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Egypt North Africa

What to Pack for Cairo, Egypt

From the Pyramids of Giza to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar to a Nile felucca at sunset, here is everything that earns its place in your bag.

4 seasons covered
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On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Overview
  3. Spring (Mar-May)
  4. Summer (Jun-Aug)
  5. Autumn (Sep-Nov)
  6. Winter (Dec-Feb)
  7. Packing Tips
  8. FAQ

Quick answer

Pack for Cairo with lightweight breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees for mosque visits and conservative neighborhoods, a wide-brim hat and high-SPF sunscreen for desert sun, a Type C/F adapter for Egyptian outlets (220V/50Hz), sturdy closed-toe walking shoes for pyramid sites and dusty streets, a scarf or pashmina for women to cover head at mosques, and small denomination Egyptian pounds for tipping (baksheesh is expected). Drink bottled water only.

Seasons

4 seasons covered

Region

North Africa

Temp range

46-104°F

Country

Egypt

Pack for Cairo with lightweight breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees for mosque visits and conservative neighborhoods, a wide-brim hat and high-SPF sunscreen for desert sun, a Type C/F adapter for Egyptian outlets (220V/50Hz), sturdy closed-toe walking shoes for pyramid sites and dusty streets, a scarf or pashmina for women to cover head at mosques, and small denomination Egyptian pounds for tipping (baksheesh is expected). Drink bottled water only. Visa-on-arrival is $25 USD at Cairo Airport.

Packing for Cairo means packing for desert heat, sun, dust, and modesty norms that matter at mosques and in conservative neighborhoods. Egypt is a Muslim-majority country with a culturally diverse capital where dress norms vary by district. Tourist areas (Giza, Khan el-Khalili, Zamalek hotels) are more relaxed; the local neighborhoods, mosques, and Coptic churches require covered shoulders and knees for both men and women. Pack a lightweight scarf or pashmina to cover head and shoulders when visiting mosques (provided at some sites, but having your own is more reliable).

Summer in Cairo is brutal: highs reach 38 to 42 C from June through August with low humidity and intense sun. Cool, breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, technical fabrics) are non-negotiable. Winter (December-February) is the best time to visit: daytime highs 18 to 22 C with cool nights down to 8 C. Spring and autumn are warm and dusty; the khamaseen wind in March-April can bring sandstorms.

Water is the biggest health consideration. Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and ubiquitous (5-10 EGP for 1.5L from any kiosk). Brush your teeth with bottled water if you are concerned. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are at a major international hotel. Bring a sturdy refillable bottle and use it with bottled or filtered water to reduce plastic waste.

Temperature: 55-95°F MAY 26 Spring is warm to hot with the khamaseen sandstorm wind possible in March and April. April-May highs reach 30 to 35 C. Dust is the major issue; March can see two or three sandstorm days that fill the air with fine sand. Nights stay warm at 15-20 C.

👕Clothing

Essentials

  • Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors x4 (Sun and modesty; loose linen or technical fabric)
  • Lightweight pants or maxi skirts x2 (Cover knees for mosques and conservative areas)
  • Lightweight scarf or pashmina (Head covering for mosque visits)
  • Light cardigan for AC interiors and cool evenings
  • Underwear and socks x7

Nice to Have

  • Loose tunic or kaftan (Useful for layering at mosques and bazaars)

👟Footwear

Essentials

  • Closed-toe walking shoes with sturdy soles (Sand, dust, and broken pavement)
  • Socks (extra pairs to handle dust) x5

Nice to Have

  • Casual sandals for hotels and Zamalek

🧴Toiletries & Health

Essentials

  • Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ (Desert UV is intense year-round)
  • Lip balm with SPF (Dry desert air cracks lips fast)
  • Prescription medications
  • Imodium and oral rehydration salts (Stomach trouble is common; be prepared)
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes x2 (Public restrooms often lack soap and paper)

Nice to Have

  • After-sun gel or aloe
  • Saline nasal spray (Helpful for sandstorm days)

🔌Electronics & Gear

Essentials

  • Type C/F power adapter x2 (220V/50Hz)
  • Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh) (Hotel power is reliable but excursion days are long)
  • Phone charging cable

Nice to Have

  • Lens-cleaning cloth x2 (Dust on camera and phone lenses is constant)
  • Camera or phone with strong sun-bright display

💳Documents & Money

Essentials

  • Passport with 6+ months validity
  • $25 USD cash for visa on arrival (Exact change is easier than asking for change at the visa desk)
  • Travel insurance card
  • Two credit cards x2 (Visa and Mastercard widely accepted at hotels and chain restaurants)
  • Egyptian pounds (small denominations) for tipping (200-400 EGP per day in 5, 10, 20 notes)

🎒Day Bag Essentials

Essentials

  • Crossbody bag with zippered main compartment (Pickpocketing at Khan el-Khalili and tourist sites)
  • Insulated reusable water bottle (1L+) (Fill from sealed bottled water)
  • Wide-brim sun hat
  • Sunglasses with UV protection

Nice to Have

  • Dust mask or buff (For khamaseen sandstorm days)

Packing Tips for Cairo, Egypt

  1. 1 Egypt uses Type C and Type F outlets at 220V/50Hz. Bring a Europe-style adapter; US dual-voltage chargers work fine, single-voltage hair tools will burn out.
  2. 2 Visa on arrival at Cairo Airport costs $25 USD (single entry, 30 days) for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens. E-visa is also available online before arrival. Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond entry date.
  3. 3 Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap (5-10 EGP for 1.5L) and ubiquitous. Brush teeth with bottled water if you are sensitive. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are at a 4-5 star international hotel.
  4. 4 Modest dress matters at mosques and conservative neighborhoods. Cover shoulders and knees for both men and women. Women should bring a lightweight scarf for head coverage at mosques (provided at some but not all sites).
  5. 5 Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded. Plan for small EGP notes (5, 10, 20) constantly: bathroom attendants, hotel porters, drivers, mosque caretakers. Budget 100-200 EGP per day in small notes per traveler.
  6. 6 Wear closed-toe shoes at pyramid sites and around old Cairo. Dust, gravel, and occasional broken pavement make sandals impractical. Save sandals for hotel and Zamalek dining.
  7. 7 Cash is essential. Major hotels and tourist restaurants take cards, but most shops, taxis, and small restaurants are cash only. Use ATMs at major banks (CIB, NBE, HSBC). Skip the airport currency desks and use ATMs in town.
  8. 8 Uber and Careem work in Cairo and are dramatically easier than haggling with street taxis. Both apps work with foreign phones and credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for Cairo in summer?
Pack lightweight loose long-sleeve shirts and long pants (long sleeves are cooler in direct sun than bare skin), a wide-brim sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, electrolyte tablets, a large insulated water bottle (1.5L+), a lightweight scarf for mosque head coverage, and closed-toe walking shoes for dusty sites. The Pyramids and outdoor sites are best at dawn (open ~6 AM); midday in July-August reaches 38-42 C and is genuinely dangerous.
Do I need a visa to visit Cairo?
Yes for most travelers. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens can get a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport for $25 USD (single entry, 30 days). E-visa is also available online before arrival. Bring exact $25 USD cash for the on-arrival option; the visa counter does not always have change. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and have at least one blank page.
What dress code should I follow in Cairo?
Modest dress is expected in mosques, conservative neighborhoods, and Coptic churches. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees. Women should bring a lightweight scarf or pashmina to cover their head when entering mosques (some sites provide cover-ups but not all). Tourist hotels in Zamalek and Garden City are more relaxed; bikinis are fine at international hotel pools. Khan el-Khalili and old Cairo neighborhoods require modesty.
Can I drink tap water in Cairo?
No. Do not drink tap water in Cairo. Bottled water is cheap (5-10 EGP for 1.5L from any kiosk or supermarket) and ubiquitous. Brush teeth with bottled water if you are sensitive to changes in water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are at a major international hotel. Salads washed in tap water can also cause stomach trouble; choose cooked vegetables when possible at street-food spots.
How much tipping (baksheesh) should I budget?
Plan for 200-400 EGP (about $4-8 USD) per day in small denominations (5, 10, 20 EGP notes) for tips: bathroom attendants 5-10 EGP, hotel porters 20-50 EGP per bag, restaurant servers 10-15 percent (often added automatically as service charge, check the bill), drivers 10-20 percent, mosque caretakers 20-50 EGP, and unexpected baksheesh requests at sites. Carry small denominations constantly; large notes create awkwardness.
What power adapter do I need for Cairo?
Egypt uses Type C and Type F outlets at 220V/50Hz, the same as most of continental Europe. A Europe-style two-round-pin adapter works in any Cairo outlet. Most US dual-voltage chargers (phones, laptops, camera batteries) work fine with the adapter alone. Single-voltage hair tools will burn out, so leave them home or buy a dual-voltage travel version.
What should I NOT bring to Cairo?
Skip single-voltage hair tools (they will burn out), revealing clothing for mosque or conservative-neighborhood visits, large amounts of euros or US dollars (use ATMs in town instead), and expensive jewelry or watches (target for theft and unnecessary attention). Also skip alcohol from duty-free for personal hotel-room consumption; Egypt has alcohol limits at customs (1 liter per traveler). Drones require advance permits and are often confiscated at the airport without one.
What should I pack to prevent stomach trouble?
Pack Imodium (or generic loperamide), oral rehydration salts (or electrolyte packets like Pedialyte powder), hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and an antibacterial like activated charcoal or Pepto-Bismol. Many travelers experience stomach trouble in Egypt; preparation helps. Stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and tooth-brushing, avoid ice in drinks at non-international hotels, and choose cooked vegetables over raw salads at most restaurants. Street food is often safer than mid-tier tourist restaurants because turnover is faster.

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