Packing list for Nicaragua

This list has been complied by Volunteers serving in Nicaragua 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. 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 Nicaragua.

[edit] General Clothing

Used clothing from the United States is readily available all over Nicaragua, so some Volunteers recommend bringing less clothing and more personal items that may be expensive or hard to find in Nicaragua. Because clothes must be washed on concrete washboards, they tend to stretch and wear out quickly, so you may want to choose fabrics that hold their shape.

• Five or six pairs of pants, including jeans and lightweight cotton pants (agriculture, environment, and health Volunteers may want to bring more pairs for protection from insect bites while in the field), or dresses and skirts with tops (most women find these more comfortable than pants in the warm climate, and long ones are good when riding a bicycle)
• Two or three long-sleeved shirts or blouses
• Several short-sleeved shirts or blouses
• T-shirts and tank tops for casual wear (note that white ones tend to show dirt and bleach will wear them out quickly)
• Lightweight jacket, fleece sweatshirt, or cotton sweater for breezy days
• One dressy outfit for special occasions such as the swearing-in ceremony (sport coat or dress shirt and tie for men, nice dress or skirt ensemble for women)
• Rain gear: lightweight raincoat, poncho, or durable umbrella
• One or two swimsuits (regular bikinis are acceptable but thong bikinis are not)
• Three to five pairs of shorts, for casual wear
• Exercise wear (e.g., sports bras [hard to find locally] and bicycle shorts) as ome larger cities have gyms or aerobic classes
• Good supply of socks, which wear out quickly (those with a cotton-polyester blend last longer and dry quicker)
• Two-year supply of underwear; cotton is best (items of comparable quality to U.S. brands can be expensive)
• Sleepwear (especially important when living with a host family); lightweight long-sleeved tops and pants can help keep mosquitoes at bay
• Belt
• Hat or cap for sun protectio

[edit] Shoes

• One or two pairs of sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots (rubber soles last longer in rugged conditions)
• One or two pairs of shoes for professional wear (closedtoe shoes for men, dressy shoes or sandals for women)
• One pair of tennis or running shoes for sports
• One pair of sandals for casual wear, not appropriate for work attire (e.g., Tevas or Birkenstocks)
• Flip-flops or other shoes for the shower (also available locally) Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
• A three- to six-month of tampons or sanitary napkins (the local selection is limited and more expensive than in the United States)
• Three-month supply of toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc. for use during training
• Any special items you cannot live without, such as skin-care or hair-care products
• Medicated talc powder (for men)

[edit] Kitchen

Volunteers use the “settling-in” allowance provided by the Peace Corps to buy the essential items needed to set up a household, such as a bed, a gas stove, and a refrigerator. If you do not enjoy cooking, you should be able to arrange to eat at a neighbor’s house or at a small, family-style restaurant. For those who like to cook, the following are some items that are nice to have and may be difficult to find in Nicaragua.

• Garlic press
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Favorite cookbooks or recipes
• Special spices and flavorings (e.g., paprika, curry powder, sesame oil) Miscellaneous

The following items are suggestions for practical and comfort items. Many are available in-country. Use this list only as a guide; ultimately you should decide what you need, based on your personal style and preferences.

• Two sets of sheets (double-size flat sheets will fit any bed)
• Two lightweight bath towels and washcloths
• Swiss Army knife
• Sewing kit
• Travel iron
• Extension cord
• Money pouch
• Hair accessories
• Bandanas or handkerchiefs
• Costume jewelry (do not bring anything of great monetary or sentimental value)
• Scented candles or incense
• Expandable Chinese paper lanterns (an alternative to fluorescent light)
• Maps and posters for decorating your home
• Two pairs of good-quality sunglasses
• Large duffel bag or hiking backpack with plastic containers inside for protecting belongings from mold and bugs
• U.S. stamps (Volunteers traveling home often are happy to mail letters for you)
• Headlamp (and batteries) for late-night trips to the latrine or for riding a bike at night
• Gardening gloves and tools
• Tape or CD player with plug-in speakers
• Shortwave radio (for news programs such as Voice of America)
• Rechargeable batteries and charger (most batteries are available in Nicaragua at reasonable prices, but rechargeable batteries are hard to find and expensive)
• Water bottle (e.g., Nalgene)
• Pictures of family and friends to share with members of your community (they come in handy when you are trying to practice your Spanish and talk about home)
• Inexpensive battery-powered watch and/or travel alarm clock