Packing Questions

1) What gifts would you recommend bringing for a host family? I've read that calendars, hard candy, and postcards are common, along with footballs and soccer balls.
I would just bring something small with you, like your favorite candy that you can share with them the first night or something. Then I would get to know the family better and buy them a gift before you leave, this way you can get them something you know they will like and use. Or maybe there will be something that you have that you want to leave behind with them, for instance we gave our family one of our DVDs because our host sister watched it over and over again while we were there.

2) What is something that you brought with you that you haven't used?
A raincoat, it was really hot to wear it and Jamaicans don't use them so I really felt like I stood out and looked silly. I brought it back to the States the first time I returned. A nice sturdy umbrella that you can fit in your bag and carry all the time is really a much better option.

3) What is something that you wish you brought had with you?
I've had tons of packages sent to me which has been really awesome. Here are a few of the things I have requested: towels (both quick dry and regular bath towels), a solar shower (really great when you have to take a bucket bath because you can get a better stream of water), a coffee grinder and french press, a good quality can opener, and a good quality kitchen knife.

4) What is the difference between a world band and an emergency crank radio? If there is a difference, which would you recommend bringing?
One main difference is the fact that you can crank the one to recharge it, so it would be better in a case when you had no electricity and you ran out of battery power. The other advantage of the hand crank radio is that many have a cell phone adapter so you can recharge your cell phone as well. I have both and the primary reason I got the crank one was for the cell phone adapter. Also the main advantage of the world band is that it has shortwave radio, but Jamaica gets tons of FM stations (including BBC) so you don't ever need the shortwave stations. I'd say go with the emergency crank kind.

5) Sleeping bags and sleeping pads...are they essential? I've heard that they are nice for sleeping during training.
We have sleeping pads and find them pretty handy because we go visit other volunteers a lot and have people stay at our place pretty often. All the floors in Jamaica are concrete covered with tile so having that extra cushion is really nice. I don't really find that a sleeping bag is too necessary, we usually just bring a sheet because it is easier to carry and most places aren't very cold.

6) I saw that you used a pack from REI. Did you have another bag to put the pack in for the flight?
We checked our backpacks as they were and just buckled and tied up all the straps and they got through fine. But there really isn't any advantage to having a backpack because you won't be able to travel very easily around the island with a backpacking backpack (and it makes you stand out which could make you a target for crime) so I would recommend bringing 2 duffel bags or suitcases for your checked bags because they will be easier to pack.

7) I've come across recommendations to bring a laptop to Jamaica, as it helps with work, keeping connected with friends, uploading pictures, etc. What are your thoughts on this? Would my work be at a disadvantage because I do not have something readily available to type up documents, research, and such? Are many PCV's in Jamaica bringing laptops?

Lots of PCVs in Jamaica have laptops and I know several volunteers who didn't bring one at first and either had a visitor bring them one or got one the first time they went home so I would definitely say it is an item in demand. We use ours a lot for music, games, movies, etc. And to do some work at home. We don't have internet at home but we just save things on a jump drive so that when we do get internet we can upload things quickly (definitely a concern if you are paying for internet). I think the biggest use of laptops among the volunteers I know is not to do work for their agency but to help fight the boredom at home.

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.