on active day trips like hiking and sightseeing. I love my Osprey Daylite 25 – it even has a handy pouch for a water bladder (very useful when you’re out all day in the heat). 

Handbags are ideal for walking tours, eating out, or beach trips. I recommend the Women’s Fashion Handbag Set . This four-piece arrangement includes a wallet, a tote, shoulder bag, and satchel.

Reusable Canvas Bag

Canvas is an ideal storage material; the plain-woven fabric is flexible and fits most travel essentials. I recommend the TOPDesign Economical Cotton Tote Bag . The simple, durable design offers excellent flexibility and carries various items.

What to Pack for Egypt: Clothes

Clothing is a critical element of your luggage. So it would help if you covered all the essentials, especially when travelling to a culturally-sensitive nation like Egypt. Firstly, consider the scorching hot weather. Next is the traditional way of life that most Egyptians uphold.

Tops  

Pack loosely-fitted unrevealing tops with lightweight and breathable material. This helps you stay cool throughout the day. My top suggestions for a perfect Egyptian getaway are tunic tops and casual blouses .

The ideal style for women visiting Egypt is long and classy. Skirts must be loose-fitted and go below the knees. Pack light and comfy skirts made from chiffon, silk, or cotton. These fabrics are fluid and drapey, giving you maximum ventilation.

Pack lengthy dresses that cover both your shoulders and knees. Light fabrics are always a winner, but avoid anything sheer or see-through. Bring a few textured maxi dresses instead.

Pashmina / Scarf

Pashminas are generally larger than scarves, making them ideal for covering your face and hair. Bring along several pashmina shawls and wraps ; this will work in your favour when visiting religious sites.

Trousers and Pants

Unlike in some Islamic nations, women in Egypt can wear pants or trousers. You can go for a classy, elegant look with casual palazzo pants or a more easy-going look with elastic waist cropped pants . Whichever style you pick, ensure that you’re packing lightweight clothing that’s comfortable and culturally appropriate.

Kimono 

I already talked about why kimonos are great when you’re looking at what to wear in Egypt as a woman. Trust me – so many items in your wardrobe will be transformed into something appropriate by simply adding a lightweight, long-sleeved kimono – Anthropologie always has a great selection. 

Jackets work well for sun protection and layering on rainy days (although Egypt experiences minimal rainfall). They come in all fabrics, so bring a lightweight jacket and something cosier like a hoodie or windbreaker . This adequately prepares you for whatever weather awaits you at your destination.

Serving as more than just sun protection, hats are fashionable and complementary to the Mediterranean dress code. You can wear sun hats for casual walkabouts, pyramid excursions, or on the beach.

Tourists can wear bikinis at hotel poolsides. At public beaches, women (including tourists)  are encouraged to cover up to avoid a rude awakening. You can use a kaftan to cover up; local women usually wear a burkini , covering their bodies from wrists to ankles.

Travel Socks

Socks are essential no matter where you’re going. Pack several pairs of travel socks with circulation design , comfortable material, and durable for long day trips and expeditions.

Sports underwear like the Reebok Women’s Seamless Hipster Briefs work best for action-packed tours. These quick-drying briefs have a nylon and spandex fabric blend ideal for training and intense workouts.

Egypt Travel Packing List: Footwear

You cannot plan a trip without the destination’s terrain in mind. Most attractions in Egypt are in the sandy desert plains. But your shoes must be durable and adaptable to multiple geographies.

Comfortable Travel Shoes

It would be best if you had shoes that could take on any terrain and still be comfortable. Lightweight trainers with breathable material and cushioned soles are ideal for a trip to Egypt. I recommend Tropicfeel’s all-terrain sneakers . They are water-friendly, sturdy, and slip-resistant.

Stylish Travel Shoes

With so many upmarket cities and lavish resort towns like Hurghada, you’ll need a fancy pair of shoes to blend in. The Adidas Women’s Grand Court Sneaker has extra cushioning, durable rubber soles, and a classic design that’s recognisable anywhere.

Packing a pair of sandals is crucial. You’ll be comfortable exploring the vibrant city streets, shopping at the bazaar, or taking a long stroll to the beach. I recommend a pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals — they’re classy, stylish, and provide ultimate comfort.

Useful Items for Your Egypt Packing List 

While clothing and shoes are both crucial elements of your packing list, don’t forget items that will maximise your convenience. An excellent tip to remember these valuable items is planning your Egypt itinerary and listing everything you’ll need for each excursion.

Travel Towel

Towels are helpful in many situations. Whether you’re going to the beach, lying at the hotel pool, or jumping out of the shower, a towel will always come in handy. I recommend Dock & Bay travel towels . They’re both compact and stylish.

Earplugs and Eye Mask

Earplugs and a sleep mask are ideal for overnight travel. They make it easy to rest on your journey, blocking background noises and unwanted light sources. Get a pair of ultra-soft foam earplugs and a set of 3D contoured sleep masks , and never struggle with sleeping or napping during long trips.

Torch 

Power blackouts are more common than you’d think. A torch is also useful for camping in the desert. Get an LED tactical flashlight with bright and zoom features.

Refillable Water Bottle

A refillable water bottle will definitely come in handy during your desert excursions. Avoid dehydration by packing one or two leakproof refillable water bottles with a straw feature for easy drinking.

A money belt is great for storing your essential documents, cash, and small electronics when going on an adventure. The ideal money belt for travel has hidden compartments and an RFID theft protection system.

Packing List for Egypt: Gadgets + Electronics

Having the right gadgets and electronics will ensure you savour picturesque views and sentimental moments. Make these permanent by taking lots of photos and videos.

A camera is a great tool to snapshot memories. A durable camera with a good lens will do. Canon’s R mirrorless camera produces high-quality footage. It has dual memory card slots, so don’t worry about running out of space. Bring backup batteries and a compatible battery charger .

Memory Cards

Without these, you won’t have space to store the highlights of your trip. The Sandisk 128GB card is water and temperature-proof and has a transfer speed of up to 170MB/s, ideal for shooting videos in 4K.

Spare Batteries

Most electronics use battery power to function. Having spare batteries combats running out of energy and your electronics being obsolete. Energizer Batteries offer long-lasting power for most gadgets.

Travel Adapter

Western nations predominantly use type A and B, but Egypt uses type C, E/F outlets. A multiway international adapter is essential when travelling abroad. It allows you to plug in and use your electronics from anywhere in the world.

External Power Pack

Since it’s nearly impossible to find a plug in the desert or in unfamiliar cities, you should pack an external power pack . It is a portable power supply that is compact, lightweight, and convenient for charging mobile devices.

Due to different markets, you may not easily find your favourite toothpaste in Egypt. Bring travel-size toiletries, as they require less space and don’t add too much weight to your luggage.

Bring them all. From your toothbrush and toothpaste to deodorant and body lotion—pack hair and skin essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and SPF-infused lip balm . I also highly encourage female travellers to bring their feminine hygiene products from home.

You may not be able to get your prescription or OTC meds at local pharmacies due to restrictions or regulations, so it’s best to bring an adequate supply. Check online or contact relevant authorities to ensure you don’t bring anything illegal. 

Also, pack a first-aid kit that’s small enough to bring along on tours and expeditions. This way, you’ll be ready for a medical emergency.

With temperatures in Egypt tethering around 30 degrees Celsius, I highly recommend you pack loads of sunscreen. Any SPF sunscreen of 30 or above will be enough to protect your skin against sunburn.

Packing checklist

Don’t Forget These Egypt Travel Essentials Either!

You may leave some key travel elements unchecked, especially when you’re beaming with excitement for the journey ahead. However, forgetting these essentials may leave you stranded.

Passport / Visas

Visitors require a passport valid for no less than six months and a Visa to enter Egypt. Travellers of more than 70 nationalities can get an Egyptian Visa online . The digital process is effective and highly convenient.

Travel Insurance

Protect yourself and your belongings by acquiring travel insurance that covers you against theft, delayed luggage, and provides medical assistance. 

Cash / Credit Cards

Inform your bank about your trip. This will keep them from flagging card transactions or cash withdrawals overseas as fraud. 

Tickets and Reservations

Always confirm your flight reservations / check in  days or even a week before your travel date. This keeps you informed about any changes or flight delays and cancellations.

Emergency Contacts + Addresses

Save emergency contacts and addresses on your mobile devices or notebook—the most vital being the nearest police station, embassy, and hospital.

Copies of Important Documents to Keep Separate from Wallet

Keep your most important documents like your passport, identity document, and flight tickets separate from your wallet. This helps immensely if your wallet is stolen. 

Get a guidebook like this Lonely Planet Egypt   to help you orientate yourself while in the country. You’ll get an all-encompassing and authentic Egyptian trip without being limited to places like the ancient pyramids and the Nile. 

Are guidebooks as good as a local guide? No. Are they still helpful? Absolutely yes. 

Travel to Egypt Checklist: Key Takeaways 

• Pack lightweight, culturally-sensitive clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Bring a couple of pashminas / kimono.
• Remember to bring your refillable water bottle.
• Protect yourself by getting travel insurance.

Travel to Egypt Checklist: Read Next

• How to Spend 10 Days in Egypt – A Culture-Filled Itinerary 
• Top Things to do in Egypt
• The Ultimate Egypt Travel Guide
• The Best Things to do in Cairo
• 20+ Egypt Travel Tips
• Incredible Things to do in Luxor

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Egypt Packing & Clothing Recommendations

A trip to Egypt is a big undertaking, and many people are nervous – or at least curious – about what and how to pack for such an adventure. The main considerations when packing for a trip to Egypt are climate, culture, and local conveniences. Here we go into each of these topics more in depth to help guide your packing routine for this trip of a lifetime.

Egypt’s Climate

Egypt’s climate ranges from warm to hot during the day and from warm to chilly at night for most of the year. Many people are surprised to find some nights cold in Egypt during the winter. While you’ll see Egyptians break out heavy jackets then, that’s more of just a fashion statement. Egypt’s coldest nights never require more than just a light jacket, a sweater, or a windbreaker.

However, more than just the temperature should be considered when packing and preparing for a trip to Egypt. While the country’s latitude is roughly equivalent to that of the state of Florida in the United States, the lack of humidity in much of the country can make the heat during the day feel much more intense on your skin.

As a result of this combination of atmospheric conditions, planning for protecting yourself from sun exposure should take precedence over worries about the temperature.

Temperatures

Clothing Recommendations

When packing for a trip to Egypt, feel free to choose clothing in which you would feel comfortable doing outdoor activities at home such as going on a long walk around a city. While you don’t need athletic clothing, you do want to be comfortable while walking over sand and rocks at some points, such as on the Giza Plateau and in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. You don’t need a track suit, but you don’t want to wear a ball gown or suit either. That’s why we like to invoke analogies of clothing suitable for walking comfortably around an urban area.

Additional Considerations

Many of the pros in Egypt wear long sleeves, collared shirts, and long pants for maximum protection from the sun. Even a light scarf for both men and women is a good idea. You’ll notice that traditional local attire includes these themes for very good reason.

While Egypt is very much a traditional Islamic country with conservative social norms, it is also very much a country that has thrived on tourism and foreign trade for thousands of years. So while most Egyptians tend to be conservative in their dress and appearance, they don’t expect foreign guests to do the same. This means that women do NOT need to cover their heads in public while in Egypt, as is the case in other countries in the region.

It is also unusual for men in Egypt to wear shorts. While it is ok for tourists to do so, especially at tourist sites, it is seen as a little odd for anyone to wear shorts while walking casually around a city in Egypt, although no one would ever comment on this to a tourist.

Leave Behinds

Cairo is one  of the largest cities in the world, so although Egypt is still very much a developing country, Cairo and even Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, and the Red Sea resorts still have everything you could possibly want or need to survive on a trip to Egypt.

If you’re the type of traveler who absolutely needs your specific type of shampoo or soap, then by all means you should feel free to bring those. However, Egypt’s five-star hotels often have better quality shampoo and soap than many of us use back home on a regular basis. Also things like hand sanitizer and sunscreen can easily be purchased locally in Egypt rather than wasting luggage space.

A good travel tip is to plan time for a pharmacy or mini-market run once you get to Egypt to pick up some essentials such as these so that you don’t have to bother bringing them from home. However, if you have the extra luggage room, feel free to bring the kitchen sink.

You May Also Like…

Everything You NEED to Know About Visiting the Pyramids & Sphinx

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Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel in Cairo

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• Travel Tips

What to wear in Egypt – a detailed packing list

What to wear in egypt and what not – advice from a seasoned traveler..

Are you planning a trip to Egypt? Are you currently wondering what to wear in Egypt?

Then this guide is for you. Egypt is a wonderful country (just check out my list of the 20 best things to do in Egypt ), but the combination of the hot climate and the conservative Muslim culture does pose a problem not that easy to solve. Is it okay to wear shorts ? And what to wear in Egypt when entering a mosque?

I’ll answer all of these questions in this detailed Egypt packing list. I guess this truly is a must-read before you travel to Egypt just like my Egypt itinerary ( click here ).

But let’s get into it, shall we?

Note: Definitely make sure to read my detailed Egypt travel guide as well.

Preface – The weather in Egypt

Egypt is hot throughout the year. It is basically one big desert, it almost never rains (like 2 days a year), and the only thing you possibly have to worry about is a sandstorm. The sun will be extremely intense no matter the season you travel. Expect temperatures starting from 30° Celsius / 86° Fahrenheit and way above ( read my detailed guide to the best time to visit Egypt here ).

The good news: It’s a dry kind of heat with extremely low humidity so it won’t feel as hot as it actually is. Still, places like Cairo, Luxor or the famous Valley of the Kings will be a true furnace in summer (especially June to August) . I cannot recommend visiting unprepared! Usually, it doesn’t cool off all that much during the night.

If you are visiting Egypt in winter (November, especially December & January, until March), you will be able to enjoy cooler temperatures around 10 to 25 ° Celsius / 50  to 77 ° Fahrenheit. The sky can be a bit overcast during that time of the year. But for visiting temples (Karnak / Luxor) or the Giza pyramids it might be the more enjoyable time of the year to travel.

What to wear in Egypt

Can you wear short trousers in Egypt? How do women dress in Egypt? Are sleeveless tops okay? Well, yes and no! There really is no dress code in Egypt for tourists.

But, you should know that Egyptian men dress rather smartly and are rather conservative – both the Islamic majority and the Christian minority. You will see most men in shirts, long trousers, and leather shoes. Rather no jeans, no t-shirts. And what do women wear in Egypt? You will see few Egyptian women fully veiled, though abayas (loose overgarment/robe) and loose veils are abundant. If you like the style, you will find cheap cotton abayas at most souvenir shops (they are actually quite comfortable!).

This doesn’t mean you can’t wear shorts. In the tourist regions (like Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh) , on the beach, or in the hotel it is totally acceptable to wear shorts . I’d recommend you to dress smartly anyway. In mosques, women are required to cover their shoulders & wear a veil, while men should be mostly covered as well.

You’ll often read that tourists should respect the local traditions and not wear shorts. But I’d say this is only one side of the truth, as travelers from these countries often don’t refrain from wearing the full veil when visiting western countries either. Instead, I believe you should always show your best. Respect and tolerance don’t have only this one face. Midriff-baring tops or tank tops might be stretching it a bit too far, though (but are okay as long as you don’t leave the beach or your hotel).

Note: During Ramadan, the locals might be a bit more sensitive to all forms of touristic “misconduct” and you really should respect the traditions around this special time of the year!

Egypt packing list

Note: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. I do not recommend products I have not reviewed thoroughly myself.

Egypt is a hot country and the laundry service is extremely cheap , so I recommend you stay away from overpacking and just pick a small suitcase. Here is what you need to pack for your Egypt vacations:

A) Clothes to wear in Egypt

Do remember that you will sweat quite a lot, there’s a lot of sand/dirt in the temple ruins, and also remember that sunscreen (mixed with sand) can leave ugly yellow stains on your clothes not easy to remove. So, rather pack a spare or two. And remember to bring at least one smart casual outfit for visiting mosques/good restaurants.

• Shorts or short skirts as you see fit (covering the knee, if possible)
• A couple of T-shirts
• At least one shirt, blouse, or smart looking top
• One pair of long trousers
• A veil/shawl (women only; you can buy it at most souvenir shops as well)
• Swimsuit or bathing suit

Note: You probably won’t need shorts when visiting in winter. Rather pack a light jacket instead. You will need it in the evening. Also, some places will be air-conditioned quite heavily.

B) What shoes to wear in Egypt?

Picking the right kind of shoes for Egypt is sort of tough. Again, the hot climate and local traditions are sort of in conflict. You’ll probably have to pick a middle ground. Also, know that the ground in most temples and around the pyramids is not even, usually quite sandy with rocks in between. High heels won’t get you far. Instead, bring:

• Sandals as you see fit.
• Beach shoes or flip-flops; the sand will be too hot to walk on. I’m using  Adidas ClimaCool Water Shoes , though the ground underwater is usually not rocky or dangerous.
• One pair of closed shoes/leather shoes
• Socks – you are not allowed to wear shoes in Mosques. Decide for yourself if you want to run around barefooted or not – it certainly won’t kill you ;-)

Note: Due to the extremely hot ground, it is not uncommon for the glue of your shoes to melt (happened to me more than once). It might be a smart idea to bring spare sandals/flips flops along.

C) Electronics

In Egypt the supply voltage is 220 V. There is either a Type C or a Type F socket. Please do check the electronic devices you will want to bring before visiting (there always is an appliance rating plate that tells you).

• Visitors from the US or the UK will need a Power adapter ; Buy an international one you can use on your next trip
• If your electrical appliances do not support dual voltage or 220 V, you will need a step-down converter. This one is cheap and does the job
• Camera, SD cards , and battery charger
• Kindle Paperwhite  or any other e-reader (you might spend quite some time on tour buses or beach :P)

D) Toiletries & Medicine

Pharmacies or drug stores can be a bit harder to spot in Egpyt, though most hotels will usually be able to provide you with the most important medicines in case of an emergency. That being said, diarrhea is a MAJOR issue in Egypt. Definitely stick to “peal it, cook it, or leave it” . Don’t drink fresh juices or anything with ice cubes (except they only use filtered water and you REALLY trust them; I wouldn’t!). Do bring:

• High SPF sunscreen (I love the  Neutrogena Wet Skin Spray ; especially for days on the beach)
• After-sun lotion (you’ll thank me later); I use the  Nivea After Sun Lotion 
• Something strong against diarrhea (do consult your doctor)
• Diarrhea prophylaxis (Perenterol is a very good choice; start 7 days in advance)
• Sanitizing gel  & hand wipes
• Painkillers (I really can’t cope with air conditioning; sunstrokes are a possibility as well)
• Blister plasters (your feet will sweat a lot; I love  Compeed )

Other stuff to pack for Egypt

It is quite important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Egyptian tap water is not drinkable and I don’t recommend using sterilizing agents either as they mostly don’t kill tapeworm eggs! You won’t need to bring a canteen, but a shoulder strap to carry your water bottle  ( something like this)  will be quite a smart idea. In theory, you could also bring a small daypack, but it usually means you’ll sweat a lot on your back.

Also, consider bringing a small umbrella if you got sensitive skin and don’t forget a hat. The extra shade it offers can be a true lifesaver – at least for people like me who still get sunburn despite wearing SPF 60 sunscreen and only sticking to the shade.

Quite obviously, you also need to bring sunglasses ;-)

What to wear in Egypt on a Nile river cruise

If you are taking a Nile river cruise (or touring lake Nasser), you really don’t have to pack much differently. Most cruise ships do have a pool on the upper deck, so you will need a bathing suit as well (you absolutely cannot swim in the Nile).

There are billions of midges around the Nile, though very few mosquitos. Bringing an anti-bug spray might be a good idea, although better cruise ships will have equipment so you will be able to sit on the upper deck after sunset without trouble (Just don’t open the window of your cabin at night!). If you just plan to ride a Felucca this will be no problem, as they only appear at night.

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137 comments.

I just wanted to thank you for your insights and your clear explainations, feedbacks and tips. I this it would be very useful.

Thank you for a very informative and helpful article. Will be in Egypt soon, Godwilling.

glad to be of help! Enjoy Egypt!

I loved your artical, but I think you might need an edit or two. You warned “There are billions of midgets around the Nile” worth a good laugh, but I think you meant magots.

Hey Debra – that was indeed one t too much. I meant midges ;-) Though, there were midgets in ancient Egypt. They usually worked as jewelers. Thank you for your comment!

I honestly didn’t know anywhere but Scotland had midges… I have to admit this has slightly out me off though visiting the pyramids is a lifelong dream. I am midges favourite snack.

Heh! Well, as far as I know these in Egypt don’t really bit. But the billowing insectoid clouds along the nile are so dense I doubt you can breath – at least at night.

Midge is a term used to refer to many species of small flies. The term “midge” does not define any particular taxonomic group, but includes species in several families of non-mosquito Nematoceran Diptera

thank you for clearing that up! As a non-native speaker, it’s not always easy for me to capture the nuances! :D

Thank you! Will definitely be buying some things on this list.

Glad to be of help Alavi! :) Enjoy egypt

Thanks Norman

Followed few of your posts, found them helpful, Thank you for the information. Just a small piece of advice, Some parts were more of a personal view that was not needed where you mentioned about “travelers from these countries often don’t refrain from wearing the full veil when visiting western countries” If there is a sign that says don’t wear a certain thing and you still wear it that’s fine but to find a lame excuse to justify like that was not really necessary.

thank you for your reply. Please be aware that this is a personal blog so personal views will always be a part of it. Thank you. That being said, I never said “ignore the signs” and I never was that kind of guy. I do live in Munich where a lot of travelers from the middle east visit in summer. A lot of the visiting women wear the niqab. Now I personally don’t care at all, but a lot of my fellow Germans do. But if we can tolerate it, i’m quite sure they can cope with us wearing shorts in a non-religious, non-official context.

Now, I certainly don’t travel that way. Wearing a provocative outfit in the middle east won’t exactly get you the best table in the restaurant, just like wearing a niqab probably won’t help you with the locals in France. But i’m well aware that there are a lot of travelers out there who don’t want to wear long trousers all the time, and really like wearing shorts in Egypt. Hence my advice.

I agree with you Syma; the reason the Muslim women still wear their traditional dress when in another country is because of modesty! Norman….it has nothing to do with the choice of changing your style of clothing just because you are in another land. It has to do with modesty.

I am aware, but modesty is in the eye of the beholder. There are cultures where a bare breast is no problem at all, but a bare neck is…or bare knees. Most Europeans find a veil offensive, etc.

As a traveller you should always adjust to the local customs, and if you can’t or don’t want to: stay at home!

Thank you for your information which really gives us a good guidance on what we should take with us and what not we should take when visiting to Egypt. Thanks. now we can buy necessities as to your listing.

Thank you so very much~ this has helped me tremendously..going on tour in April and first time visiting Egypt . Thanks again

Hey Cheryl, as always a pleasure to help fellow travelers!

We’re going in April too for our first time!

Thanks very much for your insight. going on a nile cruise in March 2019. We are first time visitors to Egypt. I had wondered how “fancy” people dress in the evening for dinner on the ship. Hoping not to have to bring too many extra clothes for evening attire. I hope they don’t mind repeat outfits several evenings. Lots of Imodium seems to be as important and the right clothes, a hat and sunscreen.

Hey Regina, While I cannot speak for all Nile cruises, I’m pretty sure there is no need to overpack, and I felt that anything fancy usually felt a bit out of place. You are not on the Queen Elisabeth II ;-)

Hey there, Super thanks for the post, going in a week so duper excited! :)

Can you wear 3/4 pants and a tee shirt for during the day in the winter months of December and January. We are travelling to Cario Luxor and Aswan. Thanks

Hey Roseanne, Well that really depends on your personal perception but as the average temperature maximum for December and January is around 20° Celsius, I personally would say you’ll be better off with jeans than 3/4 pants ;-) Please be aware that it can get quite cold at night/ in the evening. Even in December, there can be hotter days and colder days, so a good mix is probably what you are looking for.

I’ve been to Egypt 9 times all over the place alone as a woman . A American but do look native . I recommend covering your arms with 3/4 length unless you’re looking for attention. Forget the shorts go with a long skirt , large sunglasses. I have covered my head an it’s actually more comfortable cause of less attention and being invisible in a crowd. Long dresses are good and are actually cooler than tight jeans etc

thank you for your input!! I’m sure solo female travelers to Egypt will find it invaluable! :) Norman

Hello Stef ; Do you have a source you would recommend for long dresses?

Thank you for this information. My husband and I are going on a 12 day Nile river cruise in March and I am planning to pack two long loose dresses, two shorter loose dresses (knee length), 2 pairs of palazzo pants with tee shirts for daytime. In the evening I will pack smart casual tops and one dressier top to wear with black slacks. Dresses I bought from from VIISHOW Women’s Short Sleeve Loose Plain Maxi Dresses Casual Long Dresses with Pockets. I bought the shorter dresses from VIISHOW as well. Inexpensive and comfortable. Lots of choices or colors and patterns.

I’ll be travelling to Egypt next week from the 21st November onwards. Have seen the weather fluctuating was wondering what to wear. 24-27 degrees in the day is it considered hot? Or cooling as I know it’s winter now.

Those are about the average temperatures for Egypt in November. I’d call it pleasantly warm. Shorts and t-shirts will be fine. Be aware, though, that it will cool down to about 14° degrees at night, so depending on your activities and what you plan to see, you might want to bring a light jacket or a jumper.

A small flash light is the only thing extra i’d add to your list, it helps when you are in the tombs !

Hey, I love your article about Egypt but I just wanted to add a few things. I’m from Egypt and I live here and I can reassure you that in winter it rains a LOT. So if your coming in winter you might as well pack a coats (depends on your personal perception) , long sleeve shirts and light jackets. There is no specific dress code, you can wear whatever you want especially in hurghada, sharm el sheikh, Marsa allam, Dahab, luxor and aswan. Men and women ofcourse, can wear t shirts and shorts as they like but when visiting a mosque just cover appropriately in respect for the holy place.

Well, for a German “a lot of rain” might mean slightly different things than to an Egyptian. I’m fairly positive we do have single days here where it rains as much as in Cairo in the last decade altogether (a view most climate diagram support with hard data) ;-) That being said, it does get cold, and I did mention to bring a jacket in winter. Again, for me, cold starts at minus 5 degrees. To me, Egypt is pleasantly warm – even in December!

I am travelling in Egypt including Nile river cruise 9/12/-9/26/19 and it does not appear I actually need a jacket. Do you agree?

No… you really don’t need a jacket. Maybe a light scarf for a rare cold night or a room too heavily airconditioned.

Hey Norman, Quite curious, what diseases can humans get from midges when bitten, what are the symptoms and what cures are there? What other precautions should i take especially since I am having a horse ride ?

The tiny midges are no problem and don’t actually bite. They are just extremely annoying. If you were to go deeper into the nile delta, then mosquitos are a problem. You’ll have no problems during the day and so none during your horse ride (except that would be through the marshes of the nile, which I am pretty sure it will not be :P)

Thanks, this was great! My husband and I are going to Cairo in September for our anniversary and I’ve been stressing over what to wear! Lol I’m super excited and glad I ran across this.

Hey Trinette, Egypt is a country to be excited about. All that ancient, ancient culture and pristine beaches!

This is the most helpful information I have found so far. Thank you!

Hey Victoria, glad I could help you preparing your Egypt holidays!

Thank you for your post. My husband and I are frequent travelers and Egypt was his destination of choice for his 50th, so we will be going April 2019 (while the weather is still “mild” compared to his true birthday month of July). I appreciate your tips!

Are there any special vaccines required?

My friend and I are going to visit Egypt next week. It appears and as you mentioned, the ground around the Pyramids and to various temples is sandy and rocky…. Do you suggest to wear a pair of light walking boots?

well, boots sound a bit too much, but some comfortable walking shoes might be a good choice in winter!

Hi Norman, I enjoyed your article. Do you have any recommendations regarding travel with a four-year old? We are excited to be going in January. Bring our own carseat?

I cannot possibly answer this, as I have no experience with traveling with kids. Not sure what you would want to do with the car seat, though. You won’t need it in taxis in Cairo, and neither in an overland bus or on the train/plane. One thing I really would like to stress is hygiene, though. It’s incredibly easy to catch Diarrhoea….this might be quite an issue with a young child! ;-)

Hey! I’m going to Cairo in the next two weeks. Do you have any tips regarding safety in Cairo? Are there any areas you would recommend to strictly avoid? Thanks. Sylwia

Hey Sylwia,

actually I couldn’t think of any. Well..i wouldn’t walk around alone at night in backalleys and I wouldn’t visit the suburbs alone. But you were probably not going anyway. The most “dangerous” area is around Tahir Square, as they know tourists come here and you will most certainly encounter somebody showing you a “shortcut”. Just say no and go on. Google map is your friend ;-)

Thank you for your blog post. It’s very informative. We are leaving for Cairo, Egypt December 26th. Would the Adidas sweatsuit be okay. Also, for a woman traveling during the winter, do I need to wear a head covering? I remember when I traveled to Israel there were places where I had to have my arms covered. With that said, I am very concerned with being sensitive to their culture. Lastly, do you know if there are events for tourists who celebrate January 1st as their New Year?

Best Regards, LTomay

Hey Ltomay,

a headcover is not needed. I promise temperatures won’t drop below the freezing point. As for a sweatsuit being enough – that depends on the thickness of the fabric. But I would definitely bring a light jacket or a jumper. Not aware of any events special for tourists, but you can join in the more general celebrations, no? :)

Hi! thank you! again! I just came back from Egypt. Yes, a pair of walking shoes were sufficient. I was wearing my pair of Ecco sneakers. It turned out great!

Hello, was wondering can I take paracetamol with me.

Well of course you can ;-)

I am travelling to Hurghada and then a cruise on the Nile in 3 weeks time (end of Sept, beginning of March) with my sister. Can you advise on what currency we should take? Are GBP acceptable or USD to pay for things like excursions or should we convert all into EGP?

Hm…usually you have to EGP. Couldn’t name a single thing I had to pay in USD *shrug*

Thank you for this post. It has been very helpful! I had a question about tennis shoes. My husband, two teen girls, and I are going to Morocco, Egypt, Tanzania, Zambia, and Madagascar for a month this coming May/June. We are only taking one backpack and one small rolling duffle each. I was planning on telling everyone just to bring their Nikes and flip flops for the beach. I noticed on one of the Cairo walking tours of the bazaar they said “no athletic shoes”. Do you know the reason for this? I sure don’t want to wear flip flops in Cairo! Eek!

Hey Melinda, I wouldn’t know the reason behind that and I’m sure you are better off asking them. You will have to take your shoes on and off when visiting a mosque and some restaurants might expect you to wear more than just swimsuits. But for a pure walking-tour, I wouldn’t know what speaks against wearing trainers *shrug*

Hi Norman Thanks for the insight. We are planning a March visit. The thing that worries me is diaheria. So is reputable bottled water brand you can recommend? Is it too late to plan a late March visit now?

while it is okay to worry, I don’t think you have to worry about bottled water brands…just take whatever is available and you will be fine. As for March. That utterly depends on hotel/tour vacancies, which you have to check yourself. But I don’t think so :P

My family and I are booked for Cairo / Giza/Nile Cruise trip the end of May 2019. Is bottled water plentiful there in Cairo? Also do you know what happened to that hotel Pyramid Valley in Cairo at the Giza entry? We were originally booked there, but was notified the hotel is no longer standing and was torn down. We had to book another one.

You will find bottled water everywhere. Nothing to be worried about! Got no idea, why that hotel closed, but the tourism industry had it rough in the past years. Lots of hotels had to close.

Truly enjoyed your website – much actual info provided. Thanks so much!

Thanks Norman,

A few thoughts/questions for you: – it looks to me that in March, the temps are warm (not hot) in Cairo, Alexandria, lower Nile; slightly hot in Upper Nile (Aswan); and definitely cool at night (jacket + long sleeve light shirt)… do you agree? – I like to bring lots of plastic bags… various sizes, when I travel. Put them in my day pack (which should be fine in March). Put purchased/unfinished food, trash, dirty cloths, wipes, bug spray, etc. in them. One large trash bag in case it rains (put back pack in bag) – do you think the Hummus, Baba ganoush, chick pea pastes are OK to eat (are they adequately cooked)? – any special clothes for sand storms?

Hey Richard, – well…some nights in March can be cool, so one long-sleeved item might be a good idea…a jacket definitely not (except your freeze extremely easily) – It won’t rain in March, big promise. And if it does, it will be a light drizzle that evaporates as soon as it hits the ground – those usually aren’t cooked, so it totally depends on if you trust the restaurant and your stomach. I’d stay away from it – bring a light scarf to wrap around your head on the odd chance you need to weather a sand-storm or ride a camel :)

Hi I really enjoyed your advice, we’re going to Cairo on Saturday for 2 nights then on a Nile cruise for 7 nights. I’ve been so worried about wearing the right thing not to offend anyone and can see now that it’s not as strict as I thought a relief as I thougjt I was going to roast. One question in light of recent troubles did you feel safe when visiting tourist attractions etc. Going to Egypt is a life long ambition, we’re going to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary so can’t wait however a little apprehensive .

Hey Sheena, I can’t really tell you there is no risk. Travel always comes with a risk, but if you are afraid for your life or anything like that, fear not. Your nile cruise will be perfectly safe, at least as far as I have come to experience them :) I felt entirely safe visiting the tourist attractions, though you will find a horde of peddlers in front of each trying to sell you something. Just walk on and ignore them and enjoy 4,000 years of history! :)

Thanks for the information about Egypt. We are off to Egypt for a tour in April 2019 and will take your advice about clothing, food and drink and look forward to knocking another historical site off of our bucket list.

Hey Ian, glad you liked my guide! I am sure you will love Egypt as much as I did!

Thank you for all of the information, I have been pouring over it daily as our 10 day trip is in three weeks. I have a couple specific questions and I apologize if you’ve answered them, but I haven’t seen them addressed as yet. We are traveling from the US and I’ve read that its cheaper to just get a sim card for our Verizon phone once we are in the airport in Cairo then to pay the very expensive fees to upgrade to an international plan. What are your thoughts on that. Also, I was thinking of snorkeling in the Red Sea for a day trip. Would you recommend this or a different snorkeling destination? We are staying in Cairo the whole 10 days. Thank you for any assistance.

Cant really help you with the sim card, as I am from Europe and never really use my phone on vacations. As for snorkeling, why not spend 3 days at the beach? A day trip is probably a bit cumbersome.

World has moved on, just make sure you’ve got WhatsApp and you’re fine.

I like how you mentioned that weather can become a deciding factor when it comes to packing up clothes and going on a trip–white clothes are usually the best to bring along when going to places that are hot all year around. White is a color that reflects heat well and can keep you cool during the daytime, and so should be a part of the baggage that you should bring along. I’m looking to pack for a trip in a few days, and I was wondering if it was a good idea to bring white shirts along, and apparently, they are.

Well, I love white shirts…but you do have to consider that sand and sunscreen are not the best combinations when it comes to white stuff. But, as you said, it’s a good color to wear when it’s hot outside!

I found this article a bit odd, if I am being honest. The whole, men don’t wear jeans or t-shirts comment I found a bit ridiculous. I’ve lived in Egypt going on 30 years now, there are plenty of men and women who wear jeans and t-shirts! While I am British my husband is Egyptian and a consultant anaesthetist and when not at work he wears nothing but jeans and t-shirts and sneakers/tennis shoes.

Hey Josephine,

thank you for your valued input. While I did indeed see jeans and t-shirts, I never saw older local men wearing them. The younger generation – that’s different. Also, those closer to the tourist industry. But that’s why I wrote “most men”. Still, as I don’t want my readers to get confused, I did optimise the wording a bit. So, thank you for pointing that out.

But to be quite honest with you. Jeans are not the best thing to wear in Egypt when it’s hot. Light cotton or hemp trousers are so much smarter ;-)

Norman, truly enjoyed all comments re Egypt travel. My concern, and has been for four months, is clothing issues, particularly women’s clothing. I’ve run all over Connecticut trying to find long skirts, bought four, two of which came after a month of travel from China, and now to find out it’s unnecessary shames my Googling. I should have checked your website out first. At any rate, I’m very grateful for your information and enjoyed the comments made by the folks who actually did have the great good luck to find you earlier. I have no further question, just wanted to congratulate on a wonderful offering of practical travel information. Our travel is two weeks April-May, No. 1 on my bucket list, and I can’t wait!

Laura, anything you can add to the information provided since having the trip ‘behind’ you now? Thanks

Thanks for your report. I’ve only just seen it and we go on Friday. It has helped though to show us a few things we hadn’t thought of and allow us to feel more prepared. I do wish some people would not be smart and a bit mean, in their comments to you. You have written the articles on Egypt, as you know it, and we can take or leave your advice. Anyway thank you for the help, it is much appreciated. Also thank you to others you have left some tips here as well. Happy Travels! 🧳

Thank you for your kind words Leanne. Appreciate it a lot! :)

Hi Norman, We are planning a trip in Dec 19. Will be staying mostly at Hurghada. Can you kindly let me know the following: a) The ideal clothes to wear – being winter time b) Do we need to book tours beforehand online or is it better and easier/cheaper to book in Egypt? c) Traveling around Egypt — the safe and cheap way – what do you recommend? d) We would like to see Suez / Alexandria as also Aswan – where do you recommend is the ideal place to book the trips from?

Shirts and jeans/trousers will be fine. But do bring a light jacket as it cools off considerably during the night. A t-shirt or two might be good for the occasionally warm day. I would book tours in advance, simply because in winter time there is less touristic activity. As for traveling around Egypt. Train or tourist bus – you don’t really have any other option. Fastest and safest way is plane.

Thanks Norman. Could you also kindly reply to point (d) also please?

Hey Kumar, cannot help you there, sorry. That’s why I didn’t reply to it.

Thanks for the personal insight, extremely helpful. I agree (from living in Southeast Asia for years) that the heat/dress customs issue can be tough to navigate without good solid advice and personal experience.

Is it ok for male tourists to wear traditional Islamic clothing? Or is it considered rude to locals?

I’d say that depends, really. It’s an option and they are quite comfortable, but it may look a bit weird in the end. But I wouldn’t say it’s rude.

There are no male traditional Islamic clothing, or even female ones. There are local costumes in different cities all over Egypt and each city isnt the same as the other.

The point is not to show too much of your body and in holy places for women in particular to cover their hair as well.

It wont be rude to want to wear like the locals of the city you are visiting unless they feel you re making fun of them :)

Planning to go mid Oct. 2019. How hot will it be? My sister is quite sensitive to the heat.

Hey Carol, October is a nice month to travel. It won’t exactly be cold, but not extremely hot either. A bit above 30° Celsius.

there is basically no dress code in Egypt, I’m Egyptian and I can assure you! Wear shorts with pride though it might be a bit disrespectful to wear in a mosque?

Elizabeth, Thanks for your perspective! I appreciate both yours and Norman’s advise. I do have 1 question. When we visit the mosques, will they have veils available if we have left ours somewhere? When we were in Thailand a few of the women’s dresses were too short, they had the Thai Fisherman Pants (one size fits most wrap pants) available to rent at the gates. You made a deposit and then most of your monies were returned when you returned the pants. If so, do you know approximately how much money we would have on us? I fear losing my veil and appearing disrespectful……

You made me feel about better , I’m traveling there end of July and it’s impossible to coverup as it be too hot 🤔

Than you for your time, products, and advice. This information will be very helpful when I travel in December.

What’s the best way to get to and from the hotel, which i understand is about 1 hour? We are not renting a car and we are only there for 2 days. We heard things about the taxis, like which ones to take. Is there Uber?

Hey Robert,

well, I am personally not a big of uber, as basically anyone can do it. But there is a terminal INSIDE the airport where you can order a safe taxi.

Hey dear, Thanks a lot for sharing such great stuff. I am planning to visit Egypt in this year of November with my husband. I had very little idea about Egypt. Now I have got some very useful information and ideas in your post. Hope it will help us out love from us for you. This point is very important I think “Pharmacies or drug stores can be a bit harder to spot in Egpyt, though most hotels will usually be able to provide you with the most important medicines in case of an emergency. That being said, diarrhea is a MAJOR issue in Egypt. Definitely stick to “peel it, cook it, or leave it”. Don’t drink fresh juices or anything with ice cubes (except they only use filtered water and you REALLY trust them; I wouldn’t!). “

I think you have a personal thing against jeans lol Most women in Egypt wear skinny jeans and flats, and a lot of young men wear jeans. They pretty much wear the same things we wear. They have HM and Zara, and wear all the latest fashions….In my opinion I don’t think women should wear shorts while there. It will get you cat called, and you won’t be allowed in holy places like churches and mosques. It’s better to wear things like cotton or linen pants/cropped pants that breath…..I lived in Alexandria for around 6 months, and it’s one of my favorite places in the whole world!

Hey Gretchen,

thank you for your input! it is much appreciated. I’d like to point out that I never said nobody was wearing jeans – just saying that among adult Egyptian men it is rare. I don’t think I ever saw any Egyptian boy in anything other than jeans. Also, I feel Alexandria is quite different from the main tourist centers of Luxor and Aswan. But I guess it really depends on your point of view. I am 37 and generally don’t have 19-year-old boys in my mind when I write my articles ;-)

Setting aside that I personally feel jeans are not exactly the most fashionable thing to wear, I believe jeans are just not the best garment for the hot and arid climate. As you said, loose cotton or linen is just so much more comfortable.

As for women wearing shorts, I agree and pointed out that dressing conservative is recommended. If you are traveling in a group and stick to the main tourist areas, it is no issue in my experience (except when visiting the aforementioned religious places). Vendors in the Valley of the kings will usually prey on women regardless of what they wear – lol.

Hi my name is Sandra I’m a woman with lots of tattoos how do they feel about this is it an issue?

Hey Sandra, I never heard of anyone traveling to Egypt with tattoos had any issues. I mean, it’s far less common there and you might get the occasional stare – but I’m pretty sure you can handle that! :)

Hi just wanted to know is it ok to travel to Egypt by end of May 2019 to first week of June. Doing a holy Land tour.

I am not sure what Kind of answer you want from me? Why shouldn’t it be okay? I mean, it will be already quite hot, but other than that? :)

A girlfriend and I are taking a trip that includes 4 ‘free’ days in Cairo before the rest of the people on our Cairo+river cruise arrive. We did this so we’d get on local time, but also so we can perhaps spend time in Alexandria. Please; should two 65 year old ladies try taking a train to Alexandria? Or should we use a driver/tour? Thanks for all the GREAT info!

Hey Sue, both options are good. It’s totally doable to explore Alexandria (or Cairo) on your own. If you’d like some explanation on the way, I’d opt for the driver. Please also bear in mind that the station is not anywhere near the center. Train will be much much cheaper and car will be much faster. So, take your pick! :)

Hi Norman I’m travelling to Egypt next May 20. My concern is I travel with a lot of medication. I’m diabetic so need to have my injections, which I don’t think will be a problem. I do have other meds as well but I will be travelling with Valium for anxiety and sleep. Do you see an issue with carrying a large amount of meds through Egypt. Love your post very informative.

Well…as a general rule I’d always carry the prescriptions from your doctor – especially if you need opioids or diazepam. In this case, I’d contact the embassy before your trip and ask them for advice.

Hi I’m visiting Egypt in November ( 7 night hotel stay, 7 nights Nile cruise) and lots of people have said ” don’t eat the salad” as it will make me very sick. But I’m Vegetarian so I eat a lot of salad ( plus I don’t think there’ll be a lot of food choice for me ) I’ve never been to Egypt before so any advice would be very much appreciated.

I can only repeat them: don’t eat uncooked stuff. No ice cubes etc. Eat falafel instead 😋

We will be doing a Nile cruise in January and appreciate your suggestions. We will arrive one day prior to the start of our tour and have a reservation in Cairo for that one night choosing to not book the hotel the tour company has us in as it was ridiculously expensive. Any suggestions on a good hotel for our one extra night? Thanks!

Hey Jenice,

as I am a luxury travel blogger, I’m not sure I am the best person to answer this question. The Kempinski hotel seems reasonable priced other than that I did not research budget accommodation in Cairo, sorry.

Hi Norman! Will you recommend a good jewelry store, or two of very good reputation, in Cairo?

Hey Maria, alas I don’t know any good jewelry stores in Cairo, sorry. But maybe someone else does, so please feel fee to answer this cmme. :)

hi! do you recommend a tour package? or getting around taxis? can you rent a car instead?….if you recommend a tour package, can you please link me. little worried about safety. planning on going 2020.

Hey Romina,

while I would love to answer you question, it is a bit unspecific. What do you want to see? Renting a car is probably not a good idea if you are worried about your safety in the first place. If you want to do small day tours from Cairo or Luxor, then have a look at GetyourGuide ( here is their Egypt page )

There are plenty of tours available there. A Nile cruise might also be an option for you then.

Thanks for sharing your journey and advice! I will be traveling January 2020 and for sure will bring a cozy jacket due the temperatures. I live in the tropics and for us 15 C is almost snowing! Thanks again for all the details!

Hey Miguel,

glad to be of help! If you are lucky, you won’t need it, but the evenings will be rather cold ;-)

I’ve loved reading through all these comments and responses. They’re very informative and do cover a wide range of concerns. In the west we hear such terrible things about terrorist attacks and safety, but that’s the same chance in many countries, very sadly. We had a trip booked for 2011 but it was cancelled due to the spring uprising. We’ve only now thinking it might be ok to visit, but there are protests and such from time to time. So a question, if trouble starts, can you rely on the police there? Do they cope with such exigencies well?

Hey Jeanette,

this is an impossible question to answer. Regular protests shouldn’t interfere with your visit…but nobody can predict if things might escalate. That is a risk you always have to take. If you book via a travel agency with insurance, you’ll get your money back in the unlikely event of another uprising.

Thank you for this information as we are going in August and I don’t want to spend a lot of money on clothes. Already knew about the water but, didn’t think that sanitizing agents would not work.

well the do work in most cases, but you have to know the limits: They are not actually filtering a lot out (so chemicals, lead, etc will still be in the water) and they are not killing everything. I’d personally never use them, but there are some valid use cases.

Thank you for your insight and sharing your personal experiences! This reading is helpful as we plan to visit this summer.

Hi! I’m planning Cairo march 28 to April 5 2020 …I am sleeping one night on a felucca they told us to bring a sleeping bag ….any suggestions …from clothing ..bugs…also during this time frame will bringing a hoodie be enough for evening first time solo female traveller . Thank u

a hoodie will be more than enough.

Thank you, Norman. My son and I plan to go this fall and your information has been very helpful .

Thank you for all of the great information. We will be in Egypt starting March 5th, 2020. 3 days in Cairo then 4 night Nile Cruise and then 3 nights back in Cairo. Do you also recommend staying away from all noncooked food onboard the Nile cruise ships too?

that entirely depends on a) the quality of the cruise ship and b) your stomach. If you are not used to traveling in warm developing countries and your cruise ship is not a super luxury (good 5-star or higher), it’s probably better to stay away from noncooked food, ice cubes, and the likes.

Hello Norman, The medication that you mentioned in your article (Perenterol), is that used as a preventative or to be used once you get sick? In addition to the medication, do you know any other OTC ones that can be used as a preventative solution? Thanks again

well Perenterol is more or less just a yeast extract that helps you prepare your stomach. If you actually catch something in Egypt, it won’t be strong enough. But for preparation, it does help me. At the end of the day, I am not a doctor and feel reluctant to dish out further medical advice. I can only share my personal experience. Hope you understand.

Thank you for so much good info (yours and the many comments). I am leaving Sunday for four nights in Cairo and then four nights on the Nile. I had read that the water in Egypt would not make you sick, but was just super chlorinated and would not taste good so it was okay for brushing teeth. I was leary about that information but so tempted because I hate having to use bottled water for teeth brushing (it’s a foamy mouth thing), but your blog has put me back on the cautious side. Our tour company strongly suggested that we probably don’t need to change any money into Egyptian pounds as pounds sterling, USD, and euros are the preferred currency (especially for tips) and so I was headed to my bank today to get lots and lots of dollars in ones, fives, tens and twenties. Do you think this is erroneous advice?

Hey Lynne, when it comes to Egypt, rather err on the more cautious side. Pharao’s curse is no joke on your bowls ;-) Tap water usually isn’t a problem in better hotels, but mostly they supply still water for tooth brushing, so why not use it.

As for tipping. Giving a small tip to basically everyone is what the Egyptians expect. Of course, they do accept Dollars and Euros, but I have seen some tour companies giving highly inflated suggestions for the size of the tips to a point where it feels a bit like a scam ;-) I always tip in the local currency as I feel tourists shouldn’t help undermine an already weak system. But they will gladly accept your dollars.

Thank you for your quick response. I put off going to the bank until I heard from you. I will change some money when I get to the airport so that I have some local currency.

Norman thank you so much for this article!

Some fantastic and well appreciated advice for a first time tourist to Egypt. The small umbrella and water bottle holder have just been purchased.

I do have some questions if you don’t mind:

1. Do you know if children are free, half price or full price to the main attractions? (Eg, VoK & Pyramids) As I’m travelling with my 3 boys if it’s one set price for all to most things it could be quite costly for me.

2. Number 4 on your medicine list, what is this?? As you’ve already put number 3 I’m not sure what this is and why you should take this 7 days in advance. If you could clear that up for me that would be great.

3. Is barefoot acceptable for both men and women in Egypt? Meaning sandals. Woman as expected to cover knees and shoulders? (Outside of holiday resort) I don’t wish to be disrespectful but I’ve never been anywhere like this before so I’d like to get it right. Head scarf only in mosques?

4. I’ve heard you should barter a lot for just about everything you buy?

5. I will be with my husband and 3 sons (2,9 & 15). Are children also expected to not wear shorts?

6. Lastly this sounds like a ridiculous question but due to past experiences of some other countries I have to ask, do you have any idea if the local people are welcoming to mentally disabled people? My 9year old son is severely autistic and some countries he is looked at VERY unpleasantly and even had things said to us regarding this.

Any feedback Norman would be great, thank you :)

Hey Charlotte, 1. some attractions offer reduced rates for kids and students. 2. that’s a yeast extract kind of thing and it prepares your stomach a bit :) Ask your doctor about it 3. Sandals are acceptable. YOu will find that you have to actually be barefoot in mosques anyhow. For a nice restaurant, closed shoes would be required tho. 4. Yes barter (except in restaurants, ticket offices, etc) 5. Everyone can wear shorts – especially in tourist places. But for mosques, it doesn’t matter if it’s a child or an adult. However, babies are obviously the exception. 6. I cannot really say how they react to mentally disabled people. Sorry.

Very interesting reading, thank you

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What to Wear in Egypt – An Ultimate Guide for Tourists

Egypt, with its mix of ancient history and modern metropolis, has certain cultural and weather-related clothing considerations. While the country is generally tolerant, respecting local customs and religious sites, including dressing modestly, is crucial. When it comes to figuring out what to wear in Egypt, it’s important to consider the extreme heat and occasional sandstorms when choosing what to pack. 

If you’re visiting in December, Egypt’s peak tourist season, you’ll experience milder but still warm weather. For a hassle-free experience, consider opting for one of the package tours that we offer, which includes air conditioned transportation throughout your experience in Egypt.

Understanding Modesty in Egypt

When packing for your Egyptian adventure , keep in mind that modesty is key. Although Egypt is a modern country, it’s predominantly Muslim, and modest dress is appreciated, especially in non-touristy areas and religious sites. 

For both men and women, clothes that cover the shoulders and knees are recommended. Women may want to carry a lightweight scarf for visiting mosques where covering the hair is required. Check out our guide to Egyptian Culture and Customs for more insights.

Dressing for Egypt’s Weather

The weather in Egypt is predominantly hot and dry, with intense sunlight throughout the year. The summer months, from May to October, see temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F), making lightweight, breathable clothing essential. Sandstorms can occur, particularly in the spring, necessitating protective eyewear and scarves. Despite the heat, remember to respect local customs by dressing modestly. 

December offers mild and pleasant weather, making it the peak tourist season. Daytime temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F), while nights can be cooler. It’s the perfect time for exploring attractions like the Pyramids or Luxor’s temples .

Egypt’s climate varies from extremely hot in the summer to milder temperatures in the winter. Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must for any visit. Think cotton or linen materials, and avoid synthetics which can trap heat. In the summer, a hat and sunglasses are indispensable, and don’t forget to pack a good sunscreen. If you’re visiting in December, nights can be a bit cool, so a light jacket or wrap might come in handy.

How to Dress in the Summer in Egypt

Dressing for Egypt’s summer weather requires striking a balance between comfort and modesty. Light, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton are recommended to keep you cool under the intense Egyptian sun. Opt for loose, long-sleeved tops and full-length pants or maxi skirts, which provide ample coverage and allow air circulation. 

Sun hats or light scarves can protect your head and neck from sunburn. Don’t forget to pack a good pair of sunglasses and use plenty of sunblock. For footwear, sturdy sandals or walking shoes that can handle the heat and dusty terrains are ideal.

How to Dress at Egypt’s Religious Sites

When visiting religious sites in Egypt, such as mosques or Coptic churches, dressing modestly is not only respectful but often required. Women should have a scarf handy to cover their heads and men should wear long pants. Both genders should wear tops that cover their shoulders and are not low-cut. 

For example, a ‘galabeya’ (traditional Egyptian robe) or a tunic paired with loose trousers would be appropriate. Some mosques provide ‘abayas’ (loose-fitting cloaks) and ‘kufis’ (caps) for visitors to wear. Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Make sure to have socks or shoe covers as the floor can be hot or cold.

Footwear for Egypt’s Terrain 

Choosing the right footwear is just as important as clothing when planning your visit to Egypt. Whether you’re traversing the sandy expanses near the pyramids of Giza , walking through the bustling streets of Cairo , or exploring ancient temples, comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must. Sand can get hot, so closed-toe shoes are preferable when visiting desert areas or during sandstorms.

What to Wear When Visiting Iconic Sites

Visiting iconic sites such as the pyramids , the Sphinx, or the temples of Luxor and Karnak is a highlight of any trip to Egypt. While these sites are somewhat lenient with clothing, comfort and modesty should still guide your choices. Remember, these are not just tourist attractions, but also hold significant historical and cultural importance. 

For a truly enriching experience, consider our well-curated package tours that cover these and many more sites.

What to Wear in Egypt – For Women 

Understanding what to wear in Egypt for women is important for ensuring a respectful and comfortable travel experience. Modesty is a key part of Egyptian culture. While cities like Cairo and Alexandria are more cosmopolitan, in general, attire that covers your shoulders, knees, and chest is appreciated. Lightweight, long-sleeved tops, tunics, and loose pants or long skirts are ideal. A breathable scarf is a versatile accessory, useful for covering your hair when visiting religious sites such as mosques, and also as protection against the sun and sand. 

In terms of footwear, opt for comfortable, closed-toe shoes, especially for sightseeing in historic sites or traversing sandy terrains. For beach towns like Sharm El-Sheikh, Western swimwear is acceptable within the confines of the resort – so feel free to pack your bikini. But remember, when you leave the beach, it’s time to cover up again. It’s all about respecting the culture while staying comfortable in Egypt’s generally hot climate. For a guaranteed extra layer of safety as a female traveler in Egypt, consider exploring the numerous private tours we offer.

What to Wear in Egypt – For Men 

Men considering what to wear in Egypt should think about the same restrictions as women – it’s all about balancing comfort with respect for local customs. Men are also expected to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious or cultural sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers the shoulders and legs is recommended. Shorts are generally acceptable in tourist areas and resorts, but longer trousers are preferred in more conservative regions or when visiting mosques. A sturdy pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential for exploring Egypt’s historical sites. 

For a more detailed guide on Egyptian customs and what to expect, check out our comprehensive multi-day package tours and resources.

Egyptian Dress Code: Wrapped Up

Knowing what to wear in Egypt is all about balance. Striking the right note between modesty and comfort, while being prepared for the country’s climate and terrain, will ensure you have a fulfilling and respectful trip. For more in-depth information, our package tours provide detailed guidance and offer immersive experiences across Egypt. For further reading, you might also want to check out our other articles on Egyptian culture and customs .

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Essential Packing Tips for Women Exploring the Wonders of Egypt: A Comprehensive Guide

So you’ve made the decision to go to Egypt. You’ve set the dates and planned your flights. You’ve booked the best guided Egypt tours and arranged your private guides to Egypt’s most impressive sites and attractions . But now you need to pack.

This is usually where the panic sets in.

Packing for Egypt as a woman can be daunting when you want to make sure you can stay as cool as possible while still being respectful. A quick google search will give you one article that says to dress very conservatively and cover your head while the next one will tell you to wear whatever you are most comfortable in. Which means you are left trying to figure out what to bring, what not to bring, and if you even have appropriate clothing or need to go shopping and buy a whole new wardrobe for your Egypt tour .

Trust me, I get the stress. I’ve been there.

But, I’m here now to take away a lot of that anxiety and make it really easy for you. You don’t need to go shopping (so save that money for some great souvenirs or to put towards another tour), you just need to get a little bit creative with what you have.

Here is my packing guide for women travelling to Egypt.

When it comes to tops, packing for Egypt is pretty easy. There are two main things to keep in mind; no cleavage and cover your shoulders and midriff. Chances are you have a selection of tops in your closet that follow these requirements. But, even if you own mostly sleeveless or low cut tops you can still make do with a couple of easy tricks and adjustments.

One of my favourite travel accessories to bring is a scarf. There are a million and one ways they can come in handy, especially for situations like this. Wear it wrapped loosely around your neck to cover lower necklines or, over your shoulders as a shawl to keep your shoulders covered. It’s lightweight to wear, pack, and carry. Not to mention a gauzy scarf is a much easier (and cooler!) solution than jackets or sweaters.

I also recommend bringing longer tops. Remember, you don’t want to be showing a lot of skin so refrain from packing any crop tops. Long tops that cover your bum also have the added benefit of being able to have a larger selection of bottoms to choose from as I will discuss in the next section.

Pants, Capris, Leggings, and Shorts

When it comes to bottoms, you have a lot of choices. Basically, as long as your knees are covered, you are good. So whether you choose pants or capris, you will feel comfortable and remain respectful. Local women wear long pants or skirts; however, I wore capris a couple of days with no issues.

The tricky bit comes to the tightness of the pants. In North America , women tend to wear very tight pants such as skinny jeans or leggings. While these aren’t necessarily inappropriate to wear in Egypt, you do need to consider how you wear them. For example; longer tunic-style tops over skinny jeans are fine. This style is a common fashion among the younger women, especially in Cairo. That being said, Egypt can be very hot so jeans may not be what you want to pack. Wide-leg, linen, or light cotton pants (think the elephant style pant that is so popular in Southeast Asia) will be more comfortable picks to help you keep cool in the hot weather.

Skirts and Dresses

Skirts and dresses are a favourite for women who travel because they can be both comfortable and stylish. I absolutely recommend bringing a couple or skirts or dresses with you for your Egypt vacation, but there are a few considerations you need to make when choosing which ones you pack or how you style them.

First off, the longer and looser the better. Short, tight skirts and dresses are not a smart choice for your Egypt tours . Instead, pick flowy styles that, at a minimum, cover your knees. Maxi dresses and skirts are obviously the best choices, but you can do a couple of quick style tricks to make your shorter dresses more appropriate as well.

One of the easiest things to do with shorter dresses that hit above the knee or just at the knee is to pair them with leggings. You still get the cute look of your dress, plus maintain the respectful aspect of not showing too much skin and keeping covered up. Plus, leggings aren’t too heavy either so you won’t get too hot.

As with tops, low necklines and bare shoulders should be avoided when possible. The same scarf tricks will for this or you can throw a t-shirt over your dress to make it more modest.

Another thing to keep in mind is that by the sea and in the desert, it can actually get pretty windy. While the breeze is nice, it can whip your skirt around. If you have a shorter, full skirt or dress this is definitely something to be cautious of- another reason why I like to recommend wearing a pair of light-weight leggings underneath.

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In terms of footwear, when packing for Egypt it is important to remember to be practical rather than stylish. As I’m sure you can figure out for yourself, high heeled shoes do not work very well in the sand-covered desert.

During your Egypt guided tours you will be doing a lot of walking, so choose something that is comfortable and you can spend all day in. A good, flat, shoe with support and stability is your best pick.

Flip-flops and sandals are ideal for the beach, or even just walking around your hotel, but not such a good choice for your Egypt guided tours. Firstly, they aren’t the best for walking, but more importantly, the sand gets really hot and can burn your feet. Protect them by wearing closed-toe shoes during your Egypt tours .

One of the most common questions that women ask when it comes to packing for Egypt is whether or not they need to cover their hair.

The majority of local women you meet in Egypt will be wearing a hijab covering their head and hair. It is also common to see local Egyptian wearing niqabs which cover the woman’s head, hair, and face except for the eyes. As a visitor, you are not required or pressured to wear either. If you would like to cover your head with a scarf, and some women do, that’s fine. However, you will not be judged or looked down upon for leaving your head uncovered during your Egypt tours .

Usually, the tourists who choose to cover their hair are the ones with very light blonde hair. As this is not a normal hair color in Egypt, blonde tourists do tend to get a lot of looks and attention. Sometimes, this extra attention can be a bit uncomfortable, so covering your hair with a scarf is an easy way to help avoid that.

Final Considerations

While many people believe it is important to dress conservatively and respectfully while touring Egypt, there will be those who disagree. No doubt you will notice female travelers dressed in more revealing clothing as you travel throughout the country. Chances are nobody will comment out loud on this. After all, Egypt is very safe and welcoming , but these women tend to get a lot of looks that will likely leave them feeling uncomfortable. I think that most of us can agree that being uncomfortable is not how you want to feel during your vacation.

Travelers should also note that there are some exceptions. In resort areas such as Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, and Hurghada , which are known for their beaches and watersports, it’s ok to wear shorts or a tank top when down by the beaches and water. That being said, if you are walking around the cities and going out to dinner, you will probably feel more comfortable if you cover up a bit more.

If you are unsure of whether or not you are dressed appropriately, then consider this: would your outfit be allowed into a European church? How about in an Asian temple? If you can pass that test, then you are likely good to go. Remember, on top of the local Egyptian culture being more modest than that of North America, the historic sites and buildings you are visiting during your Egypt tours were, at times, very sacred places. Sure, these temples may be ancient; however, they were once important religious buildings, so please dress appropriately and be respectful of that.

Another thing to keep in mind is your comfort level. If you are more comfortable in full sleeves and long pants rather than t-shirts and capris, then go for it. Despite what the fashionistas of Instagram may have you believe, it’s more important for you to feel comfortable and reassured in your outfit than to be fashionable and trendy.

Packing for Egypt as a woman can be daunting, but it is easier than you think. With some smart clothing choices and a few easy tricks, it’s easy to create a travel wardrobe for your Egypt tours that will keep you cool and comfortable while still being culturally appropriate.

Ready to pack your bags and book your own  Egypt tour  to experience this incredible country for yourself? Take a look at  Osiris Tour’s   Egypt tour packages  offering  luxury private Egypt tours  to the best sites and attractions in Egypt .

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What to Pack for Egypt + Tips on What to Wear in Egypt

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So you’re planning a vacation in Egypt – woohoo! It’s an amazing, challenging, and beautiful country and it will be an experience of a lifetime. You’ll encounter incredibly hot days, a few chilly evenings, dusty and uneven roads, and a few other surprises along the way.

You’ll want to be prepared for a variety of weather and terrain conditions. And you’ll want to think about what to wear in Egypt – following the local customs and dressing conservatively. And, of course, you’ll want to shop!

I was able to spend 30 amazing days in Egypt and have compiled an Egypt packing list of the most essential things to take with you on your trip to Egypt. Enjoy!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: What to Pack for Egypt

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Tips on What to Wear in Egypt

What to wear in egypt.

The official religion of Egypt is Islam and 90% of those are Sunni Muslims. This means that most Egyptian women are dressed very modestly. They cover their shoulders, knees, and often their hair. This isn’t always the case, however, and some more upscale Cairo neighborhoods tend to have more progressive views on attire.

As a western woman traveling to Egypt, you will undoubtedly get a lot of attention from men. And if you choose not to cover up, you can expect a plethora of stares and catcalls. I would highly recommend that you leave the tank tops and shorts at home and opt to follow the local customs and cover-up as well.

Remember, you’re not here to change the culture, you’re here to experience a new one. 

TIP: If you are staying in a resort on the beach the rules do not apply. Foreigners often lounge in swimsuits and summer dresses in hotels and resorts around Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada , and all the coastal resort towns of Egypt.

Weather in Egypt

Egypt is considered to have a hot desert climate. Depending on where you go there will be variations but you can generally expect temperatures in the winter months to range from 60-72°F and those can climb well over 100°F in the summer months.

The sun can be absolutely sweltering in the summertime, so if you visit during this time you will want to be near air conditioning or a pool. But you’ll find that tourist sites are less crowded and prices are generally lower as it is the off-season.

October until April is considered the high season in Egypt as the weather is more bearable. While the temperatures are more manageable during the day, the evenings can get quite cold. You’ll want to be sure to pack a sweater and possibly a raincoat.

Check the dates of Ramadan prior to planning your trip to Egypt. Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During that month Muslims fast from dawn until dusk so it is considered very rude for foreigners to be seen eating or drinking in public. Many restaurants and shops close during that time and others operate on a reduced schedule. As a foreigner, it may not be the ideal time to travel to a Muslim-majority country.

Be sure to read about the things I wish I’d known prior to visiting Egypt to prepare for your trip!

Egypt Visa and Passport Requirements

Many countries are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian ports of entry, including the US, the UK, EU Nationals, Australia, Canada, Croatia, Croatia, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Macedonia, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Serbia, and Ukraine.

Your visa will cost $25.00 USD per person and will need to be purchased in cash. Specifically in US dollars. If you don’t have US dollars for the visa, you can exchange your currency at the same counter.

Make sure that the expiration date on your passport is at least six months from your date of entry to Egypt, otherwise, you may be denied entry.

What to Pack for Egypt

Luggage to pack for egypt, travel luggage.

Choose luggage for your trip to Egypt that is easy to recognize on the luggage belt and also incredibly secure. This model by Coolife is durable, brightly colored, and super durable to survive those baggage handlers. Plus, it has a 2-year warranty!

Compression Packing Cubes

Whey packing for Egypt, keep your suitcase neat and organized with these compression packing cubes by LeanTravel . Not only will they keep your things separated but you can also compress each cube down for extra space in your suitcase. And you’ll definitely want more room in your suitcase so you can shop for Egyptian souvenirs!

Carry-On Bag

If you choose to check your luggage (which we would recommend due to TSA liquid restrictions ), you’ll want a carry-on bag to have a few essentials on the plane with you.

This one by Pincnel has anti-theft protections, has lots of compartments for holding all of your important goodies, and can be worn as either a purse or a backpack. It is also small enough to be considered a “personal item” if you choose not to check your luggage when flying to Egypt.

Extra Duffel Bag

The shopping in Egypt is amazing and it is impossible to visit the country without grabbing a few souvenirs to take home with you. Ensure you have ample storage for all of your new treasures by investing in this “just in case” duffel bag by Bago . It’s super lightweight and folds up to take up minimal space in your bag. And it’s durable so you can cram it full of your new Egyptian souvenirs.

Travel Pillow

Unless you’re flying to Egypt in business class, you’ll probably have a difficult time getting any shut-eye during your flight. Keep yourself from dozing off on your neighbor’s shoulder with this compact, lightweight, but incredibly comfortable travel pillow .

Jewelry Organizer

There’s nothing worse than trying to untangle a bunch of bracelets and necklaces that you’ve piled together in your suitcase. Keep all of your pieces neat and organized in this compact travel jewelry organizer by Bagsmart. But leave your expensive jewelry at home, just in case.

Electronics to Pack for Egypt

There are so many amazing ancient ruins to capture in Egypt, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by sticking to your cellphone camera alone. Invest in a high-quality camera that is small enough to fit in your purse and that won’t break the bank.

The Sony DSCHX80/B has a 30x optical zoom range, a pop-up OLED Tru-Finder, which displays exactly what you’re recording, and a rotating LCD display to make snapping selfies easier than ever!  

Universal Travel Adapter

If you’re traveling to Egypt from the United States, you won’t be able to charge your electronics without a converter. Invest in a universal adapter with multiple USB ports so you can use it in most countries and charge multiple gadgets at once.

You’ll likely be using Google maps on your phone constantly throughout the day to find your way around Egypt. And nothing drains your battery as quickly as your GPS. Make sure your phone stays charged all day with a power bank. This one by Anker is super small and lightweight – it’s easy to toss it in your purse before you head out the door.

Earbuds sure have come a long way! You can now purchase Bluetooth wireless earbuds for the same price you would pay for any other earphones. So why would you choose to deal with those pesky wires if you don’t have to?

This set by Focuspower is super small and comfortable, fast-charging, and can connect to two mobile devices at once! They are perfect to pack for that long flight to Egypt.

Travel Gear Organizer

Keep all of your chargers, cables, earbuds, and everything else that you’ve packed for Egypt all in one place with a gear organizer . Keep it in your carry-on so you have easy access to entertainment on the plane!

Entertainment for the Flight to Egypt

• Don’t forget to download offline maps of the cities you’ll be visiting in Egypt!
• Download a few of our favorite podcasts  to keep up with the news or for background noise while you gaze out the window of the plane.
• Get a subscription to Amazon Audible for access to a huge selection of audiobooks in case in-flight movies aren’t available.
• Bring a few Egypt travel guides and a highlighter on the plane to plan your must-see sites!

Toiletries to Pack for Egypt

Containers for liquids.

These leak-proof travel bottles are the TSA-approved size to carry with you on the plane. If you choose not to check a bag you’ll need to transfer all of your toiletries into travel-sized bottles. And even if you do check a bag, it’s nice to have a few things in your carry-on to freshen up during a long flight.

Egypt has plenty of pharmacies in pretty much every city so don’t fret if you forget to pack something. But here are a few health and beauty products that you’ll want to put on your packing list for Egypt:

• Face and body lotion
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
• Feminine hygiene products
• Any medications
• Hairbrush and hair ties
• Travel hairdryer
• 2 in 1 travel curling iron and straightener

Clothing to Pack for Egypt

Temperatures in Egypt can reach well over 100°F in the summertime and the sun is relentless for much of the year in the desert. Long, loose-fitting dresses will keep you cool while also keeping you covered up. KOH KOH has several pretty dresses and jumpsuits that are modest but flattering and won’t break the bank.

Pack at least four different comfortable, loose-fitting dresses so that you don’t have to worry about finding a laundry service during your vacation. Keep in mind that the men in Egypt are VERY forward so you’re best off not showing a lot of skin.

Don’t forget a pair of nylons to keep your legs warm if you want to wear a dress out in the evenings.

Warm Sweater

No matter what time of year you visit Egypt, you’ll want to pack a sweater, just in case. Either for chilly evenings or extra cover, you’re bound to use it during your trip. Choose one that is modest, lightweight, and not super bulky as it will take up a lot of room in your bag.

This one by Alexander + David is perfect to throw on over anything that you’ve packed for Egypt!

While temperatures are generally incredibly hot during the day in Egypt, they can drop pretty quickly after the sun goes down. Be sure to pack a couple of pairs of pants so you don’t freeze when you venture out in the evenings. Lee has a great pair that are boyfriend cut and roomy enough to be comfortable on your long plane journey.

And bring at least one more pair that are stretchy and comfortable and can either be dressed up or down depending on your activities for the day. This corduroy pair by Joe’s can be worn with tennis shoes and a tee for daytime exploring as well as boots and a dressy top for a fancy evening meal.

Comfortable Tops

Loose-fitting shirts that cover your shoulders and cleavage are best if you want to avoid the attention of Egyptian men. Bring at least one button-down shirt  to throw on with jeans in the evenings around sunset when it’s too hot for a sweater but too cold for a tee.

Bring a few modest blouses like this one which is perfect for going to dinner and drinks in the city. Finally, pack at least 4 breathable t-shirts for days when the sun is unrelenting. Bare arms are okay in Egypt as long as your shoulders are covered.

Comfortable Closed-Toe Flats

The streets of Egypt can be incredibly uneven and dusty, so if you wear flip-flops you’re likely to have very dirty feet at the end of the day. And you’ll want to pack a few pairs of shoes for Egypt because you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

These Sorels are awesome because they are super durable, incredibly comfortable, and look great with everything in your suitcase. I’ve been traveling with this exact pair for years and cannot recommend them enough!

Pack one pair of boots to wear with dresses and one pair of casual shoes for days of long walking. Better to stay away from white shoes because it’s pretty dusty in Egypt so they won’t be the same when you get back home.

Other Clothing Essentials to Pack for Egypt

• Swimsuit and a cover-up if your hotel has a pool or if you are going to a beach
• Flip flops for the beach or pool
• Gym clothes and shoes if your hotel has an exercise facility
• One pair of underwear per day
• One pair of socks per day

Accessories for Egypt

Cross-body bag.

While Egypt is an incredibly safe country, it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your things in big cities. A cross-body bag with zip closures will allow you to keep your cash and credit cards close to your body and difficult to get to. Not only is this one  a vibrant color but it also has 3 zipper compartments to help you stay organized.

Being that the predominant religion is Muslim, you’ll encounter many beautiful mosques during your stay. Be sure to have a scarf tucked in your purse at all times so you can cover your head before you enter. You may also want to throw it on if you are wearing a low-cut shirt or dress to cover your chest if you feel like you’re being stared at.

When you’re wandering around the Pyramids of Giza during the heat of the day, you will need a hat and sunscreen. The sun in Egypt is intense and you should do what you can to shield yourself. This straw hat by JOYEBUY is foldable so it will keep its shape even after it’s been squished in your suitcase.

Speaking of sun protection, don’t forget to pack your sunglasses! Pick a polarized pair with UV protection to keep your eyes shielded from the rays. Don’t forget a sturdy case to keep them safe in your carry-on.

Don’t Forget to Pack

• Your passport!
• To call your credit card company and release your card for use in Egypt
• Better yet, sign up for a credit card with no international transaction fees !
• A backup credit card in case you have any issues with your primary
• Upgrade to an international cell plan during the month that you’ll be gone

Things to Leave at Home

• Knee-length dresses
• Midriff-baring shirts
• Expensive jewelry
• A lot of cash. There are plenty of ATMs in the airport and all over Egypt.

And of course, the most important items to pack for Egypt… a positive attitude and an adventurous spirit! Have a wonderful trip! 

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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6 thoughts on “what to pack for egypt + tips on what to wear in egypt”.

Thank you so so much for all of your Egypt posts! We’re heading there in 2 weeks and I was totally lost as to what to pack. What did your boyfriend/husband wear while you were there? Were shorts acceptable for men?

Hey Nichole! So glad that you found our post helpful!

Nick (my husband) wore pants for most of the trip. While it is perfectly acceptable to wear shorts – except when visiting a mosque – it seemed like almost all the locals wear pants. So if you want to stay cool wear shorts, but if you want to blend in wear pants. Nick likes ABC Pants from lululemon – they’re very comfortable even in hot weather.

Also, we were there in December so it was not nearly as hot as it will be when you visit – we actually found it to be rather chilly a few evenings after the sun set. And if you’re visiting the coastal resort towns like Sharm El Sheikh or Hughada you’ll find it much more common to dress as you would in Europe or the USA.

Hi, Thanks for sharing! You mentioned leaving your tank tops at home but in your photos youre wearing a tank top dress. Were there any issues (unwanted attention)? You must have felt comfortable exposing your shoulders and arms? TIA!

Hey Reanna… Thanks for reading! Val only uncovered her arms for a quick photo, she always wore a scarf over her sleeveless dresses. She wouldn’t have shown her shoulders in public, or she definitely would’ve gotten some unwanted attention from Egyptian men.

Thanks for all this helpful information! You mentioned leaving your laptop at home. Is there a specific reason for that or was it just easier to not have to account for the space it takes up when packing?

Hey Jon – I’d say it’s a combination of space in the bag, the potential of something happening to your laptop in transit, and general safety of having it on your person or in your hotel room. After a few years of travel we generally utilize the hotel room safe (just in case) and often laptops won’t fit inside. And, unless you’re working, do you REALLY need to bring it?

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What to Wear in Egypt

Top style tips for egypt.

• What you wear will depend a little on whether you are staying solely in the tourist beach resorts, or exploring the wider country. However always remember it is a Muslim country so you should respect their conservative values at all times.
• Local people like to dress up in the evening , so if you're going out to dinner it's a great opportunity to dress with more care than usual.
• Also on cruise boats it's nice to have something smart to wear in the evening.
• It is a good idea to pack a lightweight travel jacket, particularly if traveling to Egypt in January, February, November or December, as the weather can cool down significantly during these months. We recommend the  SCOTTeVEST  travel jacket as it has excellent storage pockets, removable sleeves and the option of RFID security to protect against identity theft.
• It is inadvisable to wear army/combat type clothing or print.
• Wear plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection), sunglasses and a sunhat, and remember your insect/mosquito repellent .

Shoes to pack for Egypt

• Take comfy flat shoes for exploring , and the streets can be dusty so you may prefer closed-in styles. We love Hotter shoes for travel, they're very light and comfy and look great too.

Clothing tips for women

• Egypt is a Muslim country, and although its cities are modern and local women may wear make-up now, they always dress conservatively .
• Egyptians find it very inappropriate to reveal even the slightest amount of stomach or hips , so short tops, short skirts or shorts, or tight clothes should be avoided completely when away from tourist hotels.
• Cotton or other natural fibre long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, worn with long trousers or ankle length skirts are a good choice, and keep your shoulders covered too. Keep clothing loose – it will keep you cooler and you'll get less unwanted attention.
• Although the dress code is more relaxed in hotels and tourist resorts like Sharm el Sheikh, you will find that you will get more respect if you dress modestly – a pashmina or wrap can be useful for times when you need to cover up.
• Keep your swimwear for the beach or pool only, and cover up with a kaftan or sarong when walking around the hotel. Definitely avoid topless sunbathing – the locals really do not like it.
• If you're going to visit any religious sites then use your pashmina or sarong to cover your shoulders, stomach and bare legs.
• And a pashmina will always add a bit of ‘glam' if you need it too.

Clothing tips for men

• If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear , try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.
• But keep your shorts for the beach and resort areas. Elsewhere, long trousers and a shirt are best.
• Cotton or other natural fibre long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts will keep you cooler.

Pack for the weather

• In the summer it can be as hot as a furnace , so light, natural breathable fabrics are best.
• In the winter (roughly December, January and February) days can be chilly and sometimes cloudy. You may need a light pullover or pashmina during the day, and a warmer coat at night. Choose layers that can be taken off during the day and put back on for cooler evenings.
• We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Community photos of Egypt

Regions of Egypt

• In Cairo in December, January or February be prepared for some rain – pack a lightweight raincoat. The rest of the year is almost always entirely dry.
• At the Taba Heights resort a chill breeze quite frequently blows off the sea during the day throughout March. A light wrap, jumper or kaftan is useful for those times when you're not flat out on your sun bed.
• Also at Taba, if you're booked with a package tour operator you may be offered excursions to Petra in Jordan . In February this can be colder than you might expect… perhaps even with snow so be prepared.

Other things to pack

• Officially the tap water is safe to drink, however it is highly chlorinated so may not be what you are used to. Most visitors buy bottled water.
• If you're planning to travel around the country, a soft-sided rucksack is more practical than a hard suitcase – it's easier to fit into transfer vehicles. Using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
• A lightweight day sack will be handy for sightseeing trips .
• To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug , and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (220V) .
• Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Alabaster vases are popular in Luxor, gold jewellery is a good buy, and if you really want to do the touristy thing pick up a miniature pyramid or sand-filled camel !
• Egypt has a culture of tipping so we suggest you carry small denomination coins with you. It is difficult to get small notes outside of Egypt, so stop at the bank at the airport and ask for small bills. Tips in Euros or Dollars will be accepted and will smooth things along, but currencies are difficult to exchange for the locals and they would vastly prefer Egyptian Pounds.

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What to Wear in Egypt – Dress Code guide for tourists

Egypt is no stranger to foreign tourists with more than thirteen million people visiting in 2019. Whilst in popular resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh, you will see people wearing all sorts of skimpy outfits, as Egypt is a Muslim country we would suggest dressing conservatively when outside of your resort hotel to avoid getting unwanted attention and offending local sensibilities.

It’s also important to dress for the weather and the activities that you will be undertaking whilst on your trip, a glamorous gown might be suitable for a cocktail party on a Nile Cruise , but when visiting Egypt’s many archaeological sites more robust clothing will be needed.

We’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions to guide you in what to, and what not to wear in Egypt. 

You can see our complete guide to planning a family holiday in Egypt here along with our suggested Egypt packing list that you can download

What do people wear in Egypt? 

Whilst ninety per cent of Egypt’s population are Muslim, there are no specific laws on how Egyptian women should dress. Most women do, however, dress modestly and cover their hair with a hijab (headscarf).  

Some women do wear a full length over coat known as an abaya over their regular clothes – whether these are jeans and a blouse, or a more traditional kaftan dress. Even if women choose not to wear an abaya , they still tend to cover as much skin as possible and favour loose fitting clothes that hide their body shape.  

Most men, tend to wear western style clothing, opting for trousers and short sleeved shirts rather than shorts and t-shirts. Some men will, however, wear a traditional djellaba and or kaftan especially on special occasions.

Children can also pick and choose what they wear. In general, they tend to wear western style clothing but may wear traditional clothing at parties, family gatherings and on other special occasions.  

What should women wear when visiting Egypt? 

Egypt is a hot and dusty country. In general, it is a good idea to wear loose fitting clothing made of natural materials like cotton or linen to help keep you cool. You should take care to cover your shoulders and cleavage and avoid having your back exposed. 

Tight-fitting clothes can be as poorly received as bare skin so be careful not to pack anything too skimpy. Long loose blouses or kaftans over Capri pants or linen trousers are an ideal choice as are longer dresses with shorts or leggings underneath. 

Maxi dresses can look very elegant for an evening out but are not very practical at the archaeological sites, which are very dusty and uneven.  

Whilst white clothes do reflect the heat of the sun, they can quickly get dirty and may appear transparent in the bright sunlight revealing your body shape, which is considered immodest. 

Do female visitors need to wear a headscarf in Egypt? 

Female visitors to Egypt do not need to cover their heads unless they are visiting a religious building but having a scarf handy is always a good idea. Scarves can be used to protect your head and face from the sun, or as a wrap if you feel like you’re getting unwanted attention because of your outfit.  

If you do want to visit a religious building you will also need to ensure that you are covered from wrist to ankle in a loose fitting garment like an abaya, a jalabiya or a kaftan as well as wearing a headscarf. 

Can I wear a bikini in Egypt? 

You can wear a bikini at a hotel pool and at beaches in resorts. Once you leave the poolside, it is polite to cover up with a kaftan or wrap and you should avoid walking around in just your bikini anywhere indoors.

It is prudent to avoid bikinis on public beaches outside of popular tourist resorts. Many local women wear a burkini – an all in one swimsuit which covers the head and the body from wrist to ankle. You do not need to wear one but they are available to buy locally if you would feel more comfortable wearing one. 

What should men wear when visiting Egypt?  

In urban areas, especially Cairo, it is preferable for men to wear long trousers and a shirt or T-Shirt.  Social etiquette is a bit more flexible at the beach resorts, although we still would not recommend speedos and vests. 

Walking trousers with detachable legs are particularly useful if you have varied day of sight-seeing and kind sleeved collared shirts are great at protecting you from the sun. Even on cooler days, the sun is still very powerful and you can get easily burnt. 

All visitors to Egypt should avoid T-Shirts, bags and sweaters with political slogans, emblems or potentially offensive language.  

What should children wear when on holiday in Egypt? 

Boys can wear shorts and T-shirts as can very young girls.

Girls under 12 can also wear sundresses but older girls should follow the advice given above for women, or at least wear leggings under any short dresses or skirts.

We recommend packing several wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses as well as UV suits for the beach and pool in order to protect your child’s young skin from the powerful Egyptian sun.  

We have a complete Egypt packing list for families here

Be mindful, Egypt in the middle of winter can be cold! Make sure you are not only packing sun protection but warmer layers if you are visiting over the cooler months – we have a complete guide to Egypt’s seasons and what to expect here.

What sort of bag should I carry in Egypt?  

Petty theft can occur in Egypt and we suggest keeping your valuables in the hotel safe. Only carry as much cash as you think you will need and keep it, along with any ID in a bum bag (fanny pack) or another close-fitting bag or pouch.

If you need to carry a larger bag for maps/nappies/snacks etc, a rucksack is recommended, although you may be asked to leave these at reception desks/lockers in museums.  

What sort of footwear should I wear in Egypt?  

Flip-flops are useful at the beach and by the poolside but shouldn’t been worn in urban areas. Pavements are uneven and sometimes non-existent. For this reason, we’d also warn against heels when out and about. 

The whole family should wear sturdy, breathable footwear when visiting archaeological sites. Cotton socks help to keep your feet feeling fresh and protect them from the dust and insect bites.  

Top Tip! Whilst it might not be a fashionable combination, we really do recommend cotton socks with walking sandals!  

Will I need an umbrella in Egypt?  

Whilst rainfall from April to October is low, there is always the chance of an unseasonal downpour. Having a small, microscopic umbrella with you ensures that a sudden shower won’t spoil your trip. An umbrella can also be used as a parasol to provide shade from the hot sun.

Do I need to take a jacket to Egypt?  

Whilst Summer temperatures can reach as high as 50 degrees, night-time can be chilly and carrying a lightweight jacket or fleece is highly recommended. 

On the coldest nights of winter, the temperature can drop to freezing so if you’re traveling between October and April, it’s a good idea to have some warmer clothing with you. 

A cardigan is also useful when visiting shopping centres and hotels with vicious AC throughout the year. 

Further information for planning a family trip to Egypt

Now we have your packing sorted, here’s some more planning resources for your trip to Egypt:

• Baksheesh! Baksheesh! Understanding the tipping culture in Egypt
• Plan a 7-day highlights tour of Egypt
• Egypt Travel Safety: Understand the issues that really matter

Travelling further around the Middle East

You may also like to see how dress code guidance changes as you travel across the Middle East, there are small and subtle differences you will want to observe, particulalry as you head to the Gulf countries.

• What to wear in Abu Dhabi
• Dress code guidance for Doha, Qatar
• What to wear visiting Oman
• A tourist guide to dressing for Jordan

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The Ultimate Women’s Packing List for Egypt with Culturally Appropriate Things to Pack!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 18, 2023

Categories EGYPT , PACKING GUIDES

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

If you’re a woman planning a trip and need a detailed, culturally appropriate, packing list for Egypt – this will be it!

A lot of the packing lists I read before my travels were about safety with female travel and not the important items I needed to pack in my suitcase (although don’t worry, I will go through safety too!).

So, I decided to create one of my own and let you guys in on everything that I packed for Egypt and what I wouldn’t pack again so you don’t have to.

Recently in October, I went to Egypt for a total of 5 weeks, completely solo . I didn’t opt for a tour, or a guide, I was on my own. So, I knew I needed to be savvy with my luggage and be wary of what I wore to be culturally sensitive.

So, I’ll go through the following with you in this packing guide:

• Things to know and you need before you go including an understanding of the culture
• If Egypt is safe to travel for a woman
• Clothes, shoes, toiletries, electronics and medical things to pack

Other items to consider

• What not to pack for Egypt

Okay, so let’s get this packing list for Egypt on the road. Yalla Habibi!

Climate in Egypt, seasons and the different regions

It’s probably obvious, but Egypt is a desert country. That means the climate will be dry, sandy and hot!

I started my travels in Egypt at the beginning of October and it was scorching in the day but nice and cool in the evenings. By mid-November, it was warm in the day (around 20 degrees celsius, I’m talking warm for a Brit!) and then freezing at night. So, come prepared!

There are two seasons in Egypt:

• Hot Summer: May – October  the temperatures will be unbearable, especially near Aswan in the south. Most tour groups will visit temples latest 5 am to beat the heat. But, you’ll still need to cover up, so bring lots of light cotton clothing.
• Mild Winter: November – April  the temperatures drop significantly and it’s pleasantly warm. These are also the most popular months of travel, so expect lots of tourists. Bring a warm jacket as evening temperatures are really cold. I regretted not bringing one.

Popular tourist places in Egypt and the climate for them:

• Alexandria – A business hub and famous port based on the coast of Egypt, this is a windy city! So, expect to be blown away. The temperatures are much cooler here, especially in winter, so bring some warm clothing.
• Cairo – Overly polluted and Egypt’s bustling capital city. Although it’s cooler in the north, the heat seems so much hotter here and almost muggy. By November, it was very cold in the evenings, so bring a jacket!

The South East

• Aswan – as you head further south to Nubia, things start to heat up. Aswan is close to the border of Sudan. But the breeze from the Nile and High Dam is refreshing. Temple hopping with the crowds can be sweltering, but luckily most provide shade.
• Abu Simbel  – the furthest south you’ll probably go. It’s a three or four hour stretch from Aswan along a desert road. Most tourists go by air conditioned bus or car. You’ll be roasting at the temple however!
• Luxor –   Still hot, especially on the West bank. I felt like I was cooking at the Valley of the kings and the temple of Hatshepsut! Karnak and Luxor temples aren’t so bad due to shade on the East side. A cooling falucca ride on the Nile is a must.
• Hurghada –  a resort town on the coast of the stunningly blue Red Sea. Great as a treat after all that sight seeing. The breeze here is amazing and so you can tolerate the heat a lot more. Unlike the rest of Egypt, the dress code is quite relaxed.

The Far East

• Sinai Peninsula (Sharm El Sheikh/Dahab) – Lot’s of security this way due to political turmoil, but is for the most part safe if you want to head to the tourist areas. I was stopped 8 times on my way down by bus for checks. But, the views are so worth it when you’re here! Similar to Hurghada; it’s a beautiful breeze, cocktails and palm trees! Again, dress code here is quite relaxed and in the resorts, anything goes.
• Bahariya Oasis, West Desert, Siwa – Not somewhere you’d attempt without a guide, the West desert is an incredible part of Egypt to explore and one I’d urge you to see if you have more time. As it’s in the open, it’s blistering hot in the day and freezing at night in Winter. sand storms are common, so come prepared!

Essential things to know and prepare before you visit Egypt

• Visa process – You will need a VISA for Egypt. This can be acquired beforehand or at the border for $25USD for single trip. I’ve written out a lengthy post about how to get a VISA for UK citizens here , but it applies for most countries on Visa2Egypt.
• Get Travel Insurance – In Egypt it’s very easy to get sick (I got a severe chest infection) and I was so happy I was covered or it would have been costly. I always choose World Nomad’s as they have good offers and policies.
• Islamic culture –  Over 90% of the Egyptian population practice Islam, making it a conservative country. Women should cover up their shoulders and knees where possible and men should avoid wearing shorts.

• Transport – There are many ways to get around Egypt. Internal flights with Egypt Air are pretty reasonable. You can get the overnight trains from Cairo to Luxor/Aswan but these are usually the same price as a flight. I had a nightmare with the online booking site. Most backpackers use buses as they’re safe and cheap, I recommend GoBus. They have an excellent app to book bus places online.
• Tour companies – You will be a minority in Egypt if you’re not travelling in a tour group. But I recommend companies like Memphis Tours who customise tours for you. I went with them for four days on my Nile cruise and it made sure all my activities were included, it can be costly otherwise.
• Currency – Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound. As a Brit this would constantly confuse and shock me, especially when they told me it cost £180 to get into the pyramids! Don’t worry one British pound equals around £22 Egyptian pounds.
• Tips – when budgeting for Egypt, always include lot’s of tip money. People expect a tip for everything here! For using the loo, for cleaning your hotel room, for helping with your cases, serving your food and even offering to take your photo! Sometimes I had no idea what I was tipping for lol. I’d also tip just for people to go away and leave me alone. Keep lots of small notes handy.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe for women to travel to Egypt? I think the term safe can mean different things to different people. One person could find it safe and another could find it difficult. But, for the most part, YES! Egypt is safe for women to travel. But, expect a lot of hassle and catcalling.

Do I have to cover my head or wear a local dress? No. The people of Egypt are well aware that not all people travelling are Muslim, so you don’t have to cover your head. But being culturally sensitive by covering up is expected and respectful.

Is it better to go solo/as a couple or on a tour?  There are pros and cons to both. I personally wanted to go solo to experience it for myself.  I also wanted to take photos which meant beating the crowds. Travelling by yourself could prove more expensive due to arranging your own transport, but tours mean you’re on their schedule and you could feel rushed. So, you need to decide based on your preferences.

Personally, I went solo the whole time apart from about four days when I went with Mayfair Cruises and Memphis Tours for my Nile cruise. Arranging a Nile cruise through a tour company was cheaper and made sure all my sightseeing and transport was included.

You can just go on the train between Luxor and Aswan (First Class is about £4!) and there are stops for Kom Ombo and Edfu temples but cruising down the Nile was a dream of mine!

Essential items for Egypt – Don’t leave without packing these

Suncream  – Even the most sunkissed of us will suffer from the sun here. I always take Riemann factor 50 . It’s waterproof and lasts forever (10 hours). This suncream also comes in hand luggage size (100ml)

Hat and Sunglasses – Very important. The sun can be blinding most days, especially in the desert. These are some of my favourites:

Imodium – You never know! Food poisoning is the most common sickness tourists get in Egypt.

Scarf – A pashmina is an ultimate weapon in case of sand storms or if you need to cover your shoulders, enter mosques etc.

Adaptor  – The Power sockets are type C and F. Type C is two round pins and type F has Earth clips. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. This global adapter is perfect .

US Dollars – I didn’t personally find it necessary but you can use these to buy a Visa at the border if you didn’t acquire one beforehand. You can pay in Egyptian Pounds all over but they also take USD.

Hand Sanitiser – Egypt is not the cleanest of places, hand sanitiser is a must to ensure you stop yourself from getting sick. Also handy when toilets don’t have soap (which is most of the time in public loos).

Tissues and  wipes – Always handy for toilet situations, most public toilets don’t provide toilet roll or you have to pay a ‘bucksheesh’ (tip) for it.

What luggage to use for Egypt

This depends, Egypt is not necessarily somewhere I would class a ‘backpacking country’ (unless you’re heading on elsewhere of course).

It’s perfectly fine to just bring a suitcase. You won’t really need to lug it around much and most hotels, taxis and even the train stations will have people on hand to help you in the hope of a ‘Bucksheesh’ (tip). A tip is always expected by the way, so keep hold of your five, ten and twenty EGP notes!

Backpack of choice – I used to take my Osprey Farpoint 40 Backpack with me on my travels if I was heading out long term. I don’t as much now. But, this is by far the best backpack I’ve used. I’m petite so I need a small frame and the small/medium size is perfect! I love it so much I wrote a post about it here. 

Luggage of choice – I used to just buy cheap luggage until my suitcase broke while I was travelling! Lesson learned; always invest in a good suitcase with a warranty. Recently, I splurged on a Samsonite which I’m in love with! It has a ten year, worldwide warranty so I can get it fixed wherever I am in the world.

Whether I’m travelling in a suitcase or backpack, I always use packing cubes to keep everything organised. eBags are my favourite brand and have never let me down.

I also packed a daypack by Osprey  as my carry on and a pretty over the shoulder bag for evenings out or dinners.

What clothes to pack for Egypt

As Egypt is a hot, conservative country, you’ll need lots of light and breathable clothing that can cover you up. Here are some packing suggestions based on what I took;

4 t-shirts – made of cotton, with sleeves and without these can be paired with a maxi skirt or trousers

4 jumpsuits – Jumpsuits were my ultimate conservative country weapon. Conservative but come in loads of colours!

3 maxi dresses – if they’re sleeveless bring shawls to cover, if low cleavage bring safety pins !

1 short dress – I wore this on it’s own Hurghada/Sharm El Shiekh but paired with leggings if not.

2 kominos  – these are like shawls to wear over strappy dresses or tops.

2 pairs of trousers – Make sure these are breathable, in winter a lot of people wear jeans but these are heavy and take up space!

2 pairs of leggings – I love to use these under short dresses to cover up my legs

14 pairs of knickers – lol I know, but I hate washing so often so I brought at lot

A couple of bralettes  – I hate wearing wired bras, especially in heat. I bought some from Urban Outfitters.

3 pairs of socks – I brought trainers but only wore them once the whole time so a waste of space lol. But a top tip is to tuck these into your shoes to save space.

1 nightie and 2 pairs of pyjamas – lol, I love my PJs haha. Even when travelling, so for me it’s a must. Hey, I was travelling for 6 weeks!

2 swimsuits – For hotel pools, the hot tub on the cruise and the resorts in Hurghada.

2 pashminas – I like to have a choice. One colourful, one black! These are a lifesaver.

1 cardigan/jacket – I brought one light cardigan with me to Egypt, what was I thinking?! I regretted it instantly with the cool breezes in the evening. I’d suggest packing a light fleece for winter months.

1 dirty clothes bag – to separate things needing a wash.

What shoes to wear in Egypt

Some people will suggest closed-toe shoes, but I was fine in my Birkenstocks the whole time. They’re comfy, breathable and I’d rather have dirty sandy feet over being sweaty and get blisters!

That being said, the floors in Egypt are really dirty, so if you would freak out about having dirty feet all day I’d go for light breathable trainers or closed-toe shoes.

Make sure these are comfy and easy to walk in, a lot of temples are thousands of years old and have stood the test of time. So, they have uneven surfaces.

Comfortable sandals – I always wear Birkenstocks when I travel. I just find them so comfy! They’re perfect for hot countries as they breathe but also have a thick sole around them to help protect your feet from dirt. They’re also stylish and go with any outfit.

Sports sandals – When I first went backpacking I brought a pair of Teva’s. These are washable and are secured on your feet with velcro straps. These are great sports sandals for travelling and have made a comeback with being fashionable!

Close toe shoes  – If you’re going to go with this option there’s plenty of choice. I hate the look of close toe sandals (sorry guys!). The Dr. Martens ones are pretty cool, pity they’ll take a decade to break in. Alternatively, Sketchers are a great choice, they’re super comfy and breathable.

What toiletries and beauty products to bring for Egypt

Your makeup – I always bring mine, plus my Double Wear foundation has SPF in it. But, I have to admit having waterproof mascara and eyeliner helps with the heat. You don’t want to be Alice Cooper!

Lip balm – it’s so dry and it’s easy to become dehydrated. I always like Burt’s Bees.

Hand Sanitiser   – A must. You really don’t know what you’re touching!

Tissues – For toilet situations, your brow etc.

Tampons  or Diva cup – Tampons are not widely sold here, so stock up. Bathrooms are quite dirty, so the diva cup may be a bit risky.

Toothbrush – I love my new Oral-B electronic toothbrush. It’s rose gold and has a nifty travel case. But I also have these Eco friendly Bamboo brushes.

Toothpaste  and Mouthwash – All the big brands can be found here too if you run out!

Suncream – It’s expensive in Egypt and you don’t want to be scammed. Buy some before.

Aftersun – it’s so easy to burn here!

Deodrant – you will not believe how much you sweat here! One word; dripping!

Moisturiser – your skin can get so easily dry from the climate.

Shampoo & conditioner – most hotels provide them but my hair is fussy. Also conditioner is a lifesaver for the dry heat.

Shaver    – I love Venus’ snap travel size one, it comes with a nifty case for travel!

Hair ties – Nice to let that neck breath

Brush – I love a detangler like Tangle Teezer , perfect travel size and great for keeping your mane at bay.

What should be in your medical kit for Egypt

I’ll only be touching on over the counter, non-prescription meds you can bring with you for your ‘first aid kit’ here. Of course, there are numerous pharmacies over Egypt, but it’s always worth bringing some of your own just in case.

Always have a doctors note from your GP for bringing prescribed medications into Egypt, check before you go as  some have restrictions  (i.e. Methadone) which could mean you face jail time.

Imodium – vital to have on hand in case of any unfortunate events!

Paracetamol/Ibuprofen – These are fine, but  codeine is not . Always check with your GP first.

Cough sweets – I always bring these on every trip now. In Egypt I had a terrible chest infection and coughed a lot due to the sand and dryness everywhere.

Plasters – For blisters, or for any cuts. It can be dirty and you don’t want them to become infected.

Mosquito repellent  – I was bitten A LOT in Egypt. Not just by mosquitos. Sandflies, ants and even a camel I rode had fleas! Bring mosquito spray or patches or bands and apply daily.

DO NOT forget travel insurance for Egypt

I always choose World Nomad’s as their standard plans cover most adventure activities (i.e. Camel rides)

Don’t forget your electronics

Camera – Pics or it didn’t happen!

iPhone with an Otterbox case for complete phone protection

Power bank –  My Anker powerbank can do up to four phone charges!

iPod – Perfect for travelling long distances

Headphones – I always go for over ear instead of in ear.

Adaptor – this global adapter works wonders and works in Egypt!

A Mummy Liner –  perfect for when travelling on the cheap, in hostels or on trains. Bed bugs are real guys! This makes me feel a little cleaner.

Sleeping Mask – Perfect for overnight travel and hostel situations.

Ear Plugs  – Most of the cities (especially Cairo/Giza) arenoisy.These are perfect and healthy for your ears.

TSA Luggage Locks – These aren’t always necessary but as I carry a lot of expensive electronics it gave me peace of mind. I keep one on my daypack.

Trtl Travel Pillow – Perfect for the plane journey, train travel and long bus journey’s. Weighs nothing and packs up small. This is my favourite travel pillow and I wrote a post about it here .

Microfibre towel – Most hotels will have towels but if you’re backpacking in budget places, I’d get one of these over a bulky fluffy towel!

What not to pack for Egypt

Shorts – If you’re only heading to Hurghada/Sharm El Sheikh take them. But, I wouldn’t for the rest of Egypt. Over the knee capri’s are fine however 

Short skirts/ dresses – will attract unwanted attention. Alternatively, pair these up with a shawl, scarf, or leggings

Jeans –  In summer it’s fatal. In winter these could be okay but they’re always so bulky.

A hairdryer – The air is as hot as a hairdryer and most hotels have them!

Your drone –  If you have one. They’re illegal in Egypt, will be confiscated at security and if you’re caught comes with a hefty fine. Although I did see one flying at a wedding in the Mena House in Cairo lol.

So, that ends the ultimate women’s packing list for Egypt!

Well done if you made it this far!

Now, depending on what type of traveller you are, you may think that it’s far too much or not enough. That’s cool, tailor it to the length of your trip and bring what you’re comfortable with.

Egypt is one of the most fascinating countries I’ve ever visited in my life and was happy I came prepared for all eventualities. You just never know when you may need something.

Make sure you get organised for your trip – it will be one wild ride!

So, over to you. Have I missed anything? What are the most important things you like to pack on your trips? Let me know in the comment below.

Read more of my Egypt articles

My perfect 2 week Egypt Itinerary

My top travel tips for Egypt

The most Instagrammable places in Egypt

My guide to the Valley of the Kings

Things to do in Luxor

The ultimate 4-day Nile Cruise

Things to do in Aswan

Top places to visit in Luxor at night

The perfect guide for Abu Simbel

My survival guide for the pyramids

Top things to do in Cairo

Why you NEED to visit Alexandria

Top tips for riding a hot air balloon in Luxor

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Wednesday 25th of January 2023

Sophie, Terrific guide. I have already purchased the adaptor you recommended! Also, using Memphis Tours for the bulk of stay in Egypt. Good hint about having physician send along a note about current prescriptions....thanks again....Jeff

Sunday 12th of February 2023

@Sophie Pearce, Thank you for all the tips heading to Cairo this week .

@Sophie Pearce,

Sophie Pearce

Hi Jeff, that's wonderful to hear! I hope you have an amazing time! Egypt is such an incredible country and Memphis Tours were great! Thanks, Sophie x

Tuesday 18th of October 2022

I'm off to Egypt this weekend and it'll be the trip of a lifetime for me as I've always wanted to go. This is a fantastic guide, Sophie. I've printed it out for reference. I'm going to check of your taking solo pictures guide. Dawn

Saturday 22nd of October 2022

Hi Dawn, oh I'm so happy for you! Have an incredible time in Egypt. It was an experience of a lifetime for me :) Sophie x

Wednesday 21st of September 2022

Thanks for this. We are planning to travel in 2024 to Egypt and Memphis Travel have been helping me with a tailor made tour. You have increased my confidence in what I have planned and I am grateful.

Monday 26th of September 2022

Hi Margaret, Memphis Travel were great and their guides are experts. You'll be in good hands :) Sophie x

Wednesday 12th of January 2022

I'm going to Egypt next month & I have been searching what to pack. I have to say I found your packing list to be the best because it includes quantity of items to pack.

Thursday 13th of January 2022

Ah amazing! You'll love Egypt. I'm glad my packing list could help you :) Have an amazing time! Sophie x

Catherine heaton

Thursday 28th of October 2021

Thanks for all your advice. I am thinking in going to Egypt in Jan 2022. The packing advice was detailed and exactly what I needed to know. Many thanks .

Wednesday 10th of November 2021

Hi Catherine, no worries at all - enjoy Egypt! Sophie x

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Egypt: What to Wear

In Egyp t , the religious atmosphere and desert climate call for a particular dress code. Visitors should allow for more conservative dress in Cairo and other cities, and especially in rural areas or when visiting mosques or other religious sites. Casual, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that covers the knees and elbows is best.

Here, Indagare’s Egypt experts outline their top recommendations for what to wear in Egypt:

“Bring a hat and sunglasses to protect against the sun and sand,” advises Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley . You can buy hats in Egypt, but they tend to be cheap and let the sun in, so it's better to pack your own.

2. Dress respectfully.

When you’re visiting religious sites, shoulders have to be covered, as well as legs (past the knee).

3. Go for casual comfort. For bottoms, we recommend bringing jeans, chinos and khakis, as well as clothing that you won’t worry about getting dusty. Bring light cotton shirts like tees or button-downs, in addition to a few sweaters that you can layer on and off throughout the day. 

4. Sturdy walking shoes are key.

“Comfortable shoes are so important,” says Indagare’s Ramona Bass. “You will spend a lot of time spent standing, and the ground is unpaved and uneven at many tourist sites.”

5. Layer. “The best piece of clothing I brought was a light Michael Kors down jacket,” says Indagare’s Ried Stelly . “ I also recommended a light scarf—not just for comfort, but to add some style to otherwise very casual attire.” 

More Inspiration

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What to Wear in Egypt: Packing Tips for Female Travellers

Planning on what to wear in Egypt was not easy. In fact, after I got over the initial excitement of booking the trip, the proper dress code was something I spent a long time worrying about. I scoured the internet for helpful tips and advice, but to be honest it just left me even more confused. Some articles indicated I should cover up as much as possible and consider even getting a hijab or at least bring a scarf to cover my hair during my stay. Others said it wasn’t really a big deal, and I could wear pretty much whatever I wanted. In the end I took a more conservative approach and just hoped for the best.

Thankfully, I chose wisely, but not everyone else did. While I wasn’t as covered up as the local women, I was significantly more modest than a few other tourists I came across along the way. Tiny jean shorts, cropped tops, and even some mini-skirts seemed to pop up at the pyramids and all of the major temples I visited. I cringed inwardly as I watched these young women walk by, especially as I noticed the looks that they received from the Egyptians; both men and women.

Curious, I ended up asking my favourite tour guide, Abdul, how he felt as a local man to see women dressing provocatively.

“Honestly?” he told me, “Sure, go ahead. We don’t get to see that so it’s nice to look”. I had to laugh a little with him about that. After spending five days in his company and seeing him interact with both local women and tourists, I knew Abdul was a good one. He was kind, respectful, and not at all threatening. Despite passing several scantily dressed women, he never leered or lingered; he was a gentleman. However, he did admit that some women took it too far and that bothered him, especially at the ancient temples which, while no longer used for religion, are still sacred sites.

While Abdul may have been more progressive in his thoughts, not everyone was. In Cairo my brother and I had coffee with a couple of local men, one of which was quick to share his distaste for local women embracing more modern styles. He sneered as he spoke about them wearing jeans and makeup, unhappily claiming that Egypt has changed too much in the past five years. I have to admit, his anger made me uncomfortable, and if he was that put off by the local women in Cairo wearing eyeliner and jeans, I can’t imagine how he would treat the women dressed in more revealing outfits.

Needless to say, I felt good about my decision to go with a more conservative wardrobe for my visit. I didn’t end up covering my hair, but I never felt uncomfortable and even had a few positive comments from locals on my outfits. So, for any other women looking for inspiration on what to wear in Egypt to feel both comfortable and respectful, here’s what I recommend.

What to Wear in Egypt as a Woman: Summary

If you are just looking for the quick-and-dirty on Egypt packing tips there here are my top tips on how to dress in Egypt:

• You do not have to cover your hair in Egypt
• Capris and skirts that show your ankles are ok in Egypt
• You do not have to wear baggy clothing in Egypt, but balance things out. If you wear skinny jeans or tighter pants, pair them with a looser (long) top.
• Layers will help in the evening, but lightweight and breathable clothing is best for the daytime.
• Be careful with flowy skirts and dresses- it gets very windy in the desert! Go for maxi lengths.
• Don’t show your cleavage. Try to cover shoulders as much as possible as well in Egypt.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes. The sand is hot and difficult to walk in sandals or flip-flops.

Looking for some Egypt outfit inspiration based on my experiences? Read on for more on my thoughts of what to wear in Egypt as a woman.

What to Pack for Egypt: T-Shirts over Tank Tops

Egypt can be really hot, especially as you go further south to places like Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. These places, however, are even more traditional than Cairo so skip the tank tops and wear a light t-shirt instead. You don’t need long sleeves, just make sure your shoulders are covered and that it’s not low cut; cleavage is a big no-no. ( My favourite travel t-shirt is the evolve top by encircled which washes and wears amazingly and can be styled in different ways.)

If you do wear a tank top (I brought two with me) wear something over it. A light sweater will do the trick (though it’s probably cooler just to wear the t-shirt, trust me) or a gauzy wrap to keep your shoulders covered.

One of my favourite tops for this trip was the Butterfly Wrap by Diane Kroe in the chiffon material. It was loose, light, and airy and kept me cool while exploring ruins in the hot summer sun. It also worked perfectly when I hit the beach in Dahab as a cover-up.

*Save $10 off your Diane Kroe order with promo code HANNAH10

What to Wear in Egypt? Sundresses with Leggings or Maxi Dresses

Sundresses are pretty common on women’s packing list, and there’s no reason why you can’t bring your favourite cute dress with you to Egypt; as long as you make it appropriate. Again, remember that your knees, shoulders, and chest need to be covered. This might mean wearing a light pair of leggings under your dress or adding a lightweight sweater, jacket, or scarf to cover your shoulders.

I got a ton of compliments on my Marie Dress (jet set print) from  Cherry Velvet. The zipped front meant I could have a higher neckline and the t-shirt style meant my shoulders were covered. I just wore a pair of black leggings underneath and voila! I was comfortable, cool, and appropriately covered. I even got a couple compliments from Egyptian women about how much they loved my outfit.

Maxi dresses and skirts are a good idea too, and may be cooler than pairing shorter dresses with leggings. Look for styles with ankle-length skirts and t-shirt type tops to be appropriately covered ( something like this one ). You could also do maxi skirts like this or, if you want something dressier (especially if you plan on taking a lot of photos) you might like something long and flowy like this one.

Bonus tip: Egypt can be quite breezy, especially out in the desert so be careful about shorter flowy skirts and dresses. Even mine blew up a few times making me extra grateful for my leggings underneath.

What to Wear in Egypt: Loose Pants

When it came to bottoms, I alternated between two pairs of loose pants. One of which was the baggy elephant style pant that’s so popular in Southeast Asia, the other just a wide leg black pant. Again, they were light and airy, didn’t hug my curves, and were super comfortable. If you don’t have a pair, you can order some elephant style ones online here  or some wide-leg pants here.

I should also point out that neither quite covered my ankles (hooray for being tall) but that was never an issue. A couple times I even hiked the elephant pants, which had elasticized hems, up to just under my knees to make them more of a capri style rather than full long pants, it was not an issue. I think as long as your knees are covered and the focus isn’t on your booty, you will be fine.

What to Wear in Egypt: Jeans & Tighter Pants

Since we spent a day exploring Toronto before flying to Egypt, I did end up bringing a pair of skinny jeans with me. Though, to be honest, I didn’t expect I would wear them; assuming they would be too tight and show off my ‘assets’ too much to be considered appropriate. However, I quickly found out that jeans, even skinny jeans, are ok in Egypt; so long as you have a longer top to pair with them, like this one . Many of the young local girls paired their skinny jeans with longer sleeved tunic-type tops that covered their bums. I made sure to follow in their lead, pairing my jeans with longer, loose tops, and felt totally comfortable walking around. That being said, I saved them for the evening when it was cooler because it was way too hot for me to even consider jeans during the day.

If you plan on being active, I suggest lululemon leggings . My absolute favourite leggings are the invigorate tights or Wunder Train which don’t slide down and they aren’t see through. Since this is Egypt, wear a longer shirt so that covers your bum. But these are my go-to travel leggings and I recommend them to everyone.

For more of my favourite clothing brands as a curvy traveller check out this post.

Do I Have to Cover my Hair in Egypt?

This was another question I really worried about but the answer is no. Female visitors are not expected to cover their hair. That being said, if you want to, you can. Just make sure to do it in a respectful way, not just to be fashionable.

Personally, I chose not to cover my hair in Egypt and had no major issues. After all, hiding my light hair isn’t going to camouflage the fact that I am clearly a tourist. I did make sure to keep my hair up though either in a ponytail, bun, or braid rather than wearing it down. Might be just me, but I thought that was a little more respectful.

I do want to mention that I did meet a couple women who were very blonde which got them a lot of extra unwanted attention to the point where a few people just reached out to touch their hair. If this is the case, you may want to cover your hair for your own comfort.

What to Wear in Egypt: Helpful Accessories

While not necessary, I do recommend adding a couple of these accessories to your Egypt packing list to make travelling through Egypt a bit easier and to make you feel a little more comfortable and conservative in your dress.

• Lightweight travel scarf with pocket – covers cleavage/shoulders, especially if you go to a mosque. Also ideal for storing some money etc. Especially great for travel days.
• Rashguard– if you are going to be hitting up Egypt’s beaches, rashguards are a great pick to not only help ward off the sun (nobody wants to burn on vacation!) but also to cover up a bit more. Check my list of inclusive swimwear brands that I love.
• Reef safe Sunscreen: Egypt has some gorgeous coral reefs so if you plan on being in the water please use a reef safe sunscreen to help protect the reefs and marine life.
• Anti-chafing balm : For those of us who suffer from the dreaded chub rub!
• Sunglasses: Not only to protect your eyes but dark sunglasses can also be helpful in avoiding unwanted attention. 
• I also recommend packing a few different type of shoes. Sandals or flip-flops area great at the beach but you will want closed toe shoes for the desert!
• Towel: Especially if you have a visit to the beach planned. I recommend these quick-dry ones for travel.

Final Considerations for Your Egypt Packing List

Having travelled to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and Dahab, I felt like the clothing differed in each area, and what I wore depended on what I was doing. Being with a tour guide at the temples or on the Nile River cruise which was filled with other tourists was a bit less stressful than walking around local streets and neighbourhoods. I felt more conscious of being covered up during these times and though I didn’t bring any really tight clothing, I chose the loosest of my tops for the times I spent exploring the cities.

Dahab; a laid-back beach town on the Red Sea, was by far the most liberal when it came to deciding what to wear. Since I went for scuba diving, I always had a swimsuit on but I wouldn’t dream about walking around in that alone, and nor did anyone else. That being said I, and many others, wore shorts and tank tops over their swimwear while going to the beach, or walking along the main areas. While at the beach, bikinis were fine; though I did notice many women throwing a sundress or cover-up on over them once out of the water. Perhaps not necessary, but definitely a more comfortable option. If you are staying at one of Egypts seaside resorts, it’s more common to just walk around the pool area in your swimwear.

Finally, I feel like it’s important to note that I did travel with a man. I’ve heard mixed reviews on solo female travel in Egypt and while I had an amazing time, I know the fact that I had my brother with me did play a role. However, at the end of the day, whether you are travelling alone, with a man, or with other women, the most important thing to remember is to be respectful the local culture (it is a conservative country) and mindful of your own personal comfort level when considering what to wear in Egypt.

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!

53 Comments

Love this! Hopefully going there this year and was actually worrying about this exact thing!

Haha I totally understand! I’m glad this helps though!

[…] and my knees are covered but you can see my ankles. I try to think back to everything I read about how to dress in Egypt, were ankles ok? Unsure, I tug my pants a bit lower on my hips to add a little length. It will have […]

[…] Travellers to Egypt need to pack smart, especially the women. Egypt is hot, and can be roasting during the day. But, you also need to be respectful and cover up.  I wrote a packing guide to Egypt for women with suggestions on what to bring based on what worked we… […]

When you went to Egypt, did you go with a tour group or did you plan the trip yourself? My husband and I are thinking of going and a lot of people suggest booking the trip with a tour group. We’ve traveled all over the world and we think we’ll be able to plan the trip and go just us two. What do you think? Thanks!

I planned our trip myself 🙂 I have a blog post on our itinerary and what we did if you check through my other Egypt content. It was easy enough! I do recommend a Nile River cruise though- it was the highlight.

Thank you so much my husband and I are going to Egypt for our honeymoon and I was worried about this exact issue! Super helpful!!!

yay! so glad to help. Have an amazing honeymoon!!

Heading to Egypt in January and thinking about wardrobe. We are traveling in cooler weather so am planning loose pants and tunics that cover my bum. I had read that it was also good to cover elbows so have been looking for 3/4 sleeves but notice that you are often showing yours. Not an issue?

Nope! T-shirts were fine. As I say, I don’t recommend tank tops since shoulders should be covered but I had no issues with t-shirt length sleeves

How did you find your tour guide? I am traveling to Egypt with a group of people (men and women) but have read so many blogs where people recommend getting a tour guide to lessen harassment,

I used a few different guides. All were good, some better than others. I definitely agree that when we did have a guide, the locals didn’t try to sell us as much and, obviously, didn’t offer their guiding services. I recommend Get Your Guide if you are looking- that’s what I used to book in advance to make sure I got a REAL guide. Quite affordable too!

Okay, awesome! I will definitely look into that. Thank you for the quick reply 🙂

Thank you so much this is extremely helpful! Thanks for putting in all the links too. A scarf with a pocket?! That is something I would’ve NEVER thought of!

It was definitely something I stressed over before I went so I’m glad other people are finding it helpful!

Thank you so much, I read various tripadvisor / lonely planet guides on what to wear as a woman and still had questions like ‘Are t-shirts long sleeved enough? Can I show my ankles by wearing cropped trousers? Will jeans be okay?’ and this answered all of them! This is the difference of getting real advice from a woman who was personally been, lived and seen. Thank you! Feeling much more relaxed about my trip and like I can at least leave the tags on some of the more conservative items I purchased just-in-case. Thanks!

Ugh I get you, girl, I had the exact same questions before I went. I’m so glad I helped you too!

I’ll be visiting Egypt, in the late Spring, with my Egyptian boyfriend. We’re planning to visit his parents & family, as well as doing some sightseeing.

I’d rather err on the conservative side, although they appear to be very laidback.

Could you please advise me re: clothing and polite behavior? I’m not certain of the customs in Egypt, and don’t want to offend anyone. I also don’t speak any Arabic.

Should I offer with cooking, cleaning, and other household chores? I know, of course, that we will be staying in separate bedrooms. Is hugging or holding hands considered inappropriate at all time?

Any advice that you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely, Anne

Hi Anne, I think if you follow the tips in this post in terms of clothing you’ll be good. As for behaviour- all I can say is public displays of attention seem to be a no-no. I didn’t see any among the local while I was there- not even hand holding. As for the rest I’m not sure- you’re best to ask your boyfriend for some tips on local customs.

[…] to have longer tops that covered past my elbows for certain places. Thanks to last year’s trip to Egypt, I knew how to dress conservatively but that was only for a part of Israel. The rest of Israel was […]

Just wondering about colors to wear. I had read that they prefer you not to wear too many bright colors together ? Obviously it was not an issue with your beautiful wrap.

I had no problems wearing colours!

These are fantastic tips! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I will be traveling with my husband in a few months – since you traveled with your brother, any tips on what to pack for men? What was comfortable for him to wear both from a cultural and weather perspective? Appreciate any insight you can share!

Hey Samantha, My brother wore cargo shorts and tshirts/polo shirts most of the trip. He did bring jeans for evening while it was cooler, then wore board shorts at the beach. I think the guys have it easier than women!

Ok, good to know! Thank you for the quick reply. I know what I pack is going to take a little more thought, but he seems pretty happy to know he doesn’t need to buy anything special. Great content on your sight – appreciate you sharing! Samantha

Thanks Samantha! I hope you have an amazing trip!

Thank you for these amazing tips. I’ll be headed to Egypt next month and have repacked numerous times to ensure I’m mindful of the culture. Your tips have really helped me narrow down my things to pack.

glad to help!

Any issues with showing painted toenails from a modesty perspective? I’ve heard that dirt and dust is a concern, but I can’t find any mentions about bare toes offending anyone’s dress code expectations.

I had a pedicure and no problem. But I only wore flipflops on the ship and by the beach- not in the city so I’m no expert on that.

Can you tell me how cold it gets at night? I’m travelling in May this year and wonder if I should bring a jumper with me? Thanks for the other suggestions, I was a bit concerned about Capri pants, but you’ve sorted that for me.

It depends on the season. I was there in November which is winter so it was a little cooler at night so I brought a sweater with me- nothing too heavy though.

Any tips for 4 70 something women on how to dress, colors, sleeve lengths, skirts (over the knee?), pants? Are Capris okay?

All my tips in this post apply to any age 🙂

Hey Hannah, thank you so much for the invaluable info – you answered a lot of questions that I have! I am traveling to Egypt 10-26-19 thru 11-04-19 – what dates were you there in November and what was the high temperature during the day (sorry if you already answered)? I am sure that I will have more questions as it gets closer to departure and will definitely use you as a resource! Have a great day beautiful!?

Glad to help! I was there mid November for 2 weeks. Temperature really depended on where we were but it did get quite warm in most places 25C+ – Abu Simbel was REALLY Hot. Nights were cooler though so you will want a light sweater.

I am leaving in 1 week for 2 months in Europe and 1 month in Egypt and living out of a bag for that amount of time means you really have to choose wisely. Coming from Australia with a German background means I am used to a very different level of what is accepted and what is not. When I think about it there isn’t really anything that is not accepted where I come from. Your post has helped me so much as a young blonde woman travelling to Egypt and all the sceptical and positive comments and blogs you can read about Egypt can just leave you confused. This is truly the best insight I have had and matches my thoughts exactly where you need to be cautious but not to extreme lengths where you still can’t look nice in your travel memories! Thank you so much!!

You are going to have THE BEST time!! Im so excited for you and glad I could help!

[…] I’d already been to Egypt and Jordan, which are also Muslim countries, and was comfortable with my clothing choices there so […]

This is very helpful, thank you! Next week I’m traveling with a group to spend 3 days in Cairo then diving the Red Sea.

I have been concerned about being respectful in my attire, although, as a 61 year old woman I have left very short skirts and shorts in the past. Did you happen to notice if there were different expectations of older women such as head coverings at most times, dresses/skirts vs. pants. Etc.

Any thoughts you might have would be appreciated. Thank you

Glad to help 🙂 More tourists dressed the same- very few tourists covered their heads with anything other than a hat in the desert to protect against the sun. Keep your shoulders/chest/knees covered and you will be just fine 🙂

This was very helpful. I’m going next week. I have three questions.

1) Did all the places expect you to use mostly cash or could you use a credit card? 2) Did you have any stomach issues? Sorry if that is too personal. One or two people mentioned issues with diarrhea. 3) The hotel I’m staying in has a swimming pool. How did they feel about women being there in swimsuits?

Hi! So you will definitely need cash. Credit card is not accepted anywhere. USD dollars are accepted or Egyptian pounds. I did have stomach issues at the end. I drank a frozen drink and I think it wasn’t filtered water for the ice cubes. I was fine with the actual food. If your hotel has a pool, you should be fine in a swim suit! It’s geared towards tourists and there for you to use 🙂

Oh no! I hope your stomach issues weren’t too bad. I’m vegetarian so I think my stomach is a little more sensitive. I will definitely watch what I eat and drink and bring some backup meds. Thank you. 4 days to go!

I’ve been sicker, and it was at the end so didn’t ruin the trip (just an unhappy flight home). Just avoid ice cubes, haha. I hope you have the BEST time!

thank you for the great pictures and the information.. good travels to you

Hope they came in handy!

Hi, Hannah. Thank You so very much for this information…GREAT stuff!!! Thanx also for the travel insurance recommendation. I just signed up for it, only $45.60. WOW. Bless Your Heart. I’m so glad I came across Your information. Blessings Flow ~

Glad to help 🙂

Is leggings okay to wear with long loose t-shirts? Im not sure if I missed the info, but just wondering since it seems cooler than jeans to wear in the heat

If it comes down to like mid-thigh I would say yes. Like a tunic-type spot. But if your butt is pretty visible in tight leggings you will most likely get some unwanted attention. If you are worried about heat, look for some loose, light-weight pants.

Hi. I enjoyed reading all about this trip. We are grandparents and are taking our grandson to Egypt with us this June. Can you advise on the best insurance for expensive flights? Thank you in advance.

Hi Lisa, So I’m not sure where you are located to offer insurance advise. I personally use Safety Wing which I link to in many of my blog posts, they best suit my needs and lifestyle. However, for flights specifically you might also want to look into some travel credit cards as many of them offer coverage for flights as long as you buy the flight with the credit card. Worth looking into.

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What to Wear in Egypt: 5 Essential Packing Tips

Africa Packing Lists , Middle East Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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Egypt is one of my favorite countries in the world. I first visited in 2008 and did the  Egypt and Jordan tour  with G Adventures. In 2013, I got a chance to spend 3 full weeks scuba diving in Dahab  and got to know the Red Sea area a little better.

However, when it comes to packing tips I find the most reliable source to be locals and expats that can offer more knowledgeable advice. If you’re wondering what to wear in Egypt, Maria Alejandra Laborde from LatinAbroad has some amazing travel packing tips for you! In this interview with the Latin translator and travel blogger, Maria shares inside tips on what to pack for Egypt.

What to Wear in Egypt

Choose appropriate clothes for egypt.

Follow the rule of thumb: always cover your shoulders, knees, cleavage and avoid wearing anything that is skin-tight (unless you are wearing a flowy dress with leggings underneath, for example).

I felt extremely comfortable in local markets and gatherings by dressing like the locals. By doing so, you truly start feeling like one of them. It’s even liberating!

Use Breathable Fabrics

The more time I spent in Egypt, the more I preferred to wear long-sleeved undershirts and floor-length skirts. In fact, wearing these in cotton keep you extremely refreshed and cool in the hot desert weather. Avoid synthetic fabrics when traveling to the Middle East by the way — they don’t really breathe.

Follow Local Fashion Style

I made sure I read some literature about the culture and dress in Egypt prior to moving there. Then, I discovered that the rule of thumb is to cover your shoulders and knees at all times , except when visiting the popular beach resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and maybe even   Dahab . 

The “fun and cute” outfits were thrown into the equation after spending a couple of weeks in-country. Muslim girls have a wicked sense of fashion — it is amazing to see how they are able to match Western tank tops with colorful   hijabs   and conservative long-sleeve undershirts. I quickly found myself buying a couple of these undershirts, eventually copying their fun, yet conservative style!

 Avoid Common Travel Mistakes

Don’t dress like the below image unless you’re by the beach! Not covering your knees,  shoulders, and cleavage = big no no. Sure, nobody’s going to stop you from wearing these revealing outfits, but then tourists complain about being stared at by the locals. No wonder, as they barely see that much skin on the streets!

Granted, that doesn’t give them the right to harass you, but you should do everything you can in order to prevent such treatment. It really isn’t that hard to dress conservatively,  without losing your sense of style!

Pack Minimal or Waterproof Makeup

Besides lightly lining the inside of my bottom lids, I don’t wear any make-up. The hot desert weather makes you want to wash your face constantly anyway. Thus, I would only recommend a waterproof eyeliner, moisturizing lip balm, and light, mineral-based cosmetics.

PLEASE NOTE: Bring your own deodorant! It can be hard to find (and/or expensive) in conservative countries.

TFG recommends:

I love long multi-functional tunics or medium length dresses I can wear over pants when in conservative areas. They can be worn in a variety of ways: alone on the city, with shorts on the beach, & over pants when modesty is needed. In this picture of me in Egypt 2008, I wore a linen cotton blend dress over military inspired cargo pants from Forever21 . If you’re looking to buy your own, I’m currently loving this tunic  from ModCloth !

Thank you Maria for sharing these great packing tips on what to wear in Egypt! Don’t forget to check out her fun travel blog LatinAbroad her post: how to dress in Egypt for more info. 

What are your best tips on what to wear in egypt? Share in the comments!

For more tips, please read:

• Egypt: 15 Expat Tips You need to Read
• What to Wear in the Red Sea
• What to Wear in Marrakesh
• How to Dress in Conservative Countries

Suggested Travel Resources:

• Lonely Planet Africa on a shoestring

If you are interested in sharing your packing tips   on TFG, you can download the interview questions and submission guidelines  here . Please share this post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

26 comments.

Egypt is a dream destination for me, and this post just inspires me even more to book a trip and start packing all the cute, conservative cotton/linen I can find!

Planning a trip to Egypt next year and this article is a perfect place for me to start. Thanks so much!

This was so helpful for when when I went to Egypt! The type of clothing and material made such a difference with feeling comfortable! Thank you!

These tips are so helpful. I’m heading to Egypt and Jordan next month and was nervous about packing the wrong things and being stuck

Wears traveling to Egypt and Jordan next month. This will help our packing choices.

Thank you for the tips! I’m travelling to Egypt in 2023 and can’t wait. I’m going to try carryon only for this trip. Lots of lightweight layers and long flowy pants.

So glad you found this helpful, have an amazing time Fiona!

Alex, your blog and Facebook group have completely changed my travel life! I was always that “just in case I might want/need it” packer, but not anymore. I did two weeks in Egypt with carry-on only and never once felt anything was missing. I’m a reformed woman… 🙂

Thank you for all , it will be very usefull, I am leaving next month!

Traveled to Egypt in 2021…luggage was lost for 4 days…definitely recommend carry-on only or putting several light weight outfits in your carry-on/personal item 😁 I t was an amazing trip anyway tho!!

Traveling to the Middle East next week. Tips are so helpful in packing and staying respectful of other cultures.

I am going to Egypt next year and this is very helpful. Thank you for sharing!

We are heading to Egypt in November and your packing tips are critical for dressing conservatively. I will have plenty of time to build my capsule wardrobe. Thank you for your open view of the world. I can always find at least one important tip in every one of your posts. Travel on!!!

We are also going to Egypt in November so the packing tips are very helpful for me as well! Thanks for this – many good suggestions! I’ll use for future trips, too!

Going to Egypt in October. Thanks for the great tips!

Love these tips! Traveling soon to Egypt and needed some help with what to pack. Thanks Alex!

Thanks for sharing the information…this required for whole Middle East specially for Saudi Arabia(complete desert area)

Thanks for the awesome post. This has been extremely helpful especially for my guests who are visiting Egypt. All the best!

Thanks Ahmed!

Good tips! I think it’s so important to dress modestly and be mindful of the local culture. I’ve seen far too many foreigners walking around in booty shorts in countries where some of the local women don’t even show their ankles – big no no.

I agree, in very bad taste to be inconsiderate of the local culture. I wonder if it’s mostly from lack of knowledge on their part? Hope so!

I really enjoyed this article and couldn’t agree more with the points made. I was an intern in Alexandria, Egypt in 2010 and really appreciated point three. ABSOLUTELY take your queues from those around you. As noted, if you are in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, you’ll see that it is perfectly appropriate to dress less modestly, but elsewhere you will find different. Even taking note of the neighborhoods you are wandering through in cities such as Cairo and Alexandria may clue you into the need to add a scarf or other additional layer. I did quite well, dress wise, whilst there and stuck to modest clothes, layered a lot, and learned to appreciate linen. There were, however, plenty of tourists I encountered who, although not scantily clad by Western standards, were not dressed appropriately by Egyptian standards. Great article, I wish I would have read one similar prior to my trip!

Thanks for your tips! I’m glad you liked the article and Maria’s awesome clothing advice 🙂

I am going to Egypt next year and found these tips to be very helpful. I need to dress appropriately for the culture but I don’t want to look dowry. Thanks TFG – you always come through with valuable advice.

I just returned from a week in Egypt and did a blog post on my packing list.

awesome packing list and great choices of clothing!

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How to dress or what to wear in Egypt as a male tourist - Egypt Forum

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I am posting this, because before leaving for my trip I was very unsure what clothes to bring, and reading through various similar postings on here, I was lead to really overthink things. In hindsight now, there was no need for it. So I hope my post helps future male travelers and makes packing easier for them.

I had read a lot of opinions on how men needed to wear long pants everywhere, how the locals frowned upon shorts, how long sleeves were required in mosques, different misinformation on proper shoes etc. etc.

My personal experience was quite different. Egyptians do tend to be more conservative in the way they dress, and more so in the more rural areas than in the big cities. But also they seemed to be very relaxed about other people's clothing choices. Contrary to what I had read, I did actually see younger Egyptian men wear knee-length shorts in many locations, and sporadically a sleeveless shirt as well.

I even saw a French-speaking white guy in the Valley of the Kings casually going through tombs in a speedo-type bathing suit, and nobody was batting an eye (I wouldn't recommend this particular clothing choice, as even by Western standards it looked quite ridiculous, but just saying he did not get spat on or something).

I personally wore mostly knee-length gym shorts and a light-colored t-shirt all over Cairo. Felt quite natural everywhere. Most men there wore Western styles. Only when visiting churches and mosques, you'd want to have a long pant on and a polo shirt or button-up shirt with sleeves that cover your shoulders and upper arms. Long sleeve is not obligatory.

All-natural materials (cotton/linen) felt and fared much better. I would leave all polyesters and the likes at home (especially for tops) - even if they are marketed as "lightweight" or "breathable". They keep the body hotter and generate odor when sweated in.

For temperatures around 90-95F (32-35C), a looser fitting cotton button-up shirt with short sleeves proved to feel the most comfortable and cool (outdoors!). It was nice to have my shoulders covered from the sun.

When visiting temples and tombs, especially in the South (Luxor, Aswan), I would recommend a looser fitting cotton tank top with light loose shorts. It gets extremely hot inside especially with outside temperatures being around 100-105F (35-40C).

The popular claim "Having all your skin covered keeps you cooler in hot weather" is a LIE. Especially in indoor spaces where the air is not moving. Your main concern here is overheating, not the sun.

For shoes - the best seemed to be light sneakers/running shoes made of light cloth. No leather or any other thick material which will make your feet hot and sweat uncomfortably. No sandals or flip-flops - most terrains you encounter will be rough and the streets and temple floors are often uneven and full of holes and cracks. It is so easy to sprain an ankle with unstable shoes.

You don't need any sort of special desert shoes unless maybe you do a trip deep into the desert. Sand in the shoes did not seem to be a major problem.

Overall looking to be comfortable while keeping some common decency is the best route to go. Maybe skip super short shorts or tops too cut out on the street. Opt for bathing shorts over speedos by the pool or beach.

Hope this is useful to someone.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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7 of the best things to do in Hurghada, Egypt – from exploring coral reefs to venturing into the desert

How to keep yourself busy while taking in the beauty of one of the red sea’s most popular tourist resorts, article bookmarked.

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On Egypt 's popular Red Sea coast – famed for long stretches of beautiful shoreline and vibrant corals – the city of Hurghada has grown from a quiet fishing village into the capital of a region beloved by tourists. While often visitors will ensconce themselves into the comfort of the many resorts , venturing outside reveals plenty of activities to pack a holiday with.

Visitors can immerse themselves in 'old Hurghada' in the souks and restaurants of the old town, or opt for something more modern with a stint of people watching around the swish marina. It's from the latter that you can head out onto the water – there are a string of boat operators who will take you out for the day, including trips to the wonderful Giftun Islands – as well as book diving trips (there are a couple of impressive ship wrecks to explore).

Hurghada also makes a convenient base should you wish to get out and discover more of Egypt . Bedouin villages and rolling dunes await in the desert, or make a journey back in time to see some of the country's most fascinating historical sites with a day trip to Luxor .

Here's how to ensure your Hurghada holiday on the Red Sea is a memorable one.

Explore the old town

Hurghada’s old town, known as El Dahar, used to be the centre of the city during its past as a fishing village. Nowadays, it is the most ‘authentically Egyptian’ part of Hurghada, with souks, local restaurants and plenty of cheaper hotel options. This is away from the beaten tourist path, but it’s a bustling part of the city, the highlights of which are the El Mina Mosque and the Church of St. Shenouda.

Read more: Simon Calder reveals why Egypt is the bargain of the 21st century

Visit the marina

The city’s pedestrianised marina is one of the most pleasant places to go for a relaxed stroll, evening meal or some drinks (and it’s also the hub of Hurghada’s nightlife). Plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars line the promenade, many housed in pastel pink and ochre buildings, with Hurghada Marina Boulevard acting as the focal point for events.

Hit the beach

Hurghada is mostly known as a coastal resort destination, so it makes sense to spend plenty of time on its beaches. The city is home to miles of golden coastline and warm, turquoise waters, including those of El Dahar, Makadi Bay, Old Vic and Merritt Beach, as well as dozens of private hotel beaches. Down the coast, the resort of Soma Bay is a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

Go diving or snorkelling

Water sports and snorkelling are accessible on many of Hurghada’s beaches, but you might want to go one step further and take an excursion to one of the city’s excellent diving and snorkelling sites. The Red Sea’s various wrecks and coral reefs – replete with tropical fish – make for great diving spots, particularly around El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay. Hurghada’s two main wrecks are the SS Thistlegorm and the Rosalie Moller, two WW2-era vessels.

Venture out into the desert

The desert around Hurghada is known as the Eastern Desert, and is home to miles of rolling dunes, rocky outcrops and even Bedouin villages. Visitors can go on dune buggy tours, jeep safaris and camel rides, finishing up with a visit to a traditional village – or why not stay the night and experience eating and camping under the stars?

Sail out to the Giftun Islands

If you’d like to combine excellent dive sites with even more beaches – this time with white sands – take a day trip to the Giftun Islands. They are surrounded by a coral reef conservation area, so are ideal for snorkelling, and you may even spot dolphins at Dolphin House Island. There’s plenty of pristine shoreline along the islands, as well as tourist infrastructure in places like Orange Bay.

Take a day trip to ancient Egypt

It would be a shame to come to Egypt and not visit some of the planet’s oldest and most fascinating historical sites. Luxor is around four hours away from Hurghada by car, and it’s certainly worth the journey. You’ll see sites such as the Valley of the Kings – where Tutankhamun is buried – the temples of Hatshepsut and Karnak, and the Colossi of Memnon. Your hotel will likely be able to arrange transport and guides.

Read more of the best things to do in Egypt

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Here’s your fashion horoscope for what to wear this Taurus season

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We find ourselves in that time of year dedicated to the most sensuous and worldly of the earth signs — that is, Taurus season. We are so grateful for our baby bulls, because they remind us that food, drink, sex and money exist to be experienced in all their glory. And what better way to indulge in all these things than by traveling? Liberate your carefully selected and impeccably preserved vintage designer purse strings (we’re talking Taurus, after all) and go somewhere.

The ritual of travel is as visceral as it is spiritual. It’s the sweat collecting under your collar while you speed-walk to your gate (just to make sure it’s there, right?) as much as it is a 4 a.m. kiss on a starry beach accessible only by motorcycle. And the ritual before the ritual — packing — becomes a delicate, fraught dance of selection, a personal curatorial Everest that requires the traveler to dream, first and foremost, of how rainy the breeze might be on the way up the Eiffel Tower, how they might dress for both a rooftop dinner and a volcanic hike just outside San Salvador, if they’ll long for a stiletto boot at the Beijing opera or be too entranced by the show to care that they brought the flats instead. The careful balance of environmental factors in wardrobe selection, however, comes secondary to the crown jewel of functionality: the all-purpose travel jacket .

You could subscribe to holiday gift-giving. Or you can move different like Goth Shakira

The digital director is known for their sharp observations of the world around us and worlds beyond us. The rest of us just want to follow along.

Dec. 4, 2023

Trip jacket selection is an art and a science, best done elegantly, with attention paid to form, function, aesthetics and viability — as a pillow when folded into fourths or eighths on a long-haul flight. It should be able to take you to a museum and a visit to the botanical gardens with street food in hand on the same day. For this, may I suggest pet-tree-kor’s Green Helicteres Isora Jacket . The Shanghai-based imprint’s name is a nod to “petrichor,” a functionally and mystically perfect word that exists solely to describe the divine perfume that greets your nostrils after a rain (a smell that, allegedly, humans can detect more astutely than a shark’s nose can detect blood).

This garment, rendered in a tweed blend with a gorgeously mossy sheen, is both architectural in its structure and fluid in its silhouette. It looks at once inviting and familiar — almost like your most gallant grandfather’s jacket from the days he used to go out dancing with your grandma — and polished and elegant. It wouldn’t look out of place in a cozy diner on a rainy night in San Francisco’s Chinatown or on a dewy morning at the Rhode Island beach house of your friend with generational wealth. The shade of the jacket is an oft-underrated neutral, pairing nicely with virtually any other piece in your suitcase, maybe even amethyst or royal blue too. The Helicteres isora, the jacket’s namesake, is a vibrant plant from northern Oceania whose leaves dry in tawny-green curlicues, like nature’s fractals.

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And nature’s most esoteric fractal you shall be in your pet-tree-kor travel jacket, cruising through the liminal space of LAX on the way to your next adventure. Does your manic pixie dream girl complex fantasize about an ethereal-looking stranger mesmerized in reverie as they gaze upon the dapples of fluorescent Tom Bradley terminal lights reflecting off this sumptuously swamp-hued fabric? Mine too. For all the grounding and presence that resets our nervous systems, our earthly vessels would be naught without the dream of a shimmery green.

Goth Shakira is a digital conjurer based in Los Angeles.

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I Can’t Stop Buying Bodysuits

We all have those formative moments that stick with us — and one of mine happens to be buying my first bodysuit from the (not yet bankrupt) American Apparel store in Uptown, Minneapolis. It was solid black with a high neckline and a brief-style bottom — but more important than how it looked was how put-together and effortless it made me feel. No longer was I wrangling a scrunched-up T-shirt into the waistband of my jeans ; instead, I had a smooth and cinched silhouette. Not to mention that the bodysuit reminded me of the stretchy, Jane Fonda–esque pieces that I grew up admiring in my mom’s closet (she competed as a rhythmic gymnast for the Canadian national team in the ’80s — so she knew a good leotard when she saw one).

Now, about ten years after buying the American Apparel bodysuit, I’ve purchased many more from other brands and still build almost every outfit around one. Yes, I know they have some detractors — but to me, bodysuits are the perfect wardrobe staple because they essentially combine your favorite top and underwear into one. And since I’ve been hunting for them for so long, I now have pretty high standards for how they should fit and feel. My ideal bodysuit needs to be comfortable and stay in place all day long, and the bottom closure shouldn’t be impossible to snap up in a tiny bathroom stall. The right balance of stretch and support is also key, and it has to stand up to regular machine washings. Finally, bodysuits can be quite pricey, so I’ve always looked for options that are affordable without sacrificing quality.

As one of the Strategist’s resident experts on clothing basics , I’ve tested many of the most popular styles on the market. Below are some of my favorites — all of which are hanging in my closet right now — including the bodysuit that outranks them all.

The powerhouse (that’s a worthy Skims dupe)

I stumbled across this Amazon bodysuit while scrolling through TikTok (shocker, I know). It’s made of 76 percent polyamide and 24 percent elastane — the exact material makeup of the Fits Everybody fabric from Skims — so I quickly placed an order to test it for myself. It’s now my hero bodysuit. I wear it on repeat because it’s so damn dependable: The crewneck is ideal for layering or wearing on its own, and the fabric is exceptionally soft and smooth. It pulls me in without feeling constrictive, and I’ve never had any issues with the snap-button closure. A stylish friend of mine actually mistook it once for Skims, which says a lot about how solid of a dupe it is. I’ve since purchased it in more colors and own other styles from Pumiey, and I’m happy to report that they all fit just as well and cost under $30.

The one I own in three colors

Aritzia’s signature Contour bodysuits are well known for their stretchy and smoothing double-layer fabric. The first style I bought from the brand was the popular square-neck long-sleeve, which became my most-worn bodysuit for many years. The sturdy material, made of a blend of nylon and elastane, keeps its shape all day but is lightweight enough to feel like a second skin. It’s double-lined, meaning my bra won’t show through, and it has enough support that sometimes I even opt for going braless. I can pair it with practically any kind of bottoms — a skirt, jeans , or even leggings — making it particularly versatile. I also appreciate the shade range Aritzia offers; I own it in black, camel, and a mauve-y pink. Just note: All Aritzia bodysuits are final sale, so I suggest going in-store if you’re unsure about sizing.

The go-tos for layering

Skims makes our favorite shapewear, and I’m also a big fan of its bodysuit selection. Its coveted Fits Everybody fabric, which consists of polyamide and elastane, truly does live up to the hype. It’s compressive yet breathable, and the high-cut leg ensures a barely-there feel whether I wear it under a pair of jeans or trousers. Slim adjustable straps give customizable support on top; meanwhile, on the bottom, the thong back means there’s no VPL (visible panty line), making it much easier to layer. It also has a strong two-button closure. Personally, I prefer pulling the crotch fabric way to the side to use the toilet, and these snaps have never come undone during that process. The brand’s inclusive sizing — from XXS to 4X — is another reason I recommend its bodysuits. The only drawback is the $60 price tag, which makes this one of the pricier options on this list.

Here’s another tank-style bodysuit that I own from the Fits Everybody collection. I find the square neckline and wider straps also make this one versatile and easy to layer.

I’ve been super impressed with the quality and affordability of Abercrombie’s clothing basics. I don’t own this exact bodysuit, but the one I have — a tank with a V-neckline and wider straps — is made from the brand’s same Soft Matte material. It’s a blend of nylon and elastane, which I think feels softer than Aritzia’s Contour fabric (probably because it contains a higher percentage of elastane). I would also consider it to be the thickest on this list, but it’s never suffocating. I like to wear mine under a cardigan or sheer top for extra coverage.

The ones I wear for special occasions

I also own this deeper V-neck from the Contour line, which I like for dressier events. It offers a nice held-in effect (although I find the neckline verges on being a little too revealing for more casual gatherings).

I’m a sucker for a one-shoulder top, which is why I purchased this asymmetrical long-sleeve number. It’s polyester and elastane, so it’s high-stretch and feels slightly silky. It also feels cool to the touch, so I never overheat when wearing this bodysuit. It’s not a style I reach for super often, but I like that it can take me from day to night.

I bought this off-the-shoulder bodysuit about a month ago, and though I’ve only worn it a few times, it’s been a nice addition to my closet for transitional spring weather. I chose the beige shade and can confirm that the Contour fabric is still as sturdy as ever with lots of coverage, even in this lighter color.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

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By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .