Packing list for Jamaica

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Packing List for Jamaica
Packing Lists by Country	These lists has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Jamaica 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! Packing list for Jamaica Training in Jamaica Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Jamaica Health care and safety in Jamaica Diversity and cross-cultural issues in Jamaica FAQs about Peace Corps in Jamaica History of the Peace Corps in Jamaica	See also: Pre-Departure Checklist Staging Timeline For information see Welcomebooks

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.

Contents 1 General Clothing 2 Men 2.1 The workplace: 2.2 Fieldwork and Recreation wear: 3 Women 3.1 The workplace 4 Shoes 5 Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items 6 Kitchen 7 Miscellany

General Clothing

Men

The workplace:

• slacks (not jeans)
• shirts with collars (lightweight and wash-and-wear are best)
• 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 shirts, T-shirts, or polo shirts
• tie
• dress shoes

Women

The workplace

at least 6 to 8 outfits

• wash-and-wear dresses,
• mix-and-match skirts (no miniskirts)
• blouses (no spaghetti straps or low necks)
• shoes: black or brown closed toed with or without heel Fieldwork and Recreational wear
• lightweight pants or jeans
• long shorts short-sleeved shirts T-shirts or polo shirts Special Occasions (e.g. the swearing-in ceremony, weddings, and funerals)
• at least two formal or casually elegant outfits for special occasions Other items to bring:
• Sun hat or cap
• Belts (of any material except suede)
• some bandannas or handkerchiefs

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.” Due to the high humidity, clothing and shoes do have a tendency to mildew. Also bring one or two pair of closed toe dress shoes and dressy high heeled sandals. 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 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

  tampons are also not generally used and, if available in your community, will be behind locked glass at a pharmacy - definitely bring a supply or have some mailed to you.

• Hair dryer
• Hairpins, barrettes, etc.
• Two inexpensive, lightweight bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths (quick-dry towels are a good choice)
• One beach towel
• insect repellent/sunscreen (if you have a preferred brand; some will be given to you in your med kit)

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); available locally, but expensive Miscellaneous

Miscellany

• Two pairs of prescription eyeglasses (if you wear them; photochromic lenses are recommended)
• Sunglasses (preferably with UV protection)
• One or two watches (inexpensive, durable, water-resistant) with extra batteries
• Comfortable shoulder bag or messenger 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
• 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)
• Portable AM/FM radio, cassette or CD player, or other music player with cord and batteries
• Music tapes or CDs (especially important if you are not into listening to reggae and dancehall music all the time)
• Games (e.g., cards, backgammon, chess, Gameboy or DS)
• Snorkel, mask, and fins and swimming goggles (if you are so inclined)
• Hobby and craft supplies (available locally but expensive)
• Rubber bands and paperclips
• USB thumbdrive (Try the SwissFlash, which is both a flash drive and a swiss army knife]
• A good-quality multitool (Leatherman or Gerber or Victorinox), with screwdriver and bottle opener.