Packing list for Jamaica

From Peace Corps Wiki

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:

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

Women

The workplace

at least 10 to 12 outfits

• wash-and-wear dresses,
• mix-and-match skirts (no miniskirts)
• blouses (no spaghetti straps or low necks)
• professional pantsuits
• 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
• Belts (of any material except suede)
• 10 to 12 bandannas 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.” 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 to four inexpensive, lightweight bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
• One beach towel
• backpacking quick-dry towels
• insect repellent
• sunscreen

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
• 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
• 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
• 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)
• 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.