Every member of the team is asked to pack light!
Each person is allowed two pieces of personal luggage to carry on into the passenger compartment of the airplane--one for the overhead compartment (such as a small rolling overnight suitcase) and one to go under the seat (such as a large daypack).
Everyone (except dentists, doctors, and surgeons) is asked to use their checked baggage allowance to carry two 50-pound duffel bags filled with humanitarian supplies that are packed by our humanitarian team.
Dentists, doctors, and endodontists are allowed up to two checked bags to bring their medical and dental supplies. Surgeons who need more than the two-checked-bag limit will be able to have other volunteers use their allowance to bring the extra bags of supplies. Doctors and dentists who do not need both bags for their supplies may be asked to carry humanitarian supplies.
Click here for more information about what dental and medical professionals need to bring and what we provide for you.
Click here for a suggested personal packing list for all volunteers.
Click here for information you need to provide to be able to practice in Central America.
SUGGESTED PERSONAL PACKING CHECKLIST
- Hand sanitizer lotion (Gelsan, Purell, Germ-X, etc.) in pocket or purse size. Refills available in the clinic.
- Camera and charger (don’t bring anything too valuable)
- Flashlight and batteries (optional)
- Insect repellent spray or lotion
- Jewelry – LEAVE IT ALL HOME, especially fancy wedding rings, etc., but if you must, bring only inexpensive items.Central America, like other 3rd-world countries, can be dangerous.
- Light-weight day pack or backpack
- A little cash in small denomination bills. Money belt if you wish (fanny packs are easy to steal). Money can be exchanged at the front desk of the hotel. Most souvenir merchants accept VISA.
- Passport (keep a photocopy with you or in your luggage apart from the passport itself). Keep passport in a safe place such as the hotel safe or with you. Don’t leave it unattended in your hotel room.
- Personal snacks
- CLOTHES (SIMPLE, COOL) For those working in the medical and dental clinics, bring enough pairs of scrubs or other appropriate medical or clinical attire to last for the 6-day clinic (everyone will wear these in the clinics). Jeans or long shorts and nice short-sleeved shirts for activities other than the clinics. Swim suit & long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt for evenings around hotel pools (to keep insects away). Sunday dress for Sunday services and the Thursday closing banquet (men: Dockers, short-sleeved white shirt, tie) (ladies: cool skirt & blouse or cool dress). Comfortable, cool shoes (sandals okay). DO NOT EVER GO BAREFOOT. Flip-flops to wear to/from pools.
- Personal toiletries, etc. (Ziplock bags are handy) (Men: no facial hair. Please plan to shave every day.)
- Personal medications. You may wish to speak with your doctor about prescribing a wide-spectrum antibiotic in case of digestive illness (such as Ciprofloxacin), and maybe an anti-diarrheal (such as Immodium D or Lomodil).
- Toilet paper (hotel has, but carry a roll with you just in case).
- Sunglasses if desired.
- Small collapsible umbrella in case of rain.
- Sunscreen – an absolute must when playing outside. The tropical sun burns faster than you realize.
- Alarm clock if desired. The hotel will provide wake-up calls.
- Scriptures & special thoughts for devotionals.
- For dental clinic workers, bring appropriate eye protection (glasses or goggles) and a box of 100 exam gloves for your own use. They come in several sizes and are typically available at medical supply stores, Costco, Wal-Mart, etc.
- Please also bring enough protective masks for you personal use throughout the clinic.
- Keep in mind TSA rules for carry-on baggage. Any liquids or gels can be no more than 3.5 oz. each and must be packed together in a separate plastic bag (no larger than one-quart size).
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