Getting Ready for Your Trip to Egypt
You may not be leaving for Egypt for a number of months, but there are things you can get started on now, like securing a passport if you don’t have one already! Below is a list of travel gear, books, and other things to pack.
• PASSPORT and VISA
The expiration date on your passport needs to be sometime more than 6 months AFTER the day you arrive in Egypt. US and Canadian citizens can receive a tourist visa upon arrival at Cairo airport. The current fee is $25 USD in cash or equivalent in other foreign currencies. We do not recommend using an online option to get your visa ahead of time because there are a number of scam websites that are selling this and the official Egyptian government site seems to have problems and glitches.
Real ID Requirements for US Citizens: The enforcement date for Real IDs has been extended by 2 years. The new deadline is May 7, 2025. Information is from the Department of Homeland Security USA.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
At this time, travel insurance is not required to enter Egypt. However, it is suggested to protect you from losses if you should need to cancel your trip for health issues or other reasons. You can purchase your insurance online, from a travel agent, or from other insurance companies you already have policies with.
• IMMUNIZATIONS
You do not need any immunizations to go to Egypt at this time. Doctors often recommend hepatitis and tetanus shots for traveling. A negative covid PCR test is no longer required. Check for the latest updates as this can change.
• ATM CARD
If you don’t already use an ATM card, it would be good to get one for traveling. You can set this up with a separate account that will not affect your other bank accounts. Travelers’ checks are no longer used, and cash advances with your credit card can have hefty fees.
• USD CASH
Having cash for purchases at shops can save a lot of time. If you use a credit card, the Egyptian shops will add a 3.5% fee and the dollar exchange fees, so having cash will make it obvious how much you are paying for things. Many vendors will be happy to do the transaction in US Dollars, but don’t expect to get any change back! Small bills are handy for these purchases. Egypt is quite safe as far as stealing. However, a travel wallet under your clothing is always good for travel both inside and outside your home country. See suggestion below.
• COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES for sightseeing
• SANDALS for relaxing in the evenings
• SWIMSUIT – The hotels have pools, but we won’t be spending much time lounging there.
• JACKET that will break the wind. One that packs up and fits easily into your backpack is quite practical. See one below.
• SWEATER for cool days or evenings
• SHIRTS/TOPS – Sun protection is good, no matter what the temperatures are. No plunging necklines, please.
• PANTS/SKIRTS – No short shorts, please, but knee-length shorts are fine.
• UNDERGARMENTS
• SOCKS
• COMPRESSION SOCKS – Experienced travelers know the value of wearing compression socks on long plane rides. See suggestions below.
• TOILETRIES, MEDICATIONS – Please bring any medications or remedies you normally use. It’s unlikely that while you are in Egypt you will be able to buy the brands you like. Also be aware of the 3-1-1 policy for carry-on items while flying. TheTSA Approved Toiletry Bags (below) are much easier to pack than a normal quart-sized bag.
• EYE DROPS can be a welcome relief on long plane rides and in the dry desert climate of Egypt.
• HELP FOR SORE MUSCLES – Whatever cream or gel you like to use for sore muscles.
• THE BEST INSTANT COFFEE FOR YOU – “American-style” coffee is only available in the morning. After that it is Nescafe with hot water. If you are a committed coffee drinker, you will be happy to have brought something you prefer. See what some travelers are happy to have brought below.
• HERBAL TEAS – Very few restaurants in Egypt have herbal teas. If this is what you like to drink, it is best to bring some of your own. See below.
• HEADPHONES FOR AUDIO DEVICE – We often use audio devices so that you can hear the tour guides better. These come with an earpiece, but if you wear a hearing aid over your ear, you may find that using headphones works better for you. See a suggestion below.
Product Suggestions from Ruth
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Sun Hat, Sunglasses, Sunblock
FURTALK Womens Wide Brim Sun Hat with Wind Lanyard UPF Summer Straw Sun Hats for Women
It is best to have hats that are easily packed and have a chinstrap for the wind. Having an extra hat is good, too. Please bring a 2nd pair of sunglasses. People tend to lose them or break them. Bring your preferred sunblock. Don’t expect to find the brand you like in Egypt.
Lightweight Packable Wind Breaker Jacket
Women’s Lightweight Waterproof Jacket Packable Windbreaker Running Coat
Compression Socks – Open Toe or Closed Toe
Open Toe: Mojo Toeless Compression Socks for Women and Men 20-30 mmHg
Closed Toe: Sooverki Compression Socks for Women and Men Circulation (3/4 Pairs) is Best Support for Running Athletic Cycling Hiking.
Travel Vest
SCOTTeVEST LightEST Vest for Women – 16 Hidden Pockets – Lightweight Water Repellent for Travel & More
TSA-Approved Bag for Liquids
MODENGKONGJIAN TSA Approved Toiletry Bag, 3 Pcs Clear Toiletries Bags Quart Size Travel Makeup Cosmetic Bag for Women Men, Carry on Airport Airline Compliant Bag
Large Suitcase – Rigid, Lightweight
Coolife Expandable Large Checked Luggage Hardside PC+ABS Suitcase with TSA Lock, Lightweight Rolling Carry On with Spinner Wheels
*Note: You do not need to buy luggage tags. You will receive All One World luggage tags from us.
You are allowed 1 checked bag, 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (ex: purse) on the flights.
Extra Packable Duffle to Bring Home Souvenirs
Bago Large Duffle Bag for Travel Women & Men. Durable Lightweight Foldable Travel Duffel Bags For Traveling Women. 80L Duffle Bags For Overnight Bag With Shoe Compartment Collapsible Weekender duffel
Combination Suitcase Locks
Forge TSA Approved Luggage Locks – Black
These locks keep your suitcases secure when you are outside your hotel rooms. There is very little theft in Egypt, but this will be reassuring when you have misplaced something.
Backpack
Things you may be carrying with you during sightseeing: Water carrier, flashlight, camera, money (Egyptian pounds, US $, ATM card and credit card), passport, mobile phone, Kleenex, moist towelettes, sunscreen, lip protection, journal, snacks, light jacket, sunglasses, sun hat, binoculars, your All One World tour booklet. Here is a BACKPACK.
Ruth also has a VERY LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK for quick sightseeing visits.
Waist Pack
Oxpecker Waist Pack Bag with Rain Cover, Waterproof Fanny Pack for Men&Women, Workout Traveling Casual Running Hiking Cycling, Hip Bum Bag with Adjustable Strap for Outdoors
A money belt to wear underneath your clothes with your credit cards, money, etc.
Money Belt
Pouch for Women Men With Adjustable Strap Waist Bag to Protect Cash, Credit Cards and Documents
Ear Plugs
Howard Leight by Honeywell Maximum Disposable Earplugs Box, 200 Pair,Orange
For the plane and/or to help with sleeping at night. These are the BEST EARPLUGS.
Mosquito Repellent
Sawyer Products SP543 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Pump Spray
Yes, there are mosquitos in Egypt.
Instant Coffee Packets
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Italian Roast Coffee 1.4oz 12 Single Serve Packets
See above about the lack of “American-style” coffee.
Herbal Tea Packets
Twinings Herbal Tea Variety Pack, 20 Count (Pack of 1), Formerly Assorted Herbal, Includes 5 Flavours, Naturally Caffeine-Free, Enjoy Hot or Iced
Snack Bars
RXBAR Minis Protein Bars, 6g Protein, Gluten Free Snacks, Variety Pack
It is best to bring your preferred snacks from home. The ones you usually buy will probably be nowhere to be found in Egypt. Snacks are handy for waiting in the airport, big sightseeing days, and nighttime snacks. Examples: RXBAR – protein bars, THAT’S IT FRUIT BARS.
Electrolytes, Flavoring for Water
Skratch Labs Unsweetened Hydration Sport Drink Mix | Sugar Free | Electrolytes Booster | Lemon + Lime – 20 Servings | Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher, Keto, Paleo
Snacks – Nuts
Oh! Nuts Cashews Roasted Salted Individual Nut Snacks for On-the-Go – 12 Convenient Nut Snacks for School – Bulk Nuts Variety – Individual Packs
Nuts are expensive in Egypt so bringing your own to snack on is a good idea. They also make a nice gift to bus drivers and other people we have contact with. PISTACHIO packets. Packets of CASHEWS.
Ziploc Bags
Ziploc Quart Food Storage Bags, Stand-Up Bottom
These are very handy for traveling. An assortment of sizes is a good idea. The EXTRA LARGE SIZE SLIDER BAGS can be good for packing your clothes to protect them from getting wet if your suitcase sits on the runway in the rain.
Containers for Packing Fragile Items/Souvenirs
KIGI Food Storage Containers, 4 Sided Locking Lids, Airtight, Leak-Proof & Stackable, Ideal for Meal Prep, Lunch & Leftovers, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe, BPA-Free Plastic, 38 oz, 4.8 Cup
If you buy a nice little statue or some other item that could break, having a rigid container in your suitcase to take it home in is a good idea.
Kleenex Packs
Kleenex Ultra Soft Tissues, 3-Ply, Pack of 6 Each 85 Count
Always good to have on hand. Also to substitute for toilet paper when it is not there.
Headphones – To Use with Our Tour Guide’s Audio Device
JVC Flats On-Ear Wired Headphones – Flat Foldable Design – 30mm Driver for Powerful Sound – Soft Ear-Pads for Comfort – Steel Headband – Lightweight & Portable – PC/Laptop.
These are FOLDABLE (rotate to go flat for packing).
You will be given an earpiece to use, but these headphones may be better if you use a hearing aid over your ear or if you don’t like using the earpiece.
Binoculars
POLDR 12X25 Small Pocket Binoculars Compact for Bird Watching, foldable
You may be very happy to have these for observing the wild life from the cruise boat.
Camera with Optical Zoom for distance – temple ceilings, wildlife
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Point and Shoot Digital Camera 4K Photo/Video Recording with Power Optical Image Stabilizer, 60X Optical Zoom & 20-1200mm Wide-Angle Lens – DC-FZ80D
The Tomb of Queen Nefertari by Ruth Shilling
Egyptian Gods & Goddesses of the New Kingdom
Reading this book before you come to Egypt will help you recognize the gods and goddesses as welll as read some of the most common hieroglyphic inscriptions.
Papyrus Notebooks Created by Ruth Shilling
You may want to have a notebook to record your Egypt trip. Ruth’s EGYPTIAN PAPYRUS NOTEBOOKS with Egyptian gods & goddesses, are perfect for that! See MORE BOOKS BY RUTH SHILLING available on Amazon.
Extension Cord
Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG 2 Prong Extension Cord 6 ft, 13A 3-Outlet Extension Cords with Tamper Guard, 13 Amp
This can be a handy item if the sockets are under a table or a distance from where you want to recharge your phone or other devises. It is helpful to have multiple outlets. See ADAPTER BELOW.
110V to 220V Plug Adapter
OREI American USA To European plug adapter – Type E/F schuko plug adapter – Use in Germany, France, & more – CE Certified – For Mobile, Laptop & Camera Chargers
ADAPTERS for your devices – phone, camera, tablet/iPad, etc. Egypt uses 220 V, TWO ROUND PLUGS.
International Calling from Egypt
Check with your mobile phone carrier about their INTERNATIONAL PLANS. Example: Verizon TravelPass
International Unlocked Phone for an Egyptian SIM card
SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7″ Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam
An Egyptian SIM card is about $20 USD and will enable you to call home, text and check the internet. You can use this phone as a hotspot to give you continuous internet access. Wifi access tends to be weak and unreliable in Egypt. You will need an UNLOCKED phone to use an Egyptian SIM card. Your Verizon, Sprint or ATT phone will not take another SIM card. If you travel to other countries, you can use the unlocked phone there, too (by buying a local SIM card).
Lightweight Travel Laptop
Acer 311 Chromebook 2025 Flagship Slim Light Laptop, 11.6″ HD Display, Dual-Core Intel N4500 Processor (Upto 2.80GHz), 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC
Keep Your Phone Charged – Power Bank
Anker Power Bank(PowerCore 10K), Compact Travel-Ready 10,000mAh Battery Pack with PowerIQ Charging Technology, 5V/3A High-Speed Charging for iPhone, iPad,and More (1, Black)
Extra Memory to Backup Your Photos
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox, 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX1000400) , Black
iPad
Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life
Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 6GB RAM, 128GB Storage, Optimized Performance, Long Lasting Battery, Expandable Storage, Large Display, Dolby Atmos Speakers, AI Assist, Slim, Light
Pens for the Children, Small Gifts
BIC Ecolutions Clic Stic Blue Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point (1.0mm), 48-Count Pack, Retractable Ball Point Pens Made from 78% Recycled Plastic
The kids will often ask for pens. Click pens are best. Felt tip is not a good idea, as they dry out too fast in Egypt. We often visit some village children. These BIC PENS are a big hit with both kids and adults in Egypt. The BIC CLICK PENS are even more highly prized.
Colorful Pens for Kids – Black Ink
Pens Bulk, 60 Pack Gripped Slimster Ballpoint Pens Black Ink 1.0mm Medium Point Smooth Writing, Click Pens with Comfort Grip for Teachers, Students, School & Office Use
Dog and Cat Treats
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Breast Dog Treats – Single Ingredient, No Additives
Life is hard for most animals in Egypt. You won’t see any pampered pets. But you will see friendly dogs at the temples and various cats here and there. It might be the high point in a furry friend’s life. They are most familiar with chicken, so that is a good flavor to bring.
Many books about Egypt will be available in your local library. Only prep ahead of time if you feel the desire. Many people like to arrive in Egypt without preconceptions and do the reading afterward. Others enjoy researching before they go. EGYPT BOOKS on Amazon.
Egypt BOOKS BY RUTH SHILLING:
