While it is hot most months in Egypt, it is social standard for both women and men to dress conservatively and limit the amount of skin showing on their arms, legs and chest. Pack 3/4 or long-sleeved tops and knee-length or longer pants in lightweight fabrics such as cotton and linen. Some tourists ignore these guidelines, but it's a sign of respect toward the Egyptian culture and people to follow dress norms. If you're concerned with clothing getting wrinkled, pack a travel-size spray bottle of wrinkle releaser. Additionally, women should purchase a loose scarf to wear over the head while visiting mosques and other sacred destinations.
Clothing guidelines shift if your trip includes a cruise on the Nile. Since these cruises are designed mainly for tourists, it isn't considered indecent to wear bathing suits and show more skin on board.
For tour days, pack supportive sandals in a material that can be rinsed off with water. Feet and shoes get dusty while exploring ruins, so plan footwear accordingly.
Toilet paper isn't always available at tourist attractions throughout Egypt. Before your trip, check your drug store for travel-size toilet paper rolls in convenient plastic cases. Pack a few mini-rolls to carry along while touring in Egypt.
Purchase an extra memory card for your digital camera. Set your camera to capture photos on one of the highest resolution settings, and switch cards if your memory becomes full. Doing so will ensure that you capture high-quality images and won't have to delete photos because of limited memory.
Pack an electrical adapter and power converter to charge cameras and video recorders that were manufactured in the U.S. Ask at your hardware or home services store for an electrical adapter that will allow your U.S. plug to fit into an Egyptian outlet, and a converter that will transform voltage from 110 (U.S.) to 220, used in Egypt.
A valid U.S passport is required to enter Egypt, along with a visitor's visa, which is available upon your arrival. Keep photocopies of your travel itinerary, flight information, driver's license and passport during your trip in case your passport is lost. If you plan to carry your passport on your person, do so using an inconspicuous passport holder worn around your neck, under clothing.
