Packing Guidance for Belize

In general, most items you will need are available in country and locally acquired items are often the best at helping you integrate into your community. However, locally available items may not be the brands, quality, prices, or sizes you are used to. Bringing some key items from home might make your transition to service more comfortable.

This guidance has been compiled by Peace Corps staff and Volunteers and is based on their experience. Use this information as an informal guide as you make your own packing list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect packing list!

This packing guidance is designed to help you think through different categories of items and consider what you might want to bring, considering work expectations, cultural considerations, and your own personal preferences.

Belize has a subtropical climate, with a wet season spanning from May to October, and a dry season from November to April (although timing of seasons has been less predictable in recent years). Throughout the year, temperatures range from the low 70s to mid-100s °F with up to 100% percent humidity; when it’s sunny, it will feel hotter than 100 °F. Peace Corps Volunteers serving in the Youth Empowered by Sports (YES) project should expect to be active, and to spend significant time outdoors and in the sun during their service.

In consideration of the climate and nature of the project, Volunteers are encouraged to consider packing modest activewear in addition to business casual attire.

Peace Corps Belize will provide all Volunteers with the following items:

• Fire extinguisher
• Smoke/carbon monoxide detector
• Bicycle helmet
• Mosquito net (to cover bed)
• Water filter (if applicable)
• Life jacket (if applicable)
• Solar lantern (if applicable)
• Cell phone SIM card
• Medical kit (see details on contents in the "toiletries and medications" section)

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take:

• Pets
• Weapons
• Explosives
• Radio transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted)
• Drones
• Automobiles or motorcycles
• Flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers
• Valuables such as precious jewelry or family heirlooms

Drugs

Do not bring any drug that has not been authorized by the Peace Corps for medical purposes without prior consultation with Office of Health Services Pre-Service. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Illicit drugs, including marijuana and related products such as CBD and herbal substances such as kratom, are prohibited during Peace Corps service, even if they are legal in your home of residence. If you use, possess, or distribute illicit drugs, you will be administratively separated from service.

For work that requires physical activity such as demonstrating drills, running etc., modest athletic clothing is recommended.

• Cotton, quick dry or other athletic shirts and short and long sleeve tops (long sleeves provide sun protection)
• Quick dry or other athletic shorts/skorts (minimum knee-length) and long pants (zip-off pants are useful)
• Quality undergarments (pack a few in an airtight bag so you can have fresh ones available)
• Sport bras (recommended for youth sports activities)
• Athletic socks
• Sun hats and/or baseball caps
• Lightweight rain jackets
• Hoodies/sweatshirts and sweatpants (for cooler weather)
• Gym shoes (cross trainers recommended): if possible, bring at least two pairs, one if you enjoy exercise, and one for work. They will get muddy in the rainy season so have a backup.
• Regular size backpack or zipper tote
• Water bottle (insulated ones keep water cooler)

For official meetings and general office hours at partners' offices Peace Corps Volunteers should dress in professional business casual attire. Trainees should note that attire for all Peace Corps-sponsored training events and ministry workshops is business casual.

Appropriate attire for these settings include:

• Chino/khaki pants/dress pants/skirts/dresses
• Polo or short sleeve button down shirts/blouses
• Lightweight sweaters, button ups or cardigans (air conditioning in offices can be quite cold. A cardigan, sweater or button up will keep you warm and cover any thin straps, so your outfit will be work appropriate)

Professional dress for classroom and school settings

Education Volunteers work alongside teachers and school administrators in formal learning environments. Dressing professionally helps build trust and credibility with counterparts and students, signals respect for local norms, and helps Volunteers integrate into the school community.

Recommended attire:

Men:

• Dress pants or khakis
• Collared shirts (short or long sleeve)
• Closed-toe shoes (loafers or comfortable dress shoes)

Women:

• Knee-length skirts or dresses, or dress pants
• Blouses or tops that cover shoulders (light cardigan for sleeveless tops)
• Closed-toe flats or low heels

General tips:

• Avoid very tight clothing, spaghetti straps, or low-cut tops.
• Bring lightweight layers for air-conditioned offices or cooler weather.
• Pack at least one outfit suitable for formal events (school ceremonies, ministry workshops).

Volunteers are sometimes invited to special formal events (e.g., weddings, quinceañeras, church services, funerals) in their towns and villages. The Volunteer swearing-in ceremony is also a more formal event. On these occasions, Volunteers may wear a knee length or midi dress (solid color or pattern); or skirts/chino/khaki pants with a nice short- or long-sleeve button-up shirt (with or without tie).

Even though it can get very hot, to conform with local norms Volunteers should wear blouses that cover their shoulders or pack a light cardigan to be worn with any camisoles, tank tops and sleeveless dresses they may bring. Additionally, shorts should be worn under skirts and dresses. Very short shorts (volleyball shorts, running shorts or spandex shorts), sports bras without a shirt, midriff attire, leggings with a T-shirt that doesn’t cover your crotch area and tight clothing are not appropriate for youth sports activities.

We also recommend that Volunteers bring plain cotton or quick-dry polos or button ups; for a small fee, the Peace Corps logo can be embroidered on them in country. Current Volunteers recommend that Invitees bring at least two to be embroidered.

For in-country needs, there are many thrift clothing shops in the towns and local markets where Trainees and Volunteers will be able to find a variety of used clothing at affordable prices.

Outside of formal work settings, Volunteers enjoy exercise/sports groups; town outings for shopping; gardening; family gatherings; visiting nearby rivers, beaches, and parks; traveling to neighboring towns; and enjoying other outdoor or cultural activities.

When away from work with their host families, in town or with their communities, Volunteers commonly wear:

• T-shirts
• Casual tops made of breathable material
• Athletic attire (exercise shorts should be at least knee-length)
• Knee-length shorts (including jean shorts, cargo shorts, khaki shorts, etc.)
• Sundresses (have a lightweight button up or shirt to cover if the sundress is sleeveless or has spaghetti straps)
• T-shirt or tank top and shorts for swimming
• Full-length jeans (without rips)
• Sleeveless blouses and dresses

Finding quality footwear in Belize can be challenging. For both work and recreation, Volunteers should pack durable and comfortable sneakers/gym shoes (cross trainers are recommended). Current Volunteers recommend two pairs of gym shoes if you plan to exercise outside of work and a nice pair of casual sneakers that could be worn to leisure events.

For formal or special occasions, attending Peace Corps-sponsored training events, representing Peace Corps at other trainings and for attending workshops with counterparts, Volunteers should pack a pair of sturdy and comfortable loafers or boat shoes.

Strapped or athletic sandals, foam clogs, and flip flops are also recommended for time outside of work.

You should bring a 3-month supply of any prescription and/or over the counter medications you use that are authorized/approved by the Peace Corps.

Prior to service, Peace Corps supplies all Volunteers with a medical kit containing basic over-the-counter medications as well as multivitamins.

The medical unit will replenish prescriptions after the initial 3-month training.

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs (of the current prescription) with you. Contact lens use will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Additional guidance: Medical Care During Service

Menstrual products

• Menstrual products will be accessible to all menstruating Volunteers. A self-serve basket of products for Volunteers will be available in the Health Unit. Peace Corps supplies, at a minimum, tampons (regular and super sizes) and menstrual pads (panty liner, thin and maxi pads). Depending on the Volunteer's needs, a supplemental allowance for the purchase of menstrual products may be provided.
• Accommodating Volunteer requests for specific products will generally not be possible. Preferred brands may be limited in country, as well as certain products, e.g., menstrual cups.
• At the pre-service training (PST) intake interviews, Peace Corps medical officers will describe the available range of products that Peace Corps stocks. During PST and for the first three to four months at site, menstrual products will be provided to Volunteers from the Health Unit stock.

Toiletries

Toiletries such as shampoo, moisturizing lotion, and toothpaste are not considered medically essential products that must be provided by the Health Unit, unless prescribed by a medical provider or dentist. If you have specific brands you like for skincare it is recommend you bring at least a 6-month supply of these items. Facial serums, acne cream, moisturizer, toner, acne patches, face masks, eye cream etc., are not readily available here or there may be only one option for sale. Makeup products are a bit harder to find here as well. However current Volunteers have found local Belize-made products that they can recommend. The same goes for face washes; basic ones (St. Ives, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Aveeno) can be found here. Cerave is sold here but is much more expensive. Deodorant, basic body wash, shampoo and conditioner are also available.

Before you stock up on pain medication, cold/flu medication or stomach medication please look at what is offered in the medical kit below; some of these items are heavy and take up unnecessary space if already provided. The medical staff cannot provide nutritional supplements, protein powder, creatine powder, etc., so if this is part of your usual routine bring enough for at least 6 months. If you want natural bug spray you will have to bring your own. Some swimming areas only allow reef-safe sunscreen so current Volunteers recommend bringing a bottle or two. It's possible for shipments to be sent to Belize, but shipping is expensive.

Medications

• Acetaminophen tablets 325 mg, 50 each
• Bismuth Subsalicylate tablets, 48 each
• Triple antibiotic ointment, 30 gm tube
• Cepacol throat lozenges, 18 each
• Chlorhexidine detergent, 120 ml, 1 each
• Clotrimazole cream 1%, 30gm tube, 1 each
• Dextromethorphan throat lozenges, 18 each
• Antacid tablets (e.g., Tums, Mylanta, Di-Gel), 30 each
• Diphenhydramine capsules or caplets 25 mg, 30 each
• Hydrocortisone cream 1%, 30 gm tube
• Ibuprofen 200mg, 80 each
• Iodine water purification tablets, 50 each
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS), 10 packets each
• Phenylephrine HCI tablets, 10 mg, 48 each
• Non-medicated Normal Saline Eye Drops, 1.5 ounce bottle
• Saline nose drops, 1.5 ounce bottle
• Loperamide 2 mg, 12 each
• Caladryl cream, 15gm tube

Health Supplies

• Medical adhesive tape (1” X 10 yards) 1 each
• Band-Aids (assorted sizes), 45
• Butterfly skin closures, 5 each
• Condoms, lubricated, without Nonoxynol-9, 10 each
• Dental floss, waxed (100 yards)
• Elastic bandage (3” X 5 yards)
• Gauze pads, sterile, (3” X 3”),10 each
• Gloves, non-sterile, Latex or non-latex, 2 pairs each
• Insect repellent, 30-35% DEET (item not considered a HAZMAT by international shipping standards), e.g., Ultrathon 28 grams, 1 each
• Lip balm with sunscreen, SPF 15, 4.25 grams, 1 each
• First Aid pocket guide, 1 each
• Safety whistle, > 120 decibels 1 each
• Bandage scissors, surgical, straight or angled, double-blunt, 5.5” 1 each
• Sunscreen cream, SPF 30, 105 ml, 1 each
• Tweezers, splinter, 3.5”, 1 each
• Thermometer, digital

Other medical items (not included in medical kit)

Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits for COVID-19 will be provided separately.

• Pulse oximeter (provided by PLS) with spare batteries
• Personal protection equipment (PPE)
  • Cloth face masks
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Emergency contraception (for all Volunteers at risk for becoming pregnant [those who are of reproductive age and menstruating]).

Volunteers can expect to have electricity, water, and internet access at their sites. Belize operates on 110-volt electricity, with type A or universal electrical sockets (two parallel prongs/blades); this is the same as the United States.

Peace Corps Belize encourages Invitees to bring a laptop for work as none will be provided in country by Peace Corps or the partnering agency. Peace Corps Belize also encourages Invitees to bring an unlocked personal device (smartphone) for which Peace Corps will provide a SIM card from a local service provider with a calling and text plan and limited data for official purposes. Although not necessary or expected, Volunteers who wish to retain their U.S. SIM card and mobile phone plan into their service may find smart phones with dual SIM capability useful—enabling them to use a local SIM in addition to a SIM from the U.S. Note, however, that most Volunteers do not bring dual SIM capable phones.

If you are unable to bring a personal device, Peace Corps will provide an allowance for you to purchase a smartphone in Belize. The most common form of communication between Volunteers and their friends and family is by cell phone and free calling and text apps, such as WhatsApp, Viber, etc.

Some Volunteers suggest that Invitees consider packing a mini speaker (water resistant/proof) and an e-reader as well.

Cycling

Peace Corps Belize provides a stipend for Volunteers to purchase bicycles locally and use them for commuting and for recreation. Peace Corps also provides bike helmets. Those interested in cycling as a hobby may also consider packing:

• A strong bike lock
• Bicycle patch repair kit
• A bell
• Bicycle front and rear lights
• Cycling kit- shorts, gloves, top (shirt)

Home goods

• Most kitchen supplies are available here
• Volunteers who enjoy coffee may consider packing a French press (coffee is widely available in grocery stores)
• Water bottle (insulated will help keep it cold while out on the field for project activities)
• Extra sheets and pillowcases
• Travel pillow
• A hand towel, bath towel and bath cloth, and beach towel
• Photos of family and friends
• Small gifts to share with host families (in training and in service): Ideas include spices from home, picture frames that you can put a picture in, and mugs or tea towels with a design from your hometown. Invitees may also consider packing stickers, pencils or other small tokens to share with children.
• Flashlight
• Portable charger (solar charger may be useful)

Hobby items

• Arts and craft supplies
• Journal (even if you’ve never touched a journal before, current Volunteers highly recommend this)
• Card or board games
• Books – In addition to any books you bring, note that Peace Corps has a library thanks to donations from Volunteers who served before you. Some Volunteers also recommend an e-reader.
• Yoga mat

Other Items

• Headphones
• Ear plugs (music can be loud at holidays, neighborhood parties, on the bus and dogs barking)
• Umbrella and light raincoat
• Sewing kit
• Multipurpose tool
• Carabiners
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen