Should I cover my hair in Egypt?

If you would like to cover your head with a scarf, and some women do, that's fine. However, you will not be judged or looked down upon for leaving your head uncovered during your Egypt tours. Usually, the tourists who choose to cover their hair are the ones with very light, blonde hair.



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The good news is that modest clothing for Egypt doesn't mean that you have to be fully covered all the time. Since the sun can be very strong, sunscreen and a hat is essential. Closed toe shoes work the best when you are out touring dusty monuments. A mask will protect you from germs and also help with the dust.

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Egyptian men do not often wear shorts, but they are perfectly fine for a male tourist to wear. Aside from beachside resort cities, it is not recommended for female tourists to ever wear shorts in Egypt. Before traveling to Egypt for the first time, many travelers ask us what clothes to bring.

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Prohibited Items
  • Medical drugs that cannot be dispensed without a prescription such as Tramadol, Xanax, Librax and other medicines.
  • Real and toy arms, ammunition and explosives and any other substances containing explosive materials such as firearms and crackers.
  • All kinds of artifacts.
  • All kinds of narcotics.


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There is no special dress code at the Giza necropolis, Saqqara necropolis, or Dashur necropolis. You really don't need to worry about what to wear to visit the pyramids in Egypt. In a nutshell, you should opt for light and loose fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics.

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Light fabrics like linen, cotton and athletic gear made to take the heat are best. Just remember to cover up from your shoulders to below the knee. While women are expected to dress more conservatively than men, even the fellas should leave the short shorts and tight singlets at home.

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In Egypt, drinking water from the tap is not recommended. Water treatment plants in and around Cairo heavily chlorinate the supply, so the water in the capital is relatively safe to drink. However, it is advisable everywhere else in Egypt to purchase bottled water or drink treated or purified water.

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Lock of youth: The sidelock of youth was protective in nature. It involved shaving the head, leaving only a single, plaited lock, hanging down on the side of the head. Ornaments were often hung on the sidelock, such as a fish amulet to prevent drowning.

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While it's a must in some countries, this restriction does not apply to Egypt. No, you don't have to cover your ankles, or yourself from head to toe.

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You do not have to wear baggy clothing in Egypt, but balance things out. If you wear skinny jeans or tighter pants, pair them with a looser (long) top. Layers will help in the evening, but lightweight and breathable clothing is best for the daytime.

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Egyptian women will sometimes wear either normal clothes when swimming, or a specific swimsuit that covers their hair and skin. For shoes, women often wear sandals or tennis shoes. Flip flops are worn in the home only (they are considered like a house slipper).

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Jeans, even white jeans, can be hot. (Update: Best to not take jeans unless you're wearing them in the evening, they are just too heavy/hot. Stick with light, cotton pants, dresses or shorts.)

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But, as Egypt is an Islamic country it is to be expected. Remember, everyone is in the same boat. Wearing shorts, strappy tops, mini skirts, clothing that reveals too much flesh is a big NO. It will draw a lot of attention and, most importantly, it's seen as disrespectful to locals.

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The ideal of beauty in Ancient Egypt was considered a tall, slender brunette with a small chest and wide shoulders; not thin, with a muscular body, narrow hips, and long legs. Ancient frescoes depict women with smooth skin without a single hair.

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