Usually, most people would want to visit Egypt during some of the less intense times of the year, which is anywhere between October and April, when the temperatures are bearable. However, those who want to receive the entire Egyptian experience will travel this time of the year, when not only the weather is scorching hot, but the crowds are as intense.
However, traveling to Egypt in either July or August gives you the opportunity to go snorkeling or parasailing, as well as experience more freedom in visiting when other domestic travelers would not dare to go.
So, regardless of these conditions, you might still want to take advantage of the trip and make the most of the sights while being comfortable. Here is a list of necessities to survive the heat and return home with a ton of memories.
An eSIM for better coverage
Between choosing a portable WiFi device and buying a local SIM, it would be best to search for a digital SIM that only requires installing it on your device. For example, some of the features you should look for in your Holafly eSIM for your trip to Egypt include compatibility with a wide range of mobile providers, no roaming charges, and unlimited data. The best thing about a digital eSIM is the fact that you can choose the number of days that the unlimited data is available for, so you’re not paying for more than you use.
You can use the eSIM for more than internet access, as it’s perfectly suitable for apps like WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok, and even your favorite maps application. With 4G and 5G connectivity, and 1GB backup data included in your service, you can browse the internet fast, which is important considering Egypt’s mean internet speed is 9.75 Mbps.
A portable bank
While you may have access to plugs at your accommodation or around the city’s charging spots, sometimes your devices surprise you and their batteries die faster than you’d expect. This can happen in Egypt, especially if your device is exposed to the heat, damaging the battery’s capacity to hold as usual. Therefore, you will need a portable bank where you can charge all your devices, from your smartphone, smartwatch, earbuds, and such. You only need to research beforehand and choose a portable bank with 20,000 mAh that can charge your phone multiple times.
Other aspects, like the output power, will help charge the devices faster, and the ideal amount is between 18W–30W. It’s also best to choose different types of ports the bank accepts, such as USB-A, USB-C, and micro-USB. However, consider that the bigger the charging power and speed, the heavier the battery will be.
A proper visa
Egypt requires all tourists to present some form of visa when entering the country. For US citizens, the process is more straightforward, as you can obtain the visa digitally or on arrival. There’s an online form you can fill with your information, and once the process is done, you will receive your visa in a few business days.
Ideally, you should check the visa requirements directly from the Egyptian Embassy to get the right information. That’s because forms and necessities are different for non-American passport holders, who need to provide copies of their green cards or school registrations for students. These aspects are also specifically discussed for business visa or diplomatic passport holders.
Protection bags
While you can bring your tech gadgets, you must know how to protect them against the climate in Egypt. We’ve already covered a bit about how hot it can be in the country, so hot that it can affect your devices. But make sure to protect these gadgets and never let them sit in the direct sun, as it can reach high temperatures that will warp batteries and even LCDs. Always store them in a bag, more exactly a tech pouch with enough compartments for cables, batteries, and such.
Another tip is to protect your devices from the sand and dust that can enter even the smallest crevices of a gadget. If you carry important tech tools like an expensive professional camera, you need to store it in ziplock bags and clean the pots and lenses with a soft microfiber cloth. Finally, make sure the gadgets you use are legal, since tripods or drones are only accepted after receiving a permit from the Council of Antiquities.
A mini fan
Yes, we’re relying on technology for feeling a bit cool, but the truth is that facing the hot temperatures in Egypt can be difficult as a tourist. If you’ve got heat intolerance and cannot withstand the temperatures that other people can tolerate, you need a mini fan to help you get through the days when you’re outside.
Such mini-handled fans charge through USB, and you can either hold them when walking or place them on the table when eating or taking a break. However, the fan will do only what it can to keep you chill, which is why you must invest in clothes made of loose natural fibers to let the skin breathe, and only wear comfortable shoes. Wearing sunscreen is advisable wherever you go since the UV can get rather crazy, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and further health issues.
But most importantly, as you’re traveling in the middle of the summer, try to get out only in the early morning or late afternoon, when at least you won’t have to face the unforgiving sun.
In conclusion
Traveling to Egypt is a pretty common vacation retreat, as the beautiful scenery and the rising temperatures are perfect for tanning and relaxing. However, being prepared is more important, so we recommend you have some essentials with you, such as a digital eSIM for seamless communication, a portable bank for all your gadgets, and proper bags and ziplocks to store them. Check your visa requirements on time and bring the strongest sunscreen, and you’re good to go.
