Hajj Tips 3

Toiletries
   A first-aid kit.
   Unscented soap. You can buy it at any market in Saudi Arabia.
      Just say you want soap ("savon") for the Hajj.
   Disinfectant soap: Any kind that says “triclosan” on the label.
      Lifebuoy and Dial Antibacterial are two examples, and there
      are many others. But these have perfume, so you can’t use
      them until the Eid.
   Disinfectant liquid, such as Dettol.
   Unscented deodorant.
   Laundry detergent, such as Ariel or Tide.
   Tissues or toilet paper. Buy a large quantity!
   A razor, if you plan to shave.
   A small pair of scissors. You’ll want to trim your hair and nails.
   Any medicine you take regularly, including skin medicine.
   Cornstarch, to use instead of talcum powder, which is
      perfumed.
   Sunscreen lotion. Of course, you would use this after you
      remove your ihram, because of the perfume.
   Shampoo, but remember that it has perfume, too.

Other

   A small, inexpensive copy of the Qur’an. If you don’t read
      Arabic, there are several new editions with English
      explanations, including very small ones.
   A Hajj guidebook. You can find one in any big bookstore.
   Reading glasses, if you need them. Hang them on a string
      around your neck. Reading glasses have got to be one of
      the most frequently lost items in the Hajj!
   Lots of big plastic shopping bags for garbage, plus some small
      plastic zipper bags.
   A parasol, or umbrella, for the sun.
   A phone card. You can buy them at the airport, any PTT
      (telephone company) office, and some banks. This will make
      calling home, or checking on your travel reservations, much
      easier.
   A small notebook and a pen. You’ll want to exchange
      addresses with your fellow Hajjis, and maybe to keep a diary,
      too.
   A needle and thread, just in case.
   In cooler weather, as this year, you might need a sweater at
         night.

DON’T TAKE:
   Gold, jewels, or any other valuables.
   Cameras.
   Political literature of any kind.
   Fresh fruit (except bananas and oranges.)
   Fresh vegetables
   Fresh meat.
   Babies and small children (if you can help it.)
   Gas cylinders or other cooking equipment.