Packing list for Moldova

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

Contents 1 General Clothing 2 Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items 3 Kitchen 4 Miscellaneous

[edit] General Clothing

Bring clothes that are comfortable, that can be mixed and matched, and that are easy to wash by hand (i.e., made of synthetics like polyester or acrylic). Dry cleaning is available (though generally not in villages), but unreliable. Moldovans place great emphasis on clothing and dressing neatly, including making sure clothes are ironed, so “permanent press” clothes are useful. Although most clothes are available locally, women who wear larger sizes may have difficulty finding those sizes in Moldova. Some specific suggestions follow.

• A variety of professional clothes for work (see earlier section titled Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior), e.g.., Dockers-type pants and dress shirts and ties for men, and skirts and dresses for women
• One or two dressy outfits for special events, such as a suit or blazer(s)/sports coat(s) for men
• Two pairs of jeans
• Pullover sweaters and cardigans (wool is best)
• One or two pairs of long shorts (short shorts are not appropriate)
• Swimsuit
• Sweatsuit for relaxing at home
• One all-weather coat for spring and fall and one very warm winter coat (e.g., down)
• Warm winter hat, earmuffs, and gloves or mittens
• Socks, both wool and cotton (dark colors work best— black and brown)
• Underwear (cotton for warm weather, thermal or silk for cold weather)
• Two or more sets of long underwear for winter (Volunteers recommend Duofold and Patagonia brands and items made of Capilene, polypropylene, silk, and a silk and wool blend)
• Pantyhose and tights for women (available in Moldova but quality may be poor) Shoes
• Dress shoes for work (select comfortable styles)
• Sneakers, sandals, or other shoes that are easy to slip on and off
• Two pairs of sturdy boots, one waterproof (e.g., rubber duck boots with removable lining) and the other warm and preferably dressier. Simple rubber boots can be bought here cheaply. The dressier boots can substitute for work shoes in winter.

[edit] Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

• Three-month supply of toiletries, as it may be difficult to find time to shop during training
• Three-month supply of sanitary pads or tampons, if you require a particular brand (Tampax and local brands are available in-country)

[edit] Kitchen

• Basic cookbook, with measurement conversions and suggested substitutions
• Plastic food storage bags (e.g., Ziploc)
• Measuring cups
• Spices (some that are popular with Americans may be hard to find locally; popular ones to bring include taco seasoning, ranch dip, cilantro, sage, celery salt)
• Peanut butter

[edit] Miscellaneous

• Map of Eastern Europe
• Musical instrument (if you play)
• Music and DVDs
• Power converter for electrical appliances requiring them
• Sewing kit
• Small tool kit (a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife may suffice)
• A good set of markers, including some permanent markers like sharpies (for teacher Volunteers)
• Nail care items such as clippers and emery boards
• Inexpensive, durable, water-resistant watch (replacement batteries are available here)
• Sleeping bag with stuff sack for traveling in cold weather (or it can be borrowed, although some Volunteers find the sleeping bag valuable for warmth in the winter)
• Laundry bag
• Camera (35 mm compacts are best for travel). Note that Advantix film is not available and cannot be developed in Moldova and that processing of black-and-white film is not reliable. Digital cameras are increasingly popular, and you can print digital photos in most large towns.
• Rechargeable battery set (that takes up to 220 volts)
• Money belt or pouch
• Internal frame backpack
• Small overnight bag
• Envelopes of various sizes and U.S. postage stamps
• Duct tape
• Set of towels (bath, hand, and face) – can be bought here, but quality is uncertain
• Photos from home (postcards are also good)
• Posters, picture frames, etc. (helps make room homey)
• Bandannas and handkerchiefs
• Frisbee and games (e.g., Uno, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, chess, volleyball, etc.)