Packing List

Adapted from Belize Welcome Book

(With my additional commentary and a few added items)

My Peace Corps packing philosophy is as follows: everything you bring is something you do not have to buy.  If you cannot imagine buying a particular item once you get to site, don't pack it.  On the other hand, you can take two checked bags, a carry on, and a personal item for free! It is much more cost-effective to pack to capacity than to have things shipped to you later.  Maybe I over-packed a little, but I'm glad I didn't have to do a major shopping trip right as I landed in Belize.

Luggage 

Large suitcase
Hiking backpack
Regular backpack 

General Clothing Tips 

Long skirts (I recommend knee length, ankle length are too warm!)
Solid t-shirts (5+)
Exercise clothes
No more than one pair of pants/one long-sleeved shirt (too hot!)

Indoor Work Environments 

PC office is strict on business casual! No tanks, sneakers, shorts, etc!

Recreational Clothes, Outerwear, and Sports 

• Walking-length shorts are considered appropriate for public wear. For swimming, women often wear mesh shorts and T-shirts over a bathing suit. It is OK to wear tank tops in public when you are with friends. Lightweight, no-iron dresses that travel well and that you can easily add a light cover-up or sweater to also work well. It is not appropriate for skirts to be see-through.  
• Sports: Soccer, softball, and basketball are popular in Belize, so if you plan to play, bring an extra pair of running shoes, football boots/shin guards, and running/football shorts. 
• Outerwear: Rarely use my rain jacket...too warm.  I packed one sweatshirt for December.

Shoes 

• Sturdy flip-flops (I recommend Rainbows!) 
• Durable sandals (Yes! I use these every day! Keens/Chacos) 
• Tennis shoes
• Professional, comfortable work shoes (Black flats would have been good...lots of mud.)
• Rubber boots for men size 12 or larger (DO NOT PACK THIS--TOO HEAVY! YOU CAN BUY THEM HERE!)

Underwear/Socks 

Many Volunteers recommend bringing two years’ worth of underwear, or having some sent to you after training. 

Accessories 

• Alarm clock and water-resistant wristwatch. If you live in a village with no cellphone reception, you cannot rely exclusively on your phone for an alarm. 
• Hats (for sun protection) and sunglasses. Extras are needed because they wear out or get lost with regularity. 
• Good quality, collapsible umbrella (Must have!)

Technical Equipment

Volunteers recommend bringing such items as: 

• Laptop (Think about an HDMI adapter if you have a Mac)
• A lightweight case 
• Two external hard drives (I only brought one.  PC give you an flash drive for some extra backup!)
• Surge protector
• Speakers (I am asking my mom to send a battery-operated speaker...may not always have electricity!)
• Two 4GB–8GB flash drives (I only brought one.  Like I said, PC gives you another.)
• E-reader (Yes, absolutely...even a used one from Amazon!)
• MP3 player 
• Waterproof camera (or any camera)
• AA battery charger and a couple pairs of chargeable batteries (haven't been using many so far)

Linens 

• Sheets (PC will provide)
• Towels (PC will provide one)

Health/Hygiene

• In Belize City, you can purchase basic items and some name-brand items.  Bring one month’s worth of items and then restock in Belize City, or your district town, and then ask friends/family members to send products from home.  (You are not allowed to go to Belize City....so I do not regret packing what I needed here! I would allot a fair share of luggage weight to this category.)
• For those who wear contacts, the Peace Corps does not provide contacts or solution. Multipurpose solution is sometimes available in Belize City, but it is approximately five times more expensive than in the States. (That is an exaggeration.)
• Sunscreen and bug sprays (You will get some in your med kit!)

Miscellaneous 

• Headlamp and/or flashlight 
• Daily/monthly planner
• Books/e-books 
• Materials to start the hobby you've always wanted to begin 
• Knife or multipurpose tool
• U.S. candy (non-chocolate) 
• A bike tire level
• Small pocketknife
• Sewing/patch kit 
• Duct tape
• Good bike lock
• Eyeglasses, plastic frames