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These lists have been compiled by Volunteers serving in Benin and are based on their experiences. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You can always have things sent to you later. You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight restriction on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Benin. Clothing can very easily be tailor-made from local fabrics. Second-hand clothing is also very popular across Benin and is available in many markets. It is not necessary to bring a large amount of clothing. Nice-quality shoes and sandals can also be made in country. Luggage should be durable, lightweight, and easy to carry as you will be responsible for transporting it in-country. Duffel bags and backpacks without frames work well. A good backpack is priceless because you will likely travel in-country regularly. Almost all the basic items you need can be found here; however, they may not be good quality or they may be expensive. So, if you are particular about something, bring lots!
Contents |
[edit] Necessities
- Two sturdy water bottles (e.g., Nalgene) or camelback
- Nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries (the longest lasting)
- Battery charger—solar powered or plug in
- Two pair prescription eyeglasses, consider prescription sunglasses as well
- Flashlight or headlamp with batteries and replacement bulb
- Two bathing suits (no bikinis for women)
- Sunglasses
- English dictionary (TEFL)
- Comfortable shoes (toe and ankle strap sandals like Tevas, Chacos are popular with volunteers)
- One pair of dress shoes
- Good pair of tennis shoes
- Business casual clothing in breathable fabrics (two outfits minimum for TEFL Volunteers) - no need to bring a suit or sport coat.
- Plenty and durable cotton T-shirts (many Volunteers prefer darker colors)
- Pants (of lightweight material)
- Blouses/button-down shirts
- Linen/cotton clothing (you can find linen and cotton here and get clothing made; dresses/skirts must be at least knee-length)
- Hats/scarf/bandannas
- Good sturdy bras (bring lots because hand washing wears them out)
- Good underwear (bring a two-year supply; hand washing wears them out)
- Sweater, sweatshirt, or long-sleeve shirt (one, two at most)
- Workout clothes (if you work out). For women, shorts to the knee are a must, modest tank tops ok.
- Pictures from home
- USB flash drive (Peace Corps provides each volunteer with a 128 MB key but larger sizes are useful for backing things up)
- Digital camera
- Short-wave radio or World Space Radio
- Duct tape, duct tape and more duct tape
- Medium book bag (for three- to four-day trips)
- Hairbrush or comb
- Three-month supply of prescription drugs
- Portable alarm clock
- Leatherman or Swiss army knife (remember to pack in your suitcase as checked luggage)
- Towel
[edit] Specifically for Women
- Your shoulders and knees need to be covered, so pack accordingly.
- In the south and in some northern cities things are more liberal, so you can bring tank tops (not spaghetti straps).
- Linen pants are great!
[edit] Not necessary but useful for some Volunteers
- Margarita machine
- Wall calendar
- Adaptor (if bringing electrical appliances)
- MP3 player
- Plastic storage bags (e.g., Ziploc)
- Yoga mat or Therm-a-Rest (for when you or a friend needs to sleep on the floor)
- Money belt
- Beauty products/ pampering things for de-stressing (if you use them)
- Money (in large denominations, $50, $100, traveler’s checks, euros)
- Your favorite pillow (ones here are not the greatest) or travel pillow
- Spices/spice packets
- Catalogue of clothing (to show to tailor to get copies made)
- Good pens (if they are important to you)
- Good flashlight TEFL-Specific Suggestions
- Art supplies (markers, crayons, paints, construction paper, rubber cement, etc.)
- Children’s books
- World map/map of Africa (can get free from AAA if member)
- Books on CD (there are computers at work stations and in some schools; they are smaller than books, easy to pack, and can be useful (e.g., encyclopedias, journals, etc.)
- Stickers (can be easily sent here, too)
[edit] Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
Almost every type of toiletry is available here, but some are quite expensive (such as deodorant, facial creams, and toners). If you prefer a certain brand name, stock up, but otherwise bring a three-month supply for the duration of training.
- Hand wipes
- Medical supplies if special medicine is taken or a preference on certain brands
- Towel
- Aloe-Vera
- Tampons (three-month supply; can buy generic brands here)
- Good hair conditioner
- Hair ties
- Nail clippers, nail file
- Contact lenses and enough solution for two years (Peace Corps does not recommend wearing contacts due to dusty conditions and does not provide solution)
- Deodorant (note that deodorant salt crystals work well and could last your whole service; they’re small, too!)
- Basic make-up
- Facial soap
[edit] Kitchen
- Basic cookbook and favorite recipes
- Packaged mixes (sauces, salad dressings, soups, Kool-Aid, etc.)
- Most spices are available, but are expensive, so stock up if you like to cook (e.g., cinnamon, Italian spices, allspice, chili powder, curry)
- Freeze-dried foods
- Low-cal sweetener
- Boxed macaroni and cheese
- French press (if you like coffee)
- Good-quality can opener
- Good-quality potato peeler
- Good-quality garlic press
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Good-quality knife
- Pepper grinder
- Any other small kitchen supplies that you like to use