Quick Guide: Before Your Travel to Egypt

Embarking on a journey to Egypt promises an adventure filled with wonders both ancient and modern. As you prepare for your trip, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right essentials to make the most of your experience. From exploring the majestic pyramids of Giza to navigating the bustling streets of Cairo, we’ve curated a list of helpful items to ensure a smooth and memorable journey through this fascinating land. Discover what to pack and prepare for your Egyptian adventure with our quick guide below.

Customs

Free foreign currency is allowed in and out of the country. A declaration form must be completed if objects of value, such as Jewellery or electronic devices like video cameras, professional still photography cameras, sound systems, etc., are imported.

The visitor is permitted to enter the country with 250 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars, one liter of alcohol and personal affects.

Cairo International Airport is one of the few airports that have a duty free shop upon arrival and departure.

Currency The Egyptian Pound (LE) is divided into 100 Piaster (PT). For guidance on currency exchange rates, please refer to any bank or foreign exchange bureau. Visitors are advised to keep a cash supply at hand, as credit card options are not guaranteed.

Business Hours

Banks are open Sundays to Thursday from 8:30 to 14:00 and are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. ATM’s are available round-the-clock outside all banks and in most commercial areas. Most embassies take a two-day weekend, either Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday. Shops generally operate from 9:00 to 21:00, and some close on Sundays.

What to Wear

Advisable attire is light cotton in the summer and woolens in the winter. In the evenings, a jumper or an overcoat may be required. With respect to Egyptian culture, where semi-conservative clothing is the norm, it is wise to generally avoid very brief clothing. In all seasons, light walking shoes and a hat are essential. Sunglasses can be quite useful.

On Departure

Travelers are free to buy and export Egyptian goods. There are restrictions on certain items that are not permitted to leave the country. Under no circumstances are antiquities, either ancient Egyptian or Islamic, permitted to be exported. Nor are precious jewels, carpets, paintings or other works older than 100 years.

What to Bring

Egypt is modern country, and most anything that you need may be purchased in Egypt. But providing that you do not wish to purchase such things as shoes in Egypt, and that other items may be difficult to find, or very expensive, we have compiled a checklist of some of the more important items you may wish to carry with you.

Contending with Sun and Heat

Hats and other covering: Large brimmed hats that provide not only a head covering but also a certain amount of shade will come in very handy in the hot Egyptian sun. In addition, women will be more acceptable when touring old churches and mosques if they are wearing some sort of head covering. In addition, scarves or other apparel should be taken along to cover shoulders and arms, and again, or not only important for visiting religious sites, but also to keep the sun off during treks. In very hot weather, a cloth hat or scarf that can be soaked will also help keep your head cool.

Sun block: While sun blocks may be purchased in Egypt, you might prefer to bring your own favorite brand, but do bring it.

Sunglasses: Another item that may be purchased in Egypt is sunglasses, but again, many people will prefer to bring their own. There will be many times that tourists find themselves in a blaring, sand and desert landscape and there is nothing better than a good pair of sunglasses, with the highest UV rating you can find.

Canteen or water holder: Staying hydrated will mean the difference between a comfortable tour and one that might end with trouble. Most people quickly learn to carry a water bottle with them, and bottled water is easily accessible. However, lugging around a water bottle in your hand can be tiresome. It is much better to bring along either a canteen, or some other utensil that will allow you to carry the water bottle on your waist or around your shoulder. Fanny packs or backpacks with holders for water bottles, and for women, even a shoulder bag type of purse will make this more convenient.

Other Needs

Very good, comfortable walking shoes: This is probably one of the first things most people will tell you to bring to Egypt. Most tourists will be doing a considerable amount of walking, and shoes should not be just comfortable, but comfortable to walk long distances. Unlike leather shoes for mountain walks and such, it is also preferable for walking shoes to be breathable and perhaps made of a lightweight nylon or similar fabric. “Tennis shoes” or other sporting type of shoes are good for this. Also, keep in mind that there are a lot of steps in Egypt.

Power Adapters: Power Adapters come in two different varieties. Some electronic equipment has switches to allow you to change the power input type. For these, a simple wall adapter is all that is required. However, other electronic devices do not have such switches and in this case, you not only need a wall adapter, but also a power converter. Egypt uses 220 volt and plugs are two prong rounded. We recommend traveling with a universal adapter.

Medication: Remember to pack your prescription medications for your trip to Egypt. While many medications are available in Egyptian pharmacies, they may be under different brand names. Bringing your preferred non-prescription medications is advisable as well. Items like heartburn medication and pain relievers might differ in availability or brand, so having your favorites on hand can be convenient. Additionally, ensure you have an ample supply of any prescription medications you require throughout your journey. Be mindful of any restrictions or laws regarding the importation of medication into Egypt.

Camera: Most people are not going to forget to bring their cameras on an Egyptian tour. However, a couple of things should be pointed out. First, while you may take pictures as you like from the outside of most monuments, many require that you do not use a flash when taking pictures inside. If you intend to take pictures inside tombs, for example, you will need to bring high-speed film. Most people use ASA 800 film, which they push to 1600. For the most part, this requires a good 35 mm SLR camera. In addition, monuments in Egypt are truly monumental, and tourists will often be disappointed with regular lenses. If possible, a good wide-angle lens will be nice to bring along. A video camera will also provide you with nice souvenir footage of your trip, however, keep in mind that filming inside many of the museums, monuments and tombs is prohibited.

Guide Books: Such as the “Lonely Planet” or “Rough Guide” or any number of other good guides. While you may be on a guided tour, such a book will give you time to orient yourself both before and after the actual tours to various locations. In addition, foreign printed guidebooks may be somewhat more expensive in Egypt, even though they are available. You may also wish to look around once in Egypt for other guidebooks.

An Extra Bag: A bag, preferably soft, which can be crunched up and carried into Egypt in another bag, will be handy for most people. The bag will then be used to carry back souvenirs. Alternatively, many business people or guests of Egyptians often bring presents into Egypt, and once emptied, the bag is used to bring souvenirs back. Again, bags may be easily purchased in Egypt, but are likely to be less expensive if you buy it at home and bring it to Egypt.

Sewing Kits: Some of the larger hotels, as well as some of the better-equipped smaller hotels (the Long champs) may supply a sewing kit in your room.

Alcoholic Beverages: There are good suitable beers and wines in Egypt that are highly affordable, and it is not necessary to bring in such items unless you have a very acute taste for a particular brand.

Quick Guide: Useful items to bring and pack for your trip to Egypt

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the strong Egyptian sun.
• Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from the glare and dust.
• Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight and breathable fabrics to stay cool in the heat.
• Scarf or Shawl: Useful for covering your head or shoulders when visiting religious sites.
• Power Adapter: Egypt generally uses European-style plugs. It’s advisable to carry a universal adapter or one specifically designed for European plugs to ensure compatibility with Egyptian outlets during your travels.
• Camera or Smartphone: Capture memories of your trip to Egypt.
• Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go.
• Comfortable Shoes: Especially if you plan to explore historical sites like the pyramids.
• Travel Insurance: Stay worry-free throughout your Egyptian adventure with our comprehensive travel insurance. Get in touch with our friendly agents to learn more.
• Bug Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in the evenings.
• Basic Medications: Pain relievers, antacids, and any prescription medications you may need.
• Cash: Have some local currency (Egyptian pounds) and US dollars on hand for small purchases or tipping.
• Travel Backpack or Bag: Convenient for carrying your essentials during day trips.
• Hand Sanitizer: Maintain hygiene while traveling, especially in crowded or public places.
• Tissues and Wet Wipes: Handy for cleaning up messes or refreshing yourself while on the go.
• Map of Cairo: Navigate the bustling streets of Cairo with ease on your days of leisure.
• Map of Egypt: Track your journey across Egypt’s diverse landscapes while on tour.