What to pack for Egypt in one sentence: bring lightweight cotton or linen clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, a $30 e-visa printed ahead of time, a local SIM card (from about $4), sun protection, and cash in small EGP notes. The heat and conservative dress code in Egypt are more important than any gadget you might bring. Most Egypt packing lists sound like they came straight from a hotel brochure. This one is different. Every price below uses the latest 2026 rates. Egypt’s visa fee, SIM card prices, and museum tickets have all changed this year, and using old numbers is how people end up paying too much at the airport. Here’s what really matters, and what you can skip.

1What to Wear in Egypt: Dress Code and Fabric Guide

Egypt is both hot and religiously conservative, so your packing list should reflect that. Cotton and linen are much cooler than polyester or other synthetic fabrics, which hold in heat. This is especially important in Egypt compared to many other places you might visit. When it comes to clothing, cover your knees and shoulders at temples, mosques, and most restaurants outside beach resorts. Try not to wear white clothes, since they show dust and sweat easily and are not practical for walking around places like Karnak or the Valley of the Kings. Knee-length shorts are acceptable, but save short shorts and sleeveless tops for pool areas in Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, where the dress code is much more relaxed than in cities like Cairo or Luxor. For shoes, leave hiking boots at home. They are too warm for Egypt, and closed, breathable sneakers or trail running shoes are better for sand, uneven stones, and long days of walking. Sandals are fine at your hotel, but you will wish you had sturdier shoes when walking through the sand and gravel at the Giza plateau. Here’s a tip from the Egypt Holiday Makers team: bring a lightweight scarf, no matter your gender. It can protect your neck from the sun, serve as a quick head covering at mosques, and add an extra layer on air-conditioned buses, which are often colder than you might think.

2Seasonal Packing Guide: Summer vs. Winter in Egypt

The packing list you need for a trip to Egypt depends heavily on the season—a point often overlooked by general travel guides. During summer (May to October), temperatures in Cairo and Luxor often exceed 40°C (104°F), while in Aswan they can approach 50°C (122°F). Therefore, pack lightweight clothing, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, and prioritize hydration over packing extra clothes. In winter (November to February), daytime temperatures usually hover around 20°C (68°F), but they can drop to between 8°C and 11°C (the mid-40s to low-50s Fahrenheit) at night, especially in desert areas or along the banks of the Nile. Bring a light jacket or fleece for the evenings, as many first-time visitors are surprised by how cold it gets after dark. Coastal areas are an exception; cities like Dahab, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Hurghada stay warmer and offer a more relaxed atmosphere year-round than inland cities. In these regions, swimwear and light cover-ups (such as a light cardigan or beach wrap) matter far more than packing multiple layers.

3Documents, Visa Costs, and Money Essentials

Most travel guides on trip preparation overlook this, even though it can decide whether you save money or incur extra expenses. Visa: As of April 2026, an Egypt e-Visa costs $30 for a single entry (up from $25) and $65 for multiple entries. You can purchase it directly from the official portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg. A visa-on-arrival also costs $30, payable in cash (US dollars, euros, or British pounds) at the airport. Apply for the e-Visa in advance; beware of intermediary websites that mimic the government portal, as they often charge $40 or more for the same visa. At the airport, staff at “VIP” counters may try to persuade you to pay up to $50 for the same visa sticker; simply head to the standard visa counter to avoid these extra charges. Cash: You will need cash in Egypt for most transactions outside of hotels and large restaurants, especially in markets. Carry a money belt or secure travel wallet, and keep small Egyptian pound banknotes on hand for tips, taxi fares, and shopping; small vendors often struggle to make change for large bills, which can be inconvenient. Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and has at least one blank page. It is also a good idea to keep a photo of your passport’s personal data page on your phone as a backup.

4Staying Connected: SIM Cards, Apps, and Electronics

Tourist SIM cards are affordable and easy to get at the airport or from an official carrier store. In 2026, Orange’s “Orange Holidays” plan costs about $4.23 for 20GB over 28 days, and Etisalat’s Traveler Line is about the same price for 7GB. Vodafone is pricier, around $22 to $60 depending on how much data you want, but it offers the best coverage in rural and desert areas. This is helpful if you plan to travel outside Cairo and the Nile corridor. Remember to bring your passport, as you’ll need it to register your SIM. Egypt uses 220V electricity with Type C and Type F plugs, which are common in most of continental Europe. Most modern devices only need a simple plug adapter. You won’t need a voltage converter for phones, cameras, or laptops. Before you arrive, download offline Google Maps for the cities you plan to visit. If you want food delivery for nights when you prefer to stay in, get the Talabat app as well.

5Health, Sun Protection, and Hydration

Tap water in Egypt isn’t safe to drink. Plan to buy bottled water during your trip, or bring a reusable bottle with a built-in filter if you want to use less plastic. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and COVID-19 before traveling to Egypt. Visit a travel clinic a few weeks before you leave, as some vaccines need time to work. Bring anti-diarrheal medicine, even if you plan to be careful with food and water. Many travelers end up needing it. If you’ll be near the Nile, pack mosquito repellent from home, since local brands are often not as effective. Most town pharmacies do sell basic repellent if you need more. Sun protection is essential. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protected sunglasses. Reapply sunscreen more often than you think you need to, because the desert sun is stronger than it seems in the dry heat.

6What NOT to Pack for Egypt

Drones. It’s illegal to bring a drone into Egypt without permission, and travelers have had them taken at the airport and only given back when they leave. If you want to take aerial photos, get a permit before your trip instead of risking problems at customs. Valuable jewelry or flashy designer items. It’s best to leave anything that stands out at home. This is common advice for places with busy tourist areas, and Egypt is no different. Heavy guidebooks and standalone cameras, unless you really want to bring them. For most people, a smartphone with offline maps and a good camera app is enough, and it means you carry less. All-white outfits. These aren’t practical because of the dust and sweat, and they don’t help you fit in with local clothing styles.

7Packing List by Trip Type

• Nile Cruise: Bring some nicer clothes for dinners on the boat, a light cover-up for relaxing on deck, and a small bag for day trips to temples like Kom Ombo and Edfu.
• Desert Safari (White Desert, Siwa, Western Desert): Pack a warm layer for chilly nights, sturdy closed shoes, a headlamp, and a scarf to protect yourself from sandstorms.
• Red Sea Beach (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab): swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and snorkel gear if you own it — rental gear at resorts is available but often lower quality.

8Quick Price Reference Table (2026)

Item	Local Price	USD Equivalent
E-visa (single entry)	—	$30
E-visa (multiple entry)	—	$65
Tourist SIM (Orange, 20GB/28 days)	200 EGP	~$4.23
Tourist SIM (Vodafone, 20GB/30 days)	—	~$47
Grand Egyptian Museum (foreign adult)	1,450 EGP	~$30
Grand Egyptian Museum (foreign student/child)	730 EGP	~$15
Bottled water (1.5L, local shop)	10–15 EGP	~$0.20–0.30

Prices were verified in September 2026 and may change. Book Grand Egyptian Museum tickets in advance on visit-gem.com, as tickets are not sold at the entrance to foreign visitors.

9FAQs About Packing for Egypt

Can I wear shorts in Egypt?

Yes, you can, but it’s best to choose knee-length or longer shorts, especially if you’re not at a beach resort. Cities like Cairo and Luxor are more conservative than places like Hurghada or Dahab, where shorter shorts are less likely to stand out.

What’s the dress code for religious sites in Egypt?

In both mosques and churches, everyone is expected to cover their shoulders and knees. Women should also bring a scarf to cover their hair when visiting active mosques. Everyone must remove their shoes before entering prayer areas, so wearing shoes that are easy to take off will make things easier.

Do I need to bring toilet paper to Egypt?

Many public restrooms outside hotels and main tourist spots don’t have toilet paper. It’s a good idea to carry a small pack of tissues—this is a practical habit, not just being overly cautious.

Can I use credit cards in Egypt?

You can use credit cards at hotels, bigger restaurants, and chain stores. However, markets, small shops, and most taxis only take cash. It’s helpful to carry Egyptian pounds in small bills so you don’t have to keep visiting the ATM or run into trouble if a vendor can’t give you change.

Is travel insurance necessary for a trip to Egypt?

It’s a good idea to get travel insurance for Egypt. The heat, different food and water, and the chance of needing emergency medical help—especially if you’re going to remote desert or Nile areas—make it worth having.

How much does a tourist SIM card cost in Egypt?

Affordable tourist SIM cards from Orange and Etisalat start at about $4 to $6 for 7 to 20GB of data over 28 to 30 days. Vodafone costs more, up to $60, but gives you better coverage in rural and desert regions.

10Final Note from the Egypt Holiday Makers Team

When packing for Egypt, you’ll need to balance staying cool with dressing modestly. Once you figure that out, everything else is simple. Most travelers don’t have trouble with clothing, but they often forget to plan for the visa fee, bring local cash for markets, or get a SIM card before leaving the airport. Take care of those three things before you arrive, dress for the weather and local customs, and your trip should go smoothly.