Packing List

PACKING LIST FROM PC FILE THEY SENT US






Overview



There are very few important items that you cannot find in

the markets of Phnom Penh. The things that are really hard to

find are often things that are commonly available (like clothes

and shoes), but that are only available in small sizes that will

fit Cambodian people. Be sure to bring:

• Sturdy shoes that fit (you may want both sport sandals

such as Tevas/Chacos and hiking boots—both are

unavailable in-country)

• Cotton underwear for both men and women (especially

bras and sports bras)

• Rain gear (for riding your bike in the rain)



Packing for training

Most of the information below is oriented toward your life as a

Volunteer. However, it is important to remember that for your

first two months you will be in training. While in training, your

meals, transport and lodging will be provided. Be sure to bring

enough appropriate clothing to last you at least a week (as

finding time to do laundry during training will be difficult) and

everything else, such as toiletries and other consumables, to

last for two months. After your training period, you will have

more access to shopping and can buy whatever you need for

the longer term.



General Clothing

• Two or three pairs of lightweight pants (jeans can be

hot, but bring them if you like them because chances

are you won’t find your size here)

• Five to seven T-shirts/tops

• Sweatshirt or fleece top (it can get chilly in the cold

season)

• A windbreaker or raincoat

• Athletic clothes—if you work out

• Baseball cap or other hat



For Women, also bring

• Four or five work outfits (usually a light-colored blouse

and a dark-colored skirt (calf-length) or pants)

• Bathing suit (a one-piece is best)

• A good supply of bras and cotton underwear, including

sports bras

• Athletic braces if you need them



For Men, also bring

• Five or six dress shirts (white or light blue are best)

• Four or five casual dress pants

• One necktie

• Bathing trunks (Speedo-style swimsuits are not

recommended)

• Athletic supports and braces if you need them

Shoes

• One pair of casual dress shoes for work

• One pair of sport sandals (e.g., Tevas/Chacos)

• One pair of athletic shoes

• One or two pairs of slip-on shoes (you will often have to

take off your shoes before entering a building)



Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items



The Peace Corps medical kit contains almost everything you

will need for basic first-aid, though not necessarily in the

brands you are accustomed to. You may want to bring a three-

month supply of the following items to use during pre-service

training. After training, you will be able to find a variety of

these products in the local shops.



• Shampoo and conditioner

• Deodorant

• Good razor and supply of blades

• Body lotion

• Sunscreen

• Allergy medication

• Tampons or sanitary napkins

• Two pairs of prescription glasses or contact lenses and

solution Contact lens supplies (Cambodia is very dusty,

and you may find that you can’t wear contacts at all. If

you do wear contacts, be sure to bring glasses too just

in case)

• Three-month supply of any prescription medication you

take (including birth control pills)

• Nail clippers or nail care kit

• Earplugs

• Heat rash powder (Gold Bond is recommended)

• Cosmetics



Miscellaneous



Remember, there is not enough room in your luggage for

everything. Base your choices of what to bring on what

is most important to you. You will not become a different

person when you step onto the airplane. The things that are

important to you in the U.S. are likely to be important to you

in Cambodia as well.

• Sturdy backpacks (Small packs for work and bike rides;

larger packs for trips)

• Leatherman, Swiss army knife, or other multipurpose

tool

• Alarm clock (battery operated)

• Good batteries (solar batteries or battery rechargers

may be a good alternative)

• A sturdy water bottle (e.g., Nalgene)

• A portable music player (e.g., Walkman/Discman/MP3/

iPod, etc.) and plenty of your favorite music

• Camera and film or digital with extra flash cards

• A voltage converter—if you are bringing any electronics

• Flashlight or headlamp

• Towel

• One or two flat sheets and a pillowcase

• Plastic bags (e.g., Ziplocs)—to protect your camera,

iPod, food, etc.

• Good scissors (hair-cutting scissors optional)

• Sturdy sunglasses

• Sturdy but inexpensive watch, preferably waterproof

• Photos of your life in the United States to show to

Cambodian friends

• Small gifts from home for your host family during

training and at site (magazines, coins, postcards,

stamps, cool pens, etc.)

• Contact information for resources in U.S. (former

employers, colleges, organizations, etc.)

• Credit card (Visa is the most widely accepted) or ATM

card (traveler’s checks are not widely accepted or

convenient to cash) for vacation travel

• Things from home that will make you feel more

comfortable (e.g., posters, books, journals, hobbies,

music, photos)



Additional Items to Consider Bringing



• Visual aids for teaching

• Art supplies

• U.S. and world maps

• Travel games (e.g., cards, chess, checkers, Frisbee,

backgammon, Scrabble, Uno, Monopoly, Taboo, Trivial

Pursuit, Risk)

• Shortwave radio

• Musical instrument

• Calendar

• Note cards, stationery, good writing pens, address book,

books of U.S. stamps

• Small toolkit (including vise grip)

• Eyeglass repair kit

Items You Do Not Need to Bring

• Food

• Heavy coat

• A large quantity of clothes (tailors and fabric are readily

available)

• Short-shorts (if you bring shorts even for hanging out at

the house, they should be knee-length)

• Camouflage or military-style clothing

• A lot of language materials

• A lot of cash

• A two-year supply of toiletries

• Pots, pans, kitchen utensils, or cook stove

• Water filter (provided by the Peace Corps, if needed)

• Spaghetti strap tops or mini skirts