Updated Packing List

I recently made my own revisions to the packing list that Peace Corps Jamaica sends to it's trainees. Here's what I would suggest you bring:

PACKING LIST
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
The workplace (bring enough to last 2 weeks without washing):
• slacks (not jeans)
• shirts with collars (short-sleeved, lightweight button-down, wash-and-wear are best, polo shirts are acceptable)
• shoes: lace up leather (brown or black)

Fieldwork and Recreation wear:
• jeans (dark pants are preferable, as light colors show soil quicker)
• long shorts
• short-sleeved non button-down shirts and T-shirts

Special Occasions (e.g., swearing-in ceremony, church, weddings, and funerals):
• lightweight suit or sport coat
• tie
• dress shoes

Women
The workplace (bring enough to last 2 weeks without washing):
• mix-and-match skirts (no miniskirts)
• short-sleeved blouses (no spaghetti straps or low necks)
• slacks
• professional pantsuits
• shoes: black or brown closed toed with or without heel

Fieldwork and Recreational wear:
• lightweight pants or jeans
• capri pants
• T-shirts or polo shirts

Special Occasions (e.g. the swearing-in ceremony, church, weddings, and funerals):
• cocktail dress
• at least one formal or casually elegant outfits appropriate for church
• one or two pair of closed toe dress shoes and dressy high heeled sandals

Other items to bring:
• Ball cap
• Belts (of any material except suede)
• Bandannas or handkerchiefs (widely available and cheap in Jamaica)
• Small collapsible Umbrella (Raincoat, optional)

Shoes
Bring three or four pairs of shoes, including your work and dress shoes. They should all be comfortable and sturdy.. It is advisable to have more than one pair to allow for a day of “drying time.” Due to the high humidity, clothing and shoes do have a tendency to mildew. Although Birkenstock/Teva/Chaco-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 and hard to find)
• Three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take
• Feminine hygiene products—tampons, maxipads, 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.
• Inexpensive, lightweight bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
• One beach towel or backpacking quick-dry towels
• Insect repellent (provided by Peace Corps, but bring if you have a preference)
• Sunscreen (provided by Peace Corps, but bring if you have a preference)

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

Miscellaneous
• Two pairs of prescription eyeglasses (if you wear them; photochromic lenses are recommended)
• Sunglasses (preferably with UV protection)
• Watch (inexpensive, durable, water-resistant) with extra batteries
• Satchel/Messenger bag 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, backpacks tend to make volunteers stand out)
• Therm-a-Rest or other portable sleeping pad (for use when visiting other Volunteers)
• Duct tape
• Plastic water bottle (e.g., Nalgene) or canteen
• Earplugs for sleeping through loud music, roosters, and barking dogs
• Camera and extra film (available locally but expensive)
• World band radio (Portable AM/FM radios are available in Jamaica)
• CD player, or other music player with cord and batteries (especially important if you are not into listening to reggae and dancehall music all the time)
• Laptop Computer (if you have one, it is very useful)
• USB drive (very useful)
• Games (e.g., cards, backgammon, chess)
• Snorkel, mask, 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.