Packing list for Armenia

From Peace Corps Wiki

Revision as of 15:37, 2 April 2008

This list has been compiled by Volunteers 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 a 100-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Armenia.

When choosing luggage, remember that you will be hauling it in and out of taxis and vans and sometimes lugging it around on foot. The most important qualities are that it be durable, lightweight, and easy to carry.

General Clothing

Although you can buy clothing in Armenia, much of it is synthetic and it may not meet your tastes. Variety in clothing is not as important as how it looks. Bring sturdy clothes that will last a long time. You can have some clothes made locally, so it is a good idea to bring patterns or pictures of clothes you like. Be sure to pack a good supply of underwear; polypropylene, wool, and cotton socks and glove liners; and long underwear of different weights (e.g., wool and silk).

For Women

• Dressy and casual clothing for winter and summer: skirts, dresses, blouses, knit tops, slacks, and jeans, including one formal outfit (skirts and dresses should fall below the knee)
• At least two pairs of flat shoes, along with dressy sandals, tennis shoes, winter boots, and hiking boots if desired (quality is important)
• Jewelry and makeup (women in Yerevan wear both, but they are not necessary)
• Slips
• Leggings
• Shorts, for wearing at home or while jogging early in the morning (Armenian women do not wear shorts in public)
• Warm coat, hats, and scarves

For Men

• An assortment of winter and summer clothing, including collared shirts for work and at least one dressy outfit (sport coat, tie, dress shirt, and slacks); Volunteers suggest dark colors because they look clean longer than light colors
• Shoes for work, tennis shoes, winter boots, sandals for summertime, and hiking boots if desired (quality is important)
• Warm coat and wool hats and wool or ski-type gloves
• Shorts, for wearing at home or sports (Armenian men do not usually wear shorts unless playing sports)

Kitchen

• Good can opener
• Spices (your favorites may be difficult to locate, especially in winter)
• Cooking supplies (many items can be found locally)
• Basic cookbook
• Plastic storage bags
• Measuring cups and spoons

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

• Favorite over-the-counter medical supplies (items provided by the Peace Corps tend to be generic brands)
• A three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take (to give the Peace Corps ample time to order them)
• Two pairs of eyeglasses, if you wear them (replacements can take several months to arrive)
• Contact lens supplies (not available locally and not supplied by the Peace Corps)
• Towels, absorbent and of good quality
• Hair-coloring products, if you prefer a certain brand

Miscellaneous

• Watch (durable, water-resistant, and inexpensive); batteries can be purchased in Armenia
• Travel alarm clock (battery operated is best)
• Sunglasses, for dusty road travel and for winter and summer glare
• Sturdy work gloves, especially if you like to garden
• Poncho and folding umbrella
• Fanny pack
• Small daypack without a frame (for shopping and carrying books or work materials)
• Camera (film and processing are available locally)
• Voltage transformers and surge protectors (if you bring 110-volt appliances)
• Variable voltage adapter, which switches the current from AC to DC and can reduce the need for battery replacements (also available in Yerevan electronics stores)
• Flashlights (available in Armenia, but choices are limited) 83
• Batteries (rechargeable ones are best)
• CD or tape player/recorder and shortwave radio
• Cassette tapes or CDs
• One or two sets of double-size flat sheets (available locally)
• Small tool kit (available locally)
• Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool
• Sewing kit
• Pictures and videocassette tapes of home (for yourself and to share with friends and students)
• U.S. postage stamps (so that travelers going home can hand-carry mail for you)
• U.S. and world maps which make good teaching aids and can serve as wall hangings
• Inexpensive gifts (e.g., toys, costume jewelry, magazines, key chains, kitchen gadgets such as potato peelers)
• Games (e.g., Scrabble, chess, Trivial Pursuit)
• Sports equipment (e.g., Frisbee, baseball, volleyball)
• Detergent for delicate fabrics (e.g., Woolite); dry cleaning is limited in Armenia
• Sleeping bag rated for minus 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and a pad (Volunteers also suggest a compactable bag and fleece liner)

Work-Related Materials

• English language tapes
• Dictionary and thesaurus
• Word games
• Songbooks
• Calendars with colorful pictures
• Scissors
• Small stapler with staples (available locally)
• Tape measure (with inches and centimeters)
• Novels and short stories (for yourself and your work)