Cairo guide
🇪🇬 Packing List
What to pack for Cairo
In January, Cairo is typically cool, typically dry (9°C - 18°C). Pick the month you travel and the list changes with it.
Cairo essentials
- Modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees for town and religious sites
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- Casual day outfits
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable closed walking shoes
- A warm jacket or fleece
- Layers for cool evenings
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
- Layered outfits you can add or remove as the day warms
- One dressy evening outfit for celebrations
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Avoid tap water and raw vegetables. Stick to bottled water and cooked foods.
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type C/F plugs (European), 220V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Egyptian Pounds (EGP). Cards accepted at major hotels and tourist restaurants. Carry cash for markets.
Local know-how
- Local SIM: Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat. Buy at airport. Cheap data packages.
- Pocket tissues: some island toilets are squat-style or limited
- Camel ride overcharging at Pyramids - agree price first, in writing
- Peak season in January: keep bags zipped and don't flash jewellery
- January highlights: Coptic Christmas; Revolution Day