What They Say To Bring

I finally got around to digging out the Packing List provided by Peace Corps in our Welcome To Jamaica guide that came with our invitation. Of course some of us current volunteers have a few things to say about this list, thus the motivation for creating this blog. So now we will continue to enlighten you on which suggestions were helpful, which were not, and what we felt ws completely left off the list.

Enjoy!
-Kaelyn


PACKING LI ST

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Jamaica and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Jamaica.

General Clothing
Men should bring at least five to seven outfits for work. This means slacks and shirts (lightweight and wash-and-wear are best), and jeans or long shorts; and short-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, or polo shirts for fieldwork and recreation wear. Dark pants are preferable, as light colors show soil quicker. You should also have a lightweight suit or sport coat, a tie, and dress shoes to wear on special occasions such as the swearing-in ceremony, weddings, and funerals.
Women should bring at least 10 to 12 outfits for work. This means wash-and-wear dresses, mix-and-match skirts (no miniskirts) and blouses, or pantsuits, and lightweight pants or jeans, long shorts; and short-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, or polo shirts for fieldwork and recreation wear. You should also have at least two formal or casually elegant outfits for special occasions such as the swearing-in ceremony, weddings, and funerals.
Other items to bring:
• Sun hat
• Belts (of any material but suede)
• 10 to 12 bandanas or handkerchiefs
• Poncho or rain suit

Shoes
Bring three or four pairs of comfortable and sturdy walking or tennis shoes. It is advisable to have more than one pair to allow for a day of “drying time.” Also bring one pair of dress shoes. Although Birkenstock-type sandals are nice to have for their comfort, they are not suitable for most professional situations.

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
• Travel-size toiletries for weekend trips
• Brush, comb, hand mirror, nail clippers, nail file, razor and blades
• Contact lens solution, if you wear contacts (it is available in Jamaica but is costly)
• Three-month supply of all prescription medications (including birth control pills) you are currently taking.
• Feminine hygiene products—tampons, maxi pads, and panty shields are available locally but are a little more expensive than in the United States, so consider bringing a supply
• Hair dryer
• Hairpins, barrettes, etc.
• Two to four inexpensive, lightweight bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
• One beach towel

Kitchen
• Basic cookbook or recipes for your favorite dishes
• Plastic containers (like Tupperware)
• Plastic storage bags in assorted sizes
• Artificial sweetener, if you use it

Miscellaneous
• Two pairs of prescription eyeglasses; if you wear them (photo chromic lenses are recommended)
• Sunglasses (preferably with UV protection)
• One or two watches (inexpensive, durable, water-resistant) with extra batteries
• Day pack, backpack, and/or lightweight overnight bag
(Volunteers often go on short, two- to four-day trips, so bring something you can comfortably carry on a crowded bus)
• Therm-a-Rest or other portable sleeping pad (for use when visiting other Volunteers)
• Umbrella
• Duct tape (has numerous uses)
• Plastic water bottle (Nalgene) or canteen
• Costume jewelry
• Earplugs for sleeping through loud music, roosters, and barking dogs
• Camera and extra film (available locally but expensive)
• Portable AM/FM radio or cassette or CD player with cord and batteries
• Music tapes or CDs (especially important if you are not into listening to reggae and dance hall music all the time)
• Games (e.g., cards, backgammon, chess)
• Snorkel, mask, and fins and swimming goggles (if you are so inclined)
• Hobby and craft supplies (available locally but expensive)
• Resource materials (e.g., textbooks, dictionary, thesaurus) and office supplies (e.g., small stapler, rubber bands, paper clips, scissors, tape, pens, markers); some host agencies will provide these, but others will not. You may want to prepare a box to be sent to you later if you find you need them

Other Items
❒ Verify that luggage meets the size and weight limits for international travel.
❒ Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport will expire three months after you finish your service, so if you plan to travel longer, you will need a regular passport.)
❒ Bring at least four passport-size photos (to be used mainly for ID purposes).
❒ Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.
❒ Purchase personal property insurance to extend from the time you leave your home for service overseas until the time you complete your service and return to the United States.