I’ve been living with my husband for a while now. Cairo, EgyptWe have lived in since moving here, and our first child was born during that time. As a mother, I have experienced extreme desert climates in both the summers of the city, with temperatures over 100 degrees, and the winters at 60 degrees.
Also, I’ve created a must-have list based off of some of my favorite activities to do in the area, such as playing golf The following are some examples of how to get started: going to the beach. Egypt, despite being a vast desert, has some amazing resort towns. You should not underestimate the number of essentials for your Egyptian adventure. Ahead, you’ll find everything I never leave home without—and tell visitors to pack—including sightseeing necessities.
Quick Tips
- Travelers should consider flying to Cairo International Airport if they want their bags checked. carry-on onlyWhenever possible, if you can.
- Pack loose-fitting clothing Layers to combat heat and modesty concerns.
- Keep a stash of a pack of wipes Toilet paper is not available in many public restrooms.
Packing Checklist for Egypt
Clothing
Shoes and Accessories
Gear and other essentials
Clothing
People in a cosmopolitan place wear different clothing. Even though shorter silhouettes are commonplace at home you may prefer to opt for longer, lighter clothing that will protect you from the sun. sun’s strong rays. When I pack, I start by laying out all of my items. suitcase, toiletry bag. packing cubes. I then organize my packing cubicles based on what’s inside, starting with dresses and ending with socks.
Before moving to this area, I bought affordable linen pieces in white and beige colors from the cult favorite brand Quince. This is also a good idea Marcella midi-dress It’s easy to dress up for brunch and you can even wear it with a hat. KHUFU’s restaurant An afternoon at the underrated Pyramids Gayer Anderson museumIt is located next to the medieval town of Medieval Ibn Tulun mosque.
You won’t attract attention when you are out and around if your legs are covered. People wear sleeveless tops or dresses when it’s hot. However, you won’t be allowed into religious sites if you don’t cover your knees, shoulders and head. Only the other thing that I recommend you have is sun-protective clothingYou can also invest in a swimsuit that has UPF.
Shoes and Accessories
You will have to clean your shoes because of the dust, and there are no sidewalks. This is something that I have to deal with when wearing my white shoes. Veja sneakers a matching linen set. When I want to change things up, I use my comfy Rothy’s flatsSince the brand is known to be machine washable, I don’t mind ruining it.
Women will need to cover their heads. with a scarfI would suggest wearing shoes, as everyone is required to remove their shoes at a Mosque. with socks. You can sometimes find plastic shoe covers in the mosque that look like shower cap. Or, there are cubbies to leave your shoes behind. You can choose to leave your shoes in either cubby or plastic cover. Just bring small bills, as the attendant may ask you for tip. You can avoid this by simply carrying your shoes as you visit the mosque.
My sunglasses and my hats are the other accessories I like to use. tan baseball cap My clothes don’t get dirty very easily. Ray-ban Meta glasses. The busy streets without pedestrian lights and the need to be extra vigilant when crossing them are just two of the many challenges that you will face. protective eyewear It’s a great idea to keep your hands free without missing any memorable moments. take photos Clicking a button is all it takes.
Gear and other essentials
Cairo can be a large city with heavy traffic at certain times of the day. Bring everything you need. The roads are usually clear in the early mornings of the weekend, which is Friday and Saturday as Egypt follows an Islamic calendar. Remember that the schedule will impact when sites are opened.
You won’t be able to last the full day of sightseeing without a water bottle, sunscreen It is important that you reapply consistently. portable charger Because extreme heat can reduce the battery life. I also enjoy treating myself to a Dior balm that can revitalize and moisturize my hands, body, and lips—plus, it smells fantastic. Since there is no soap or toilet tissue in public restrooms, I always carry the Aesop rinse-free hand wash The following are some examples of how to get started: Goodwipes I’m with you.
Cairo has a lot of coffee shops and sweets, but there aren’t many places to get a quick snack at major attractions outside the capital. rely on snacks My bag is always stocked with a little something to boost my mood. This must-have and more pile up in my bag. Dagne Dover backpack This bag is a diaper bag that comes with a changing pad. I have only ever seen this in a bathroom at a restaurant.
Add a few more things to your list Egyptian Hieroglyphs for Complete Beginners The following are some examples of how to get started: Islamic Monuments in Cairo Your cart. A trip to Egypt is not complete without seeing ancient temples and graves of a size that you will never see anywhere else. Learn to read the ancient Egyptian language and make the experience more immersive. Bill Manley’s guide helped me to recognize words and phrases in magnificent temples, even though I am not fluent. Cairo’s old city is full of ancient monuments, medieval mosques, and other architectural treasures. Caroline Williams’ book of architectural tours has been a great resource for us to experience off-the-beaten path experiences.
You Might Also Need
Other popular activities are available in Egypt, including a stay at the Cairo area and its surrounding areas. A luxurious Nile Cruise requires very little packing, but more active activities will require advance planning to save suitcase space. sporty necessities.
- Golfing: Golfers rejoice! In Cairo, golfers can enjoy the expensive sport at a very reasonable price. Hilton Pyramids Golf HotelMy husband and I are even members of the Katameya Height club, where I wear my fun, printed t-shirt. We are both members of the Katameya Heights Club, where I wear my fun, printed shirt. golf apparel. If you are on the fence bringing your golf clubsJust know that they are very useful.
- Watersports: Egypt is a desert but you should not overlook the many watersports that are available. necessary gear. Tourists flock to snorkeling and scuba dive The Red Sea is known for its diverse marine life, and the coral reefs that are found in the Ras Mohammed National Park which is located in Sharm El Sheik. Dahab offers the calmest and most tranquil environment for snorkeling. You can also visit the Valley of the Kings in LuxorKite surfing is a great way to cool off in Hurghada. It’s also possible to go snorkeling or scuba diving.
- Cruising: Spending money is a good idea. luxury cruise along the Nile. This is a magical and surreal experience, which I still want to do before we depart early next year. Our friends say that a Nile Cruise can be a bad experience if you don’t pay attention to the details. Consider going between October to April, when the weather will be ideal. You won’t have to worry about heat waves or sandstorms.
Common Questions
What is prohibited in Egypt?
According to the Egypt E-Visa siteThere’s a list of prohibited goods, which includes “explosives and drugs, firearms and narcotics as well as antiques, agricultural products, food, and much more.” A permit is required to import a drone.
How can I travel around Egypt easily?
My international roaming is included in my monthly fee and I continue to use it even as a full time resident. T-Mobile monthly plan. It is fast enough for you to use Google Maps to navigate and to call Uber. You can also purchase a local SIM through Vodafone, Orange or Etisalat at the Cairo Airport, or when you arrive to your destination.
Cairo’s public transportation is very affordable. However, there are different levels of affordability. Even crossing the street or walking can be stressful, as there are no pedestrian signals, crosswalks, or traffic lights. There are also cheap cabs. However, I wouldn’t recommend taking one unless your driver is willing to accept a price negotiation or you can give him directions in Arabic. Uber is the next option, but it can be hit-or-miss because of glitches in the app. You may even be asked to cross a busy road to be picked up. Uber Comfort gives me the best chance of getting an air-conditioned car and a good driver.
Most guide services will be able to arrange for you a private driver. If you want to start your trip off right, I suggest hiring private transportation An expeditor can be waiting for you before customs to get you through quickly. It’s common for airport personnel to ask you if your luggage and transportation is needed. By using an expeditor, you can avoid being bothered and overcharged.
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Isis Briones She has been living in Egypt for the past year and a quarter with her husband, a diplomat and six-month old daughter. The couple has traveled back and forth to the desert destination several times since moving.
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