When packing things for Hajj/Umrah, keep in mind:

• Stay light. Extra items you don’t need will just increase the weight you will have to carry around.
  
  
• Take necessary items like your prescription medication.
  
  
• Choose compact and light items.
  
  
• Do not take valuables. You run the risk of losing them, and it just adds to your worries.
  
  
• Most items are available in Makkah, Madeenah and Jeddah, and usually more affordable. The advantage is that you will buy only things that you really need.
  
  
• When packing keep all sharp objects (pocket knife, scissors, etc.) in your luggage.
  
  
• Make 2 sets of photocopies of necessary documents. Leave one at home and keep one with someone travelling in your group.

• Take enough money for the journey
  
  
• How much to take depends on your personal needs and gifts/items you plan to buy from there, and what your Hajj package includes (meals, transportation, etc.)
  
  
• Take one preloaded Travel Card in Saudi Riyal (check with your local banks) which can be used at any ATM across Saudi Arabia or for shopping directly. (In case of emergency, the family members back in your country can deposit any amount in the card)
  
  
• Don’t keep it with the money (in case you lose your money)
  
  
• Don’t forget to carry the information required to contact the card issuing institution in case of theft or misplacement. (Provide the same with one of the family member who is staying back)

• Pocket Mushaf (Qur’an) or a Phone Qur’an App
  
  
• Prayer Mat
  
  
• Small Book of Authentic Supplications/Du’a [Recommended Book – Hisnul Muslim/ Fortress of the Muslim]
  
  
• Small MP3 Player preloaded with Qur’an Recitation & your favourite lectures
  
  
• A Hajj / Umrah Guide
  
  
• Notepad & Pen
  
  
• A Cellphone with built in Radio or an MP3 player with built-in Radio. (To listen to the Translation of Jumu’ah Khutbah Live in English / Urdu in Masjid al-Haraam and Masjid an-Nabawi)

• Pack prescription medication
  
  
• Pack medication for:
  – Diarrhea
  – Cough
  – Cold/Flu
  – Sore Throat
  – Fever
  – Headache
  
  
• Keep all the medication in original packages.
  
  
• Band-Aids
  
  
• Face Masks (When not in Ihram)

• Toiletry Kit
  
  
• Scissors and Combs
  
  
• Nail Clipper
  
  
• Unscented Baby Wipes

• Comfortable and modest clothes, like Indo-Pak Kurta Pajama / Pathani and the Middle-Eastern Thoub, are ideal and are recommended for men.
  
  
• Women wear their normal comfortable clothes. Avoid nylon clothing as it tends to be uncomfortable in hot weather.
  
  
• Warm jacket, especially for Madeenah at Fajr time during cold months.
  
  
• Slipper socks or toe shoes: useful for Tawaaf and Sa’ee, except Tawaf al-Qudoom (arrival) and its Sa’ee(for men) when you will be in state Ihram.
  
  
• Slippers, Sandals, Comfortable Shoes. (TIP – Don’t buy new slippers, carry the old ones, as the new ones tend to hurt. Also make sure to carry anti slippery Slippers, Sandals, Shoes, because the area around Masjid-e-Haraam and Masjid-e-Nabwi becomes quite slippery during/after rain.)

• Ihram Towels (TIP – Carry both types of Ihram, Towel and normal cloth made. Use the cloth type Ihraam for lower part of the body and Towel one for the upper. As you sweat a lot, towel one doesn’t stick to your body and the cloth type Ihraam would minimize the skin rashes in between your thighs)
  
  
• Ihram belt (TIP- Buy one having small compartments to keep money or small cell phone)
  
  
• Safety Pin to secure Ihram Towels
  
  
• Comfortable Slippers (Tip – Don’t buy new Slippers and directly wear it during Hajj Days, this will cause you discomfort as the Slippers are new. Use an old one)
  
  
• Unscented Petroleum Jelly (Apply between the thighs to prevent skin rash while in Ihram)

• Inflatable Camping or travel pillow
  
  
• Light Travel Blanket
  
  
• Foam Camping Mat

• Folding Umbrella (TIP – Carry a white orlight-coloured umbrella. Avoid black coloured umbrella.)
  
  
• Sunglasses (Especially for the Area outside the Masjid in both the Haramain, because it is White and reflects light a lot which makes it difficult to walk looking down)
  
  
• Earplugs

• Drawstring Backpack to carry shoes / slippers and other items while in the Masjid (Quite useful In Masjid-e-Haraam & Masjid-e-Nabwi)
  
  
• Backpack for Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah (For Hajj)
  
  
• Small Drawstring bag for pebbles (For Hajj)
  
  
• Compact Flashlight
  
  
• Coloured packing tapes
  
  
• Travel Alarm Clock (Cell Phone can be used for that purpose)
  
  
• Pocket Knife

• Cell Phones can make communication much easier while in Makkah / Madinah / Mina, especially if travelling with relatives.
  
  
• Sim Cards available in Saudia: Saudi Telecom, Mobily, Zain, STC Sawa
  
  
• Never buy anything from the airport workers. Buy your SIM Card from either a mobile handset seller or from some pharmacies or money exchangers.
  
  
• Our recommendation – Zain has one of the best coverage and service. Ask for Noor Package. (Cost approx 25 SAR)