What do I need to take?

[sassysis 0]

OK, we just decide last week that I would go to Egypt on June 27th. I was going to go in July, but I have way too many things going on that I wont be able to get away for a week, soooo I am going the 27th. So, now I am trying to think of everything I have to do and thing to take etc. Help, what all do I need?

Passport-got that

visa-I get that at the airport in Egypt right?

gifts-still have to get

[jamall 1]

Make sure check with the health department for any vaccination you my need??

[Hopeishere 4]

Make sure check with the health department for any vaccination you my need??

No shot requirements from USC going to Egypt, some other countries they require some shots but not the states. Things I would think of taking first on my list is adapters and converters for electrical depending on what your taking in that area. I usually take my labtop and it self converts just needs the adaptor so my husband and I can watch some of the latest movies that havent reached Egypt yet, I put those on a sim card and take them. Of course great walking shoes, proper clothing attire, depending on where your going. Out of respect for my husband and his family I dont wear sleeveless shirts or shirts, unless were in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.

And yes as soon as you get off your plane head to the bank exchange near the customs border and you will pay 15.00 in cash only for your visa. I usually exchange around 200.00 there at that time if I don't already have money from last time with me. My first trip there I packed to much stuff, after the fourth time there my load has lightened.

Have fun on your trip I will be comming soon after toward the end of July, I just came from Miami florida last night after a four day trip so need to work and get back to swing of things today, then I will be ready to go in another month.

[Hopeishere 4]

Correction on the taking movies on the sim card...lol its my flash drive Im sure you got the just of what I meant. Its to earlyl and did too much flying yesterday.

[amysaid 9]

insect repellant, sunscreen, pepto, tylenol, tampons (if you use them), razors and shaving gel (unless you want the halawa experience), electrical adaptors like someone else mentioned...

[sassysis 0]

Make sure check with the health department for any vaccination you my need??

No shot requirements from USC going to Egypt, some other countries they require some shots but not the states. Things I would think of taking first on my list is adapters and converters for electrical depending on what your taking in that area. I usually take my labtop and it self converts just needs the adaptor so my husband and I can watch some of the latest movies that havent reached Egypt yet, I put those on a sim card and take them. Of course great walking shoes, proper clothing attire, depending on where your going. Out of respect for my husband and his family I dont wear sleeveless shirts or shirts, unless were in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.

And yes as soon as you get off your plane head to the bank exchange near the customs border and you will pay 15.00 in cash only for your visa. I usually exchange around 200.00 there at that time if I don't already have money from last time with me. My first trip there I packed to much stuff, after the fourth time there my load has lightened.

Have fun on your trip I will be comming soon after toward the end of July, I just came from Miami florida last night after a four day trip so need to work and get back to swing of things today, then I will be ready to go in another month.

I get my visa at the customs border? I guess I do all those things right after getting off the plane correct? Before I see him? Or will he be with me and be able to walk me around? And I do plan on wearing long sleeves etc while I am there, but I am having a terrible time finding any light weight long sleeves right now? uggg

insect repellant, sunscreen, pepto, tylenol, tampons (if you use them), razors and shaving gel (unless you want the halawa experience), electrical adaptors like someone else mentioned...

uhhh, what is that?

[Nothing1234 2]

Make sure check with the health department for any vaccination you my need??

No shot requirements from USC going to Egypt, some other countries they require some shots but not the states. Things I would think of taking first on my list is adapters and converters for electrical depending on what your taking in that area. I usually take my labtop and it self converts just needs the adaptor so my husband and I can watch some of the latest movies that havent reached Egypt yet, I put those on a sim card and take them. Of course great walking shoes, proper clothing attire, depending on where your going. Out of respect for my husband and his family I dont wear sleeveless shirts or shirts, unless were in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.

And yes as soon as you get off your plane head to the bank exchange near the customs border and you will pay 15.00 in cash only for your visa. I usually exchange around 200.00 there at that time if I don't already have money from last time with me. My first trip there I packed to much stuff, after the fourth time there my load has lightened.

Have fun on your trip I will be comming soon after toward the end of July, I just came from Miami florida last night after a four day trip so need to work and get back to swing of things today, then I will be ready to go in another month.

I get my visa at the customs border? I guess I do all those things right after getting off the plane correct? Before I see him? Or will he be with me and be able to walk me around? And I do plan on wearing long sleeves etc while I am there, but I am having a terrible time finding any light weight long sleeves right now? uggg

insect repellant, sunscreen, pepto, tylenol, tampons (if you use them), razors and shaving gel (unless you want the halawa experience), electrical adaptors like someone else mentioned...

uhhh, what is that?

She means the SUGAR experience...when they hit you up with HOT sugar on your body and rip every last piece of your lovely flesh off...(Joking its not that bad...but I don't like it )

As for the visa, in the airport before you see him as you are coming from your gate. Have your 15 dollars ready if USD, go to the enchange window first, then to the window *typically next to them LOL* to get your stamp. Everyone around can help you...everyone knows why you there. Then you can be processed by their officers right before you get your luggage....which you again pick up alone. He can not come through to assist you (unless he knows someone in the airport). I typically have about 10/20 pounds ready to tip the guy who helps me with my luggage depends on how much I bring I might tip more.

As for long sleeves in summer. Did he say you had to? I'd go by what he is requesting and who in his family will be there when you arrive. I did not wear long sleeves at the airport or most of my trips but depending on specific occasions or who will be around I have...you can purchase in Egypt (MUCH CHEAPER) things for under your "regular american" clothing (long sleeved body suits, tights, etc) ... they have a brand called Carina or cheaper knock offs too....I prefer the Carina brand they LAST a lot longer no matter what anyone says. Here is a link to what i mean about wearing under things...take a look at The Spanish, The Mayo body , Classic and Body line. www.carinawear.com

Again, ask him what his preference is...

[Ihavequestions 419]

As for long sleeves in summer. Did he say you had to? I'd go by what he is requesting and who in his family will be there when you arrive. I did not wear long sleeves at the airport or most of my trips but depending on specific occasions or who will be around I have...you can purchase in Egypt (MUCH CHEAPER) things for under your "regular american" clothing (long sleeved body suits, tights, etc) ... they have a brand called Carina or cheaper knock offs too....I prefer the Carina brand they LAST a lot longer no matter what anyone says. Here is a link to what i mean about wearing under things...take a look at The Spanish, The Mayo body , Classic and Body line. www.carinawear.com

Again, ask him what his preference is...

I HATE the "body" thing in summer. I have them (the Carina brand because, you're right, the quality is much better) in every color for winter but they're in the cupboard for this season. Those things cling to the skin and don't let it breathe and it's awful. Long sleeved tee shirts are much more comfortable. I found a store that sells them plain, without a pound of glittery stuff stuck on them. and they're around 90 LE. I've also started wearing the fake sleeves under my 3/4 length shirts.

Here's my opinion: hot or not, cover up the arms and legs. Even if "he" and "the family" don't mind, the rest of Egypt will notice and they won't be able to take their eyes off of your exposed skin and you'll quickly learn what it feels like to live on display in a zoo. Really. It's easier to just cover it up. Besides, he'll probably appreciate that you just did it without him asking or secretly wishing you did because he will see all of Egypt gawking at you. Oh, I hate the "feel like a freak in a freak show" feeling!

Skirts. You want to wear skirts. Whatever you do, DO NOT bring jeans because the weight of the fabric combined with the heat will make your life miserable.

[Melly 2 0]

Nothing like hot sweaty jeans stuck to your skin. lol

I had the same trouble with trying to find light fabrics to wear here. I'm normally in long sleeves but in the States it's not a problem as there's basically a/c everywhere. At least where I lived. Here it is not so, and when my brother in law is home and I have to be in long sleeves and hijab I kind of roast. I've "borrowed" one of my hubby's long sleeve shirts as the fabric is lighter than my long sleeve knit shirts.

Maybe someone in his family (sister, aunt, mom) can take you shopping here for some lighter clothing.

For sure bring bug spray if you don't mind using it. If you don't like bug spray, I've had many people recommend Avon's Skin So Soft to repel the mosquitoes.

Some small travel size bottles of hand sanitizer.

Some small tissue packets to carry around in case you need the bathroom outside the house and there's no TP available.

More underwear than you think you'll need.

Very good deodorant.

Comfortable walking shoes and good socks for them.

A small first aid kit, or at least some bandaids. (I'm sure you can buy them here but they came in very handy for me while my hubby was at work one day and I wouldn't have been able to go get them by myself)

Cables/batteries or anything needed for camera/laptop/etc. - would be a good idea to get any voltage converters in the states before coming if you're bringing things that need to be plugged in. Also plug adapters since the prongs are different and your plugs won't work here without the adapters.

The airport is a piece of cake, don't worry about that at all. It's really simple.

As to the shots, I would sincerely recommend getting the hepatitis A and B shots. For real.

Make sure to drink bottled water while you're here, or else boil it. I always heard you boil for 10 minutes, though I'm not sure why so long.

I'd recommend either Nestle brand or Siwa brand. There have been troubles with some of the other brands.

Oh yeah, don't forget your patience and a very large dose of humor.

Hope you have a great trip!

[Nothing1234 2]

As for long sleeves in summer. Did he say you had to? I'd go by what he is requesting and who in his family will be there when you arrive. I did not wear long sleeves at the airport or most of my trips but depending on specific occasions or who will be around I have...you can purchase in Egypt (MUCH CHEAPER) things for under your "regular american" clothing (long sleeved body suits, tights, etc) ... they have a brand called Carina or cheaper knock offs too....I prefer the Carina brand they LAST a lot longer no matter what anyone says. Here is a link to what i mean about wearing under things...take a look at The Spanish, The Mayo body , Classic and Body line. www.carinawear.com

Again, ask him what his preference is...

I HATE the "body" thing in summer. I have them (the Carina brand because, you're right, the quality is much better) in every color for winter but they're in the cupboard for this season. Those things cling to the skin and don't let it breathe and it's awful. Long sleeved tee shirts are much more comfortable. I found a store that sells them plain, without a pound of glittery stuff stuck on them. and they're around 90 LE. I've also started wearing the fake sleeves under my 3/4 length shirts.

Here's my opinion: hot or not, cover up the arms and legs. Even if "he" and "the family" don't mind, the rest of Egypt will notice and they won't be able to take their eyes off of your exposed skin and you'll quickly learn what it feels like to live on display in a zoo. Really. It's easier to just cover it up. Besides, he'll probably appreciate that you just did it without him asking or secretly wishing you did because he will see all of Egypt gawking at you. Oh, I hate the "feel like a freak in a freak show" feeling!

Skirts. You want to wear skirts. Whatever you do, DO NOT bring jeans because the weight of the fabric combined with the heat will make your life miserable.

@ freak show and a pound of glittery stuff! Even on stuffed animal gifts and flowers...WTH...>I hated that so much. I swear I'd find glitter months later on things!

I agree with ihavequestions...and her "living" it experience! You don't want family to judge you even when they are saying "its okay". I woud still talk w/ him and keep that open communication always going about his future expectations of you. I do think it depends on what areas you are staying and going. I don't know much except out and about in Cairo, Hurghada and When we have traveled to Alexandria it was at those times that I DID feel like I was on display. Uggghhh! Even on the private beaches I could see guys practically climbing the beach "walls" to get a peak at us.

I have worn carina and even light/stretch jeans during the summer in Egypt and Jordan and honestly I agree if I was out in the summer heat/sun walking and doing the tourist thing, I would not wear it but if in the home mostly or visiting friends/relatives in the evenings..it never bothered me. (I do have to mention I live in AZ in hella desert heat..)

Best advice...Always dress modestly! I am more conservative in my choice of clothing and do not wear very tight clothing, short shirts/short skirts (without leggings), sleeveless or tank tops, or anything that exposes my cleavage, etc. for the everyday activities. On special occassions, I have worn and so do all my gfs sleeveless dresses/gowns and other dressy attire to functions. I never felt like a freak as my gfs are Egyptian and in the same attire...perhaps I'm just to darn ugly to gawk at!

Best of luck!

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Hippy clothes! My mom gave me two tops from a hippy shop before I made my first trip to egypt, and I was sooooo glad she did. That paired with linen pants and skirts, drinking lots and lots of water and staying inside from 11 am until 3 or 4 in the afternoon kept me cool in June and August.

I can't for the life of me remember what the tops were made out of, but if there is a new agey/hippy store in town, they'll probably carry light weight, flowy kurtas/tops.

[KHPerfectMatch 1]

I look for "swimsuit cover up" shirts/jackets they are typically really lightweight (gauzy) with long sleeves and are usually quite long (as in covers your bootie).... They are great to throw over a tank top and a skirt.... nice and cool, keeps the sun off and the lookie loo's too... I have one in every color... I've found them at Walmart, Target, Kmart, and JC Penny's. I also wear them over sleeveless jumpers that I buy at Ross for dirt cheap...

Edited June 16, 2009 by KHPerfectMatch

[KHPerfectMatch 1]

Here's a few links to what I'm suggesting...

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTy...=EXTERNAL|51411

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_017A8033000P?mv=rr

http://tropi-ties.stores.yahoo.net/gashnewfor20.html

[sassysis 0]

Here's a few links to what I'm suggesting...

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTy...=EXTERNAL|51411

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_017A8033000P?mv=rr

http://tropi-ties.stores.yahoo.net/gashnewfor20.html

You know I was looking at one the other day, thinking that would be perfect. I think i will go back and get it. Thank you!

[Ihavequestions 419]

Some small tissue packets to carry around in case you need the bathroom outside the house and there's no TP available.

Street children sell those for 75 piesters, much cheaper than buying them and bringing them here.

A small first aid kit, or at least some bandaids. (I'm sure you can buy them here but they came in very handy for me while my hubby was at work one day and I wouldn't have been able to go get them by myself)

Pharmacies sell bandaids and you can buy one or two if you want and they're cheap.

Cables/batteries or anything needed for camera/laptop/etc. - would be a good idea to get any voltage converters in the states before coming if you're bringing things that need to be plugged in. Also plug adapters since the prongs are different and your plugs won't work here without the adapters.

I've never used a converter for anything I have - my phone, my laptop, anything. I just buy the prong adapters from the light store for 1.5 LE each and I've not had one problem, ever.