What to Pack and Tips on What to Wear in Egypt
You’ve just booked a trip to one of the most amazing countries in the world and now you’re wondering – what on earth do I wear in Egypt? What should be on my Egypt Packing LIst? As a western women who has been to Egypt with two huge groups of girls TWICE and done lots of research on how to blend in, the best things to wear in Egypt as a tourist and the best things to wear in Egypt as a female traveler – I’ve got you! I’ve spent WEEKS in Egypt and compiled a list of the essentials for an amazing trip to Egypt!
Looking for a packing list? I have one that I share with all my girls on my trips below!
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).
Best way to get to Egypt?
If you are still figuring out flights to Egypt, my favorite tool is Kayak.com – they have the most comprehensive list of flights from different airlines and filters to select when you want to arrive/depart. Plus you can set up flight alerts on Kayak.com so if you’re watching the price and waiting for it to come down, they’ll email you! They even have a way to freeze flight prices for a few days for a few dollars too!
Whats the Culture of Egypt like?
For reference – Islam is the official religion of Egypt. Most Egyptian woman are dressed very modestly. You’ll be sure to run into man that cover their shoulders, knees, and even their hair. This isn’t the case for all women in Egypt – there are in fact more progressive areas of Egypt where they are more relaxed with modesty.
As a western women traveling in Egypt – you will definitely get attention from men. If you decide to wear things that are considered inappropriate in their culture you will get stared at and most likely catcalled too. I’m here to help you navigate the best things to buy, bring and wear in Egypt so you can avoid this!
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.
Weather in Egypt
I would highly suggest only going to Egypt during high season – the summer in Egypt is absolutely brutal and makes the visit almost unbearable. High season in Egypt is considered October – May. The temperatures in the hot desert climate of Egypt during these months ranges from 59 – 85°F. In the summer months expect it to climb well over 100. I went at the end of April and on April 30th we were experiencing 105 degrees in Karnack Temple making it very very rough to enjoy.
If you visit in the winter months of December – March you may want to bring a sweater & maybe a raincoat as it can get a tad cold & sometimes wet in the winter.
Another thing I’d suggest taking a look at before you book your trip is when is Ramadan? Ramadan is a period where many muslims do not eat or drink during the day time and that sometimes can impact your trip. Some restaurants won’t be open their full normal hours. I experienced Ramadan on my trip in April 2022 and although it did not significantly impact our trip, we did feel empathy towards our guide at the end of the day – especially the hotter ones. It influenced when we ate because we wanted to enjoy eating with our guide (he was amazing) so we often waited on him. I would absolutely tell you to avoid visiting during the feast (after ramadan) but a visit during ramadan isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
What to Pack for Egypt
Luggage for Egypt
My very best luggage suggestion is to bring 1 checked bag and a back pack – especially if you’re flying from place to place. If you’re flying within Egypt domestically – check your airlines luggage requirements but most allow 1 checked bag for 22KG and then one 7kg carry on (think 15lb back pack). I personally LOVE Away Luggage and will recommend them to anyone that asks. They stand behind their warranty policy like no other company I’ve ever experienced. This link will save you $20 on your purchase with them if you’re looking to buy new luggage.
Compression Travel Bags
I am very much anti-travel packing cubes. They’re great for organization but they don’t actually do anything for compression. Compression Travel Bags are one of my favorite travel accessories. I have these from Amazon.com & they come with an electric pump that is tiny enough to pack. I am able to pack SO much more in my suitcase because of these Compression Travel Bags. I always bring an extra for dirty clothes. The one thing I’ve learned when traveling is to NOT overpack the compression bags or you will rip them.
Clothing
What do I wear in Egypt? Is the number one question I get. This is going to vary based on where you are in Egypt.
When traveling to Egypt, it’s important to keep the hot weather and cultural customs in mind when choosing what to wear. Light, airy fabrics like linen, cotton, and athletic gear are your best bet for staying cool and comfortable.
Both men and women should avoid clothing that is too revealing and aim to cover their shoulders and knees.
This will help you blend in with the locals and avoid any potential misunderstandings. To avoid standing out, it’s best to avoid shorts that are too short and tight-fitting singlets. By dressing modestly, you can show respect for the local culture and avoid attracting unwanted attention.
If you’re going to from your hotel to sites like Karnack Temple or Valley of the Kings you’ll notice people are way more loose about what theyre wearing since there are more tourists in those areas then the locals. If you’re going out into the markets and walking thorugh the streets then you’ll notice people are way more dressed “appropriately” for the area.
I suggest bringing a mix of things – most that lean more conservative. I like to bring dresses that I love that maybe are spaghetti strap and I’ll just throw a scarf or pashmina on overtop in areas where I feel its necessary.
Now if you’re out in the beach areas around Sharm or Hurghada you’ll notice all the recommendations people make online go out the window. Since they are beach areas, you’ll find many more people wearing clothing that are more western or things you’re use to seeing.
Footwear
I am a huge fan of wearing sandals when I travel but I will say that Egypt is VERY dusty and if you’re walking around the sites and through pyramids its very rocky too. My suggestion would be a good pair of walking shoes. I do bring my sandals because they’re so easy on my feet & love taking photos in them, but my feet do get ultra dirty in them. I’d suggest bringing at least 1 pair of tennis shoes or sneakers that you can do 10k+ steps a day in then a second pair of sandals for casual around your hotel wear. You don’t need heels or boots in Egypt!
Electronics
When you’re making a packing list for Egypt you definitely need to pack a travel adapter – I use this universal travel plug on all my adventures. It has all the different options for different countries and works in Egypt too!
When it comes to heating tools – you’re better off leaving your hair dryer at home. Most hotels have hair dryers and there isn’t a voltage converter out there that’ll work on your hair dryer. If you’re going to bring other heat tool you’ll need a voltage converter. This is the voltage converter that I use. Even with the voltage converter you definitely need to use it on low heat.
When it comes to taking video on vacation I LOVE using my GoPro. Its great for underwater shots when snorkeling and just on the go things where you don’t have use of both your hands – like ATV riding or Camel Rides! The newest ones are waterproof! I love THIS bag of attachments because it has all the wrist straps & helmet straps that you would ever want to use with your go pro.
Everything Else
There are a bunch of other items I bring on EVERY trip with me that I’ve put into an Amazon Shopping list that you can check out here. Everything from what I put my perfume in to for travel to what my favorite sandals are to walk 20k steps in!
What not to Pack for Egypt
Hair Dryers
Every hotel has one – and even if it doesn’t, you need a travel hair dryer that is compatible with the voltage requirements in other countries. The hair dryers you have in Europe & the USA will not work in Egypt. They have a different voltage system and you’ll get about 30 seconds into using it before you’ll be throwing it in the trash. If your hotel doesnt have a hair dryer – call the front desk and ask for one. Im sure they have extras.
Shorts & Tube Tops in Egypt?
Shorts that are just meant for the beach & any top that shows your mid drift should be left at home. Even if you’re in a touristy area, there are people who will stare. Remember this is a modesty country and you should dress as such.
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