Egypt/Jordan - what to pack
Jan 13th, 2011, 11:51 AM
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Egypt/Jordan - what to pack
Please advise what type of clothing we should pack, what shoes to bring. We are in Cario, then a 4 night cruise, climbing Mt Sinai (sunset - will it be cold in February), in Sharm El Sheikh, Petra and Amman. Can my husband wear shorts in Cairo? Do we need to cover our legs/arms when we are in the pyramids, mosques, churches? Can we wear thongs (flip flops) in resturants? How short can our shorts be? Are there laundry facilities in the hotels (we are staying in 5*) or should we simply send our laundry out?
Thank you
Thank you
Jan 13th, 2011, 01:12 PM
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NO, your husband should not be wearing shorts in Cairo. Shorts are considered "underwear" on men.
Best to wear slacks (crop pants are fine for women), and shirts/tops with upper arm covered. Comfy shoes everywhere. This is especially so when in Cairo and Amman and mosques (either country)... women should have a scarf to cover head, though not every mosque requires this.
When on cruise, as well at Giza/Pyramids, and even Petra long walking shorts are fine (if you must thought you'll be more comfortable with long pants) when touring sites/temples, but shirts/tops should still cover the arms. The sun is brutal so remember SPF and wide brimmed hat and, of course, bottled water.
When on cruise boat, swimsuits are fine as are shorts, as it will be on beach in Sharm.
I'd keep the flip flops for your hotel/cruise rooms. Ground outside is uneven and dirty. Hotels have laundry services for a fee as well on the cruise boat.
YES, it will be cold heading up Mt. Sinai, so dress accordingly.
There are many threads on this subject that you can do a search if looking for more details.
Best to wear slacks (crop pants are fine for women), and shirts/tops with upper arm covered. Comfy shoes everywhere. This is especially so when in Cairo and Amman and mosques (either country)... women should have a scarf to cover head, though not every mosque requires this.
When on cruise, as well at Giza/Pyramids, and even Petra long walking shorts are fine (if you must thought you'll be more comfortable with long pants) when touring sites/temples, but shirts/tops should still cover the arms. The sun is brutal so remember SPF and wide brimmed hat and, of course, bottled water.
When on cruise boat, swimsuits are fine as are shorts, as it will be on beach in Sharm.
I'd keep the flip flops for your hotel/cruise rooms. Ground outside is uneven and dirty. Hotels have laundry services for a fee as well on the cruise boat.
YES, it will be cold heading up Mt. Sinai, so dress accordingly.
There are many threads on this subject that you can do a search if looking for more details.
Jan 13th, 2011, 01:34 PM
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Speaking for Egypt - ditto everything sandi said.
Recapping......
- No shorts for men or women, except at the beach and on the Nile cruise boat. Personally, I don't think even long walking shorts (unless they cover the knee) are good for women.
- Shoulders and upper arms should be covered, again except for the beaches and Nile cruise boat.
- Women should have a headscarf for mosques (many, but not all, require them).
------------------------------
<<There are many threads on this subject that you can do a search if looking for more details.>>
Sometimes I wish we could have a FAQ section on this forum!!
Recapping......
- No shorts for men or women, except at the beach and on the Nile cruise boat. Personally, I don't think even long walking shorts (unless they cover the knee) are good for women.
- Shoulders and upper arms should be covered, again except for the beaches and Nile cruise boat.
- Women should have a headscarf for mosques (many, but not all, require them).
------------------------------
<<There are many threads on this subject that you can do a search if looking for more details.>>
Sometimes I wish we could have a FAQ section on this forum!!
Jan 13th, 2011, 03:50 PM
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Thank you. You have both helped immensely. I have been given so much conflicting information. Best to be respectful when visiting a religious country. Also, we want to be comfortable and protected from the sun......even though I just finished shoveling 30 cm of snow that fell in the last 24 hours!!!
How do I look up a "thread" on a certain subject?
How do I look up a "thread" on a certain subject?
Jan 13th, 2011, 04:07 PM
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silverstar10 - on this subject you will always get conflicting info because some people just don't care about respecting the religious/social culture. You may never realize the silent respect you are getting from dressing/acting appropriately, but trust me - it is noticed
Just as a note - sandi has visited many times and I lived in Egypt for 4 years.
As for looking up prior threads...
Just across from the "Africa and Middle East Forum" title....there is a search box. If you click on "Advanced Search" - you can pick the forum and enter key words. In this case, you would select A&ME and for key words use "Egypt dress" or "Egypt clothing".....something like that.
This is why I wish Fodors would establish a FAQ section. For Egypt, it could address the most common question....clothing, trains, Nile cruises, tipping, etc.
Just as a note - sandi has visited many times and I lived in Egypt for 4 years.
As for looking up prior threads...
Just across from the "Africa and Middle East Forum" title....there is a search box. If you click on "Advanced Search" - you can pick the forum and enter key words. In this case, you would select A&ME and for key words use "Egypt dress" or "Egypt clothing".....something like that.
This is why I wish Fodors would establish a FAQ section. For Egypt, it could address the most common question....clothing, trains, Nile cruises, tipping, etc.
Jan 13th, 2011, 04:17 PM
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Mt. Sinai is cold even when it's brutally hot in the rest of Egypt (August, for example)!
Flip-flops are not a good choice for Egypt, but not because they're disrespectful, just because it's hard to walk in them. However, my 20-something kids did just that, everywhere.
Other than that, I was told here (and followed the rule of) "no shoulders, no breasts, no knees" -- basically I wore capris and t-shirts. You will see many many people who are dressed what you might consider inappropriately (for example the woman I saw at the Great Pyramid who was wearing, I kid you not, a bathing suit with a sheer cover-up). The 20-somethings we were with did not follow the "rules" quite as carefully as we did
Flip-flops are not a good choice for Egypt, but not because they're disrespectful, just because it's hard to walk in them. However, my 20-something kids did just that, everywhere.
Other than that, I was told here (and followed the rule of) "no shoulders, no breasts, no knees" -- basically I wore capris and t-shirts. You will see many many people who are dressed what you might consider inappropriately (for example the woman I saw at the Great Pyramid who was wearing, I kid you not, a bathing suit with a sheer cover-up). The 20-somethings we were with did not follow the "rules" quite as carefully as we did
Jan 13th, 2011, 04:42 PM
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I would dress conservative but comfortable for both Egypt and Jordan.
I think the Europeans tend to have more relax dress code than the Americans. When I did the Mt Sinai climb there were these three teenager-ish Russian girls - very blond and very beautiful - in their white and red juicy sweats with their thongs clearly visible above their pants. As we were descending Mt Sinai, my Bedouin guide quickly ditched me, caught up with the girls and walked down and chatted with them instead. Not that I blame him too much, LOL.
Also at I was somewhat shocked to see an older tourish gentleman -not in the best of shape - walked around with no shirt on, white short, and a bad sunburn. Eek. Not sure where he was from though.
I think the Europeans tend to have more relax dress code than the Americans. When I did the Mt Sinai climb there were these three teenager-ish Russian girls - very blond and very beautiful - in their white and red juicy sweats with their thongs clearly visible above their pants. As we were descending Mt Sinai, my Bedouin guide quickly ditched me, caught up with the girls and walked down and chatted with them instead. Not that I blame him too much, LOL.
Also at I was somewhat shocked to see an older tourish gentleman -not in the best of shape - walked around with no shirt on, white short, and a bad sunburn. Eek. Not sure where he was from though.
Jan 13th, 2011, 09:19 PM
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I didn't read every single word in the answers here, but I don't think I saw anyone address the fact that FEB is our winter here. Jan and Feb are the two coldest months in the year here. I don't think you'll be wanting to wear shorts in Cairo. Even if you just came from snow, it is still too chilly to feel as if you HAVE to wear shorts.
Bring a bathing suit in case you feel it is warm enough to sunbathe, if not swim, and bring shorts for the beach and Luxor maybe, but for Cairo and Mt. Sinai, bring your warmest clothing. It could snow on Mt. Sinai, and freezing up there waiting for the sun to come up would not enhance the experience.
Good luck.
Bring a bathing suit in case you feel it is warm enough to sunbathe, if not swim, and bring shorts for the beach and Luxor maybe, but for Cairo and Mt. Sinai, bring your warmest clothing. It could snow on Mt. Sinai, and freezing up there waiting for the sun to come up would not enhance the experience.
Good luck.
Jan 13th, 2011, 10:12 PM
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I got everything laundered at the 5 star hotels I stayed at. Everything came back beautifully pressed, folded or hung and never smelt of smoke. I read somewhere that there clothes always came back stinking of smoke. I particularly loved how my hubbie's shirts came back from the laundry... folded in a beautiful cane basket, with a little cardboard bow tie pinned to the collar! Prices varied from outrageously cheap (by my standards) to "yikes.. I'll wait for next hotel to see if it cheaper".
Jan 14th, 2011, 02:39 AM
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<<Jan and Feb are the two coldest months in the year here. I don't think you'll be wanting to wear shorts in Cairo. >>
LOL! I almost mentioned that - but for some it might actually "feel" warm enough for shorts!
LOL! I almost mentioned that - but for some it might actually "feel" warm enough for shorts!
Jan 14th, 2011, 12:56 PM
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Thanks for asking this question, silverstar10. We are taking our trip in March and it also includes Cairo, a Nile cruise and an overnight in Luxor before the cruise. We hope it is warm and that we will not encounter any sandstorms during our visit.
I understand your dilemma,silverstar10, I have searched here and online and have read about what to wear and what not to wear and it is confusing because information does vary a bit.
I am summarizing here, but I read that in mosques or temples, ladies should cover head, arms, and legs should be covered to below the knee (skirt, capris, etc). I read that men should wear long pants or long shorts. I also read that if you are not in a mosque or temple and are just out and about in Cairo or elsewhere, you do not have to worry so much about covering shoulders, arms but it is suggested that knees should be covered for women but it is okay for men to wear long shorts which would come to their knees or cover them. Men should wear long pants when dining, especially in Cairo. Is this all correct or not?
As you can tell this does not all match up to what is being said here so now I wonder, too, what we should pack to dress appropriately for Egypt. Plese don't think we are not experienced travelers because we are. We have been traveling for the past 40+ years, several times a year to countries in Western Europe, Central Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and elsewhere. However, visiting Egypt is a bit our of our comfort zone (we think this is a good thing - a new experience for us), so that is why we really want to make sure we know what to wear or not wear so we won't appear to be disrespectful or offensive and yet be comfortable.
Anyway, my husband and I are of an age that we dress conservatively and appropriately anyway and we always make sure we understand what is acceptable/unacceptable for the country/culture we are visiting. However, planning for clothing for this trip has been a bit difficult due to mixed info or not enough information to go by to help in selecting what to wear. On one thread, I asked if there are colors that are unacceptable or offensive to Egyptians. The answer was no and that you could wear whatever colors you want - "anything goes" for colors. So that was clear - wear any colors you want. I usually pack black, white, beige and a few items with a splash of color so I think that will be fine.
I bought a lovely sleeveless, modest silk dress (no cleavage showing and covers the knees) to wear out to a nice dinner in Cairo and maybe on the cruise one night. I thought this would acceptable since I won't be in a mosque, or a temple for dinner. Is this acceptable or not? Having asked that, I always take along a pashmina or a nice, light weight sweater in case a restaurant is cool.
As for information on Fodor's, there really isn't a lot of information about this topic and, yes, I did do several advanced searches. Some information is 8 or 10 years old – maybe it hasn’t changed but the posts are old ones. There are a few current ones though. Some what to wear info is imbedded in a thread about something else so a search or advanced search does not help much.
I will keep checking here and doing research for additional information. Thanks.
Thanks for posting this, silverstar10. Good luck and enjoy your trip!
I understand your dilemma,silverstar10, I have searched here and online and have read about what to wear and what not to wear and it is confusing because information does vary a bit.
I am summarizing here, but I read that in mosques or temples, ladies should cover head, arms, and legs should be covered to below the knee (skirt, capris, etc). I read that men should wear long pants or long shorts. I also read that if you are not in a mosque or temple and are just out and about in Cairo or elsewhere, you do not have to worry so much about covering shoulders, arms but it is suggested that knees should be covered for women but it is okay for men to wear long shorts which would come to their knees or cover them. Men should wear long pants when dining, especially in Cairo. Is this all correct or not?
As you can tell this does not all match up to what is being said here so now I wonder, too, what we should pack to dress appropriately for Egypt. Plese don't think we are not experienced travelers because we are. We have been traveling for the past 40+ years, several times a year to countries in Western Europe, Central Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and elsewhere. However, visiting Egypt is a bit our of our comfort zone (we think this is a good thing - a new experience for us), so that is why we really want to make sure we know what to wear or not wear so we won't appear to be disrespectful or offensive and yet be comfortable.
Anyway, my husband and I are of an age that we dress conservatively and appropriately anyway and we always make sure we understand what is acceptable/unacceptable for the country/culture we are visiting. However, planning for clothing for this trip has been a bit difficult due to mixed info or not enough information to go by to help in selecting what to wear. On one thread, I asked if there are colors that are unacceptable or offensive to Egyptians. The answer was no and that you could wear whatever colors you want - "anything goes" for colors. So that was clear - wear any colors you want. I usually pack black, white, beige and a few items with a splash of color so I think that will be fine.
I bought a lovely sleeveless, modest silk dress (no cleavage showing and covers the knees) to wear out to a nice dinner in Cairo and maybe on the cruise one night. I thought this would acceptable since I won't be in a mosque, or a temple for dinner. Is this acceptable or not? Having asked that, I always take along a pashmina or a nice, light weight sweater in case a restaurant is cool.
As for information on Fodor's, there really isn't a lot of information about this topic and, yes, I did do several advanced searches. Some information is 8 or 10 years old – maybe it hasn’t changed but the posts are old ones. There are a few current ones though. Some what to wear info is imbedded in a thread about something else so a search or advanced search does not help much.
I will keep checking here and doing research for additional information. Thanks.
Thanks for posting this, silverstar10. Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Jan 14th, 2011, 01:30 PM
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<<I read that men should wear long pants or long shorts. I also read that if you are not in a mosque or temple and are just out and about in Cairo or elsewhere, you do not have to worry so much about covering shoulders, arms but it is suggested that knees should be covered for women but it is okay for men to wear long shorts which would come to their knees or cover them. Men should wear long pants when dining, especially in Cairo. Is this all correct or not?>>
Marianna - sorry, but several points in this are wrong.
Men should NOT wear shorts of ANY length in Cairo. At the beach resorts or on the Nile cruise boat - fine. Not anywhere else. In general, men/boys in the Middle East do not wear shorts. It's like underwear to them.
Women - especially in Cairo - should ALWAYS have their shoulders/upper arms covered. As Casual_Cairo says...."no shoulders, no breasts, no knees!"
Here are some recent threads discussing this topic -
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-for-egypt.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-for-cairo.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ile-cruise.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...t-391072-2.cfm
Marianna - sorry, but several points in this are wrong.
Men should NOT wear shorts of ANY length in Cairo. At the beach resorts or on the Nile cruise boat - fine. Not anywhere else. In general, men/boys in the Middle East do not wear shorts. It's like underwear to them.
Women - especially in Cairo - should ALWAYS have their shoulders/upper arms covered. As Casual_Cairo says...."no shoulders, no breasts, no knees!"
Here are some recent threads discussing this topic -
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-for-egypt.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-for-cairo.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ile-cruise.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...t-391072-2.cfm
Jan 14th, 2011, 01:48 PM
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Hi Grcxx3, thanks for the links. I think I have read them before.
The comments in the first paragraph are things I read online here or elsewhere and, as I pointed out, they don't all match up with what is here on this thread.
Thanks for the do's and do not's of dressing for Cairo/Egypt/Nile cruise. Sounds like my elegant dress can be worn on the cruise for a dinner, but not in Cairo unless I cover up with a pashmina.
Again, on various websites, the do's and do not's vary a bit from this. I am sure that I will figure it all out in the next month or so and have no problem once I start packing! My husband may have more of a problem as he lives in shorts (nice ones, to the knee)when we travel in warm weather places!
Thanks for the info.
The comments in the first paragraph are things I read online here or elsewhere and, as I pointed out, they don't all match up with what is here on this thread.
Thanks for the do's and do not's of dressing for Cairo/Egypt/Nile cruise. Sounds like my elegant dress can be worn on the cruise for a dinner, but not in Cairo unless I cover up with a pashmina.
Again, on various websites, the do's and do not's vary a bit from this. I am sure that I will figure it all out in the next month or so and have no problem once I start packing! My husband may have more of a problem as he lives in shorts (nice ones, to the knee)when we travel in warm weather places!
Thanks for the info.
Jan 14th, 2011, 02:03 PM
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The "dos and don'ts" vary because it IS possible to wear shorts, tank tops, etc. Lots of people do it. There are no fashion police to arrest you, therefore some people just wear whatever the hell they want and since no one complains, they think it's okey-dokey. Unfortunately, inappropriate dress just fuels the misconceptions that many Egyptian have about the US - and particularly US women.
But if you want to be respectful of the culture - then the "rules" above are the ones to follow. FYI - your dress will be perfect for the Nile cruise and would probably even be "okay" for dinner in Cairo if you kept the pashmina on.
Your husband might want to invest in some of the zip-off pants that are available. My DH and sons had several pairs of these and they were fabulous. Zip on the "pants" part when long pants are necessary, and then convert them to shorts when appropriate.
This is how my family was instructed to dress in our company orientation. Granted, my sons wore shorts to school almost everyday (in our little ex-pat filled neighborhood), but if we went out to dinner or went into town (mall, museum, movies, pyramids, whatever) - they wore long pants. And they wore long pants to/from the airport as well.
therefore some people just wear whatever the hell they want and since no one complains, they think it's okey-dokey. Unfortunately, inappropriate dress just fuels the misconceptions that many Egyptian have about the US - and particularly US women.But if you want to be respectful of the culture - then the "rules" above are the ones to follow. FYI - your dress will be perfect for the Nile cruise and would probably even be "okay" for dinner in Cairo if you kept the pashmina on.
Your husband might want to invest in some of the zip-off pants that are available. My DH and sons had several pairs of these and they were fabulous. Zip on the "pants" part when long pants are necessary, and then convert them to shorts when appropriate.
This is how my family was instructed to dress in our company orientation. Granted, my sons wore shorts to school almost everyday (in our little ex-pat filled neighborhood), but if we went out to dinner or went into town (mall, museum, movies, pyramids, whatever) - they wore long pants. And they wore long pants to/from the airport as well.
Jan 14th, 2011, 04:59 PM
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Again thank you for this most informative discussion. The threads are useful but I agree with Marianna
<<<As for information on Fodor's, there really isn't a lot of information about this topic and, yes, I did do several advanced searches. Some information is 8 or 10 years old – maybe it hasn’t changed but the posts are old ones. There are a few current ones though. Some what to wear info is imbedded in a thread about something else so a search or advanced search does not help much.>>
I think I have a clear understanding of how I will be packing. We of course will be respectful and socially aware that we are only visitors to a centuries old country.
The second part of my inquiry was in regards to Petra and Amman. I have read that in Feb/March the temperatures can be quite a bit cooler....then Cairo. Is this in fact true?
<<<As for information on Fodor's, there really isn't a lot of information about this topic and, yes, I did do several advanced searches. Some information is 8 or 10 years old – maybe it hasn’t changed but the posts are old ones. There are a few current ones though. Some what to wear info is imbedded in a thread about something else so a search or advanced search does not help much.>>
I think I have a clear understanding of how I will be packing. We of course will be respectful and socially aware that we are only visitors to a centuries old country.
The second part of my inquiry was in regards to Petra and Amman. I have read that in Feb/March the temperatures can be quite a bit cooler....then Cairo. Is this in fact true?
Jan 15th, 2011, 09:34 AM
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silverstar - I have to disagree with your agreeing with what Marianna wrote (boy - that was awkward to phrase!).
There is a good amount of information about what to wear/what not to wear in Egypt. And the links I provided are for posts within the last 7 months and all have very clear titles.
The searches require a little patience and using a variety of words - but you can limit your search to more recent threads (past year, past 6 months, etc). I will add, however, that when I did my search, I added my username to the search since I knew I had commented on several threads.
This is why I wish Fodors would set up some sort of FAQ section on each of the forums for the common questions that always com
There is a good amount of information about what to wear/what not to wear in Egypt. And the links I provided are for posts within the last 7 months and all have very clear titles.
The searches require a little patience and using a variety of words - but you can limit your search to more recent threads (past year, past 6 months, etc). I will add, however, that when I did my search, I added my username to the search since I knew I had commented on several threads.
This is why I wish Fodors would set up some sort of FAQ section on each of the forums for the common questions that always com
