Checklist

Sinai packing list

Sinai doesn't take much packing, but a few small things – from a pen for the border to a headlamp for the hut – make all the difference. Go through the list, tick off what's already in your bag, and hit the beach without the "oh no, I forgot" moment.

0 of 89 packed

Tailor to your trip

Essentials only

Documents & money

0/6

PassportMustCheck the expiry date and that it's intact – a torn or damaged passport can hold you up at the crossing.
Passport copyA printout in your bag and a photo on your phone, in case the original goes missing.
Travel insuranceMustSave your insurer's emergency number on your phone and on paper – reception in Sinai is patchy.
Cash (dollars or shekels)MustMost camps are cash-only and ATMs are only in town – change to Egyptian pounds at the exchange desk at the crossing.
Small billsFor tips, taxis and small buys – change is hard to come by.
Credit cardAs a backup and for hotels – beach camps rarely take cards.

Crossing at Taba

0/5

A penMustFor the entry form on the Egyptian side – there are never enough pens at the counter.
Camp name, address and phoneMustThe entry form asks where you're staying – and you'll need it to arrange a pickup.
Money for border feesMustYou can pay the Israeli fee online in advance; the Egyptian side takes US dollars in cash only – clean notes, exact amount.
Small bag you keep on youPassport, pen, cash and meds on you – not at the bottom of the bag going through the X-ray.
Backpack or soft bagYou cross on foot with your bags, and the path to the hut is sand – wheeled suitcases suffer.

Clothing

0/10

Beach & sea

0/10

Sleeping in a beach hut

0/11

Toiletries

0/7

Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
Quick-dry towelMustNot every camp provides towels – microfibre dries fast and doesn't collect sand.
Shampoo, soap and conditionerConditioner rescues your hair after a few days of salt and sun.
Toilet paper and wet wipesPaper runs out fast in shared toilets – a roll in your bag makes a difference.
Hand sanitiserBefore meals – the easy way to dodge an upset stomach.
Moisturiser and SPF lip balmDesert air is dry, and lips crack fast.
Period productsYour usual brand is hard to find in Sinai.

Health & first aid

0/10

Power & electronics

0/6

Phone and chargerMustFor emergencies and taxis – and an eSIM on Vodafone is far cheaper than roaming.
Power bankMustAt many camps the power comes from a generator, and only for part of the day.
Power strip or extension cordThere's often one socket per hut, sometimes just a charging spot at the restaurant – a strip saves queuing.
Plug adapter for EgyptMustSockets are European (C/F, 220V): two-pin chargers fit, but Israeli three-pin plugs – including your power strip's – need an adapter.
Offline maps and downloadsSignal and Wi-Fi are weak – download maps, music and shows before you leave.
Camera (no big zoom lens)Lenses over 50mm are held at the border until you leave, for a storage fee.

Food & drinks

0/7

Reusable water bottleMustDon't drink the tap water – refill from big bottles of mineral water.
Soft cooler bagFor cold drinks on the beach – ask the camp kitchen for ice.
Snacks from homeAnd some Bamba – Bedouin hosts love it, and a small gift goes a long way.
Your own coffee and teaThe restaurant has hot water, but not always the coffee you're used to.
Kosher food (if you keep kosher)There's no kosher supervision in Sinai – bring your own; cookware is allowed through the border.
AlcoholThe border allowance is about a litre per person, and not every camp sells it.
Small kitchen knifeFor fruit and bread – but knives are on the Israel Airports Authority's banned list at the crossing, so buy a cheap one in Sinai or ask your camp.

Kids

0/7

A passport for every childMustBabies too – and check the expiry, children's passports are valid for less time.
Armbands or a life vestMustThere are no lifeguards, and the reef ends in a sharp drop to deep water.
Kids' snorkel maskRentals rarely have small sizes that seal properly.
UV swimsuit and hatThe easy way to protect them without reapplying sunscreen every hour.
Carrier instead of a strollerStrollers sink in sand; a carrier goes anywhere.
Bucket and spadeSmall kit, hours of peace.
Kids' medicinesFever syrup, kids' rehydration salts and a thermometer – hard to find in Sinai.

Desert trips & hikes

0/6

DaypackFor jeep trips, canyons and the Mt Sinai climb.
3 litres of water eachThere's nowhere to refill in the desert – even in winter.
Hiking shoesSandals won't cut it in the Coloured Canyon or on Mt Sinai.
Buff or keffiyehAgainst sun, dust and wind on the jeep ride.
Cash for the guideMost trips go with a local Bedouin guide, paid in cash.
Trail snacksSomething salty and something sweet – you lose salt in the heat.

Downtime

0/4

A book (or two)No signal means time to read.
Cards and a board gameThe best way to meet the hut next door.
Matkot (beach paddles)What's a beach without the tock-tock of matkot?
Small speakerKeep it low – most people came for the quiet.

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Packing tips

Leave drones, walkie-talkies, fishing gear, spearguns and big zoom lenses at home – they get confiscated or held at the border until you return. Gas canisters for a camping stove don't always make it through either.
Medicines only in their original packaging. Opioid painkillers and cannabis – even medical – aren't allowed into Egypt.
Ask your camp ahead what the hut comes with – bedding, towels, sockets, power hours – and save yourself the weight.
Don't take shells, coral or stones home from the beach – it's illegal to take them out of Egypt and can hold you up at the border.
In winter, pack as if for camping: days are pleasant, but beach nights hover around 10°C and the mountains get close to freezing.
Forgot something? Sunscreen, flip-flops or a towel can usually be found in Nuweiba or Dahab – just pricier and with less choice.

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