Packing Guidance for Cameroon

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.

Cameroon's climate is as varied as its geography. The climate of Cameroon is tropical and humid in the south and dry in the north, with an average temperature of 25°C in the south and 32°C in the north. In the mountainous regions of the west, the temperature varies depending on the altitude and becomes colder the higher one goes. There are two rainy seasons interspersed with two relatively dry periods. April and May bring the "mango rains,” which taper off into the drier months of June and July. A heavier rainy season runs from August through November until the longer dry season which lasts from December through March.

• Bicycle and bicycle helmet, repair tools, and under-seat bag (upon request/justification)
• Motorcycle helmet
• Mosquito net for your bed
• Water filter
• Phone: Peace Corps makes arrangements for Trainees to purchase a subsidized cell phone and SIM card shortly after arrival in Cameroon and provides a monthly amount for phone credit.
• Basic tablet or laptop for online learning and reporting (upon request; see “Electronics” for more info).
• Solar lamp and small solar panel
• Carbon monoxide/smoke detector, gas detector
• Medical kit (see more info below)

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.

After arriving in the country, many Volunteers say they brought too much clothing and too many shoes. Buying fabric and having clothes made in Cameroon is easy. It is advisable to pack versatile items and then supplement your wardrobe in-country after receiving your site assignment. Since it’s (relatively) cheap to have clothes made locally, bringing images of clothing can be helpful to show tailors what you would like them to reproduce. You can also ask them to copy an existing piece of clothing.

Bear in mind that most local fabric will have lots of designs and colors, so bringing solid-colored shirts or pants may be advantageous. You can also buy jeans and solid-colored shirts in second-hand markets.

Note that clothes will have to sustain two years of sometimes rough washing techniques, sweat stains, and wear and tear. You will likely do laundry (hand washing, in buckets) only once a week. In some parts of Cameroon where communities are more conservative, there may be specific expectations about the way women should dress.

Once you are living at your permanent site, you will be able to decide how conservatively you need to dress. However, the basic rule is to wear clothing that covers your shoulders, torso and knees (no spaghetti straps or tank tops). Wearing traditional clothing specific to your site or region is usually well regarded.

General clothing

• Sturdy cotton shirts in dark colors; avoid white or light-colored garments that stain or discolor easily.
• Pants with elastic waists, wrap tops or skirts, or anything with forgiving styles to accommodate possible fluctuations in weight; some Volunteers lose and/or gain weight.
• Comfortable, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are more comfortable than synthetic fabrics like polyester. Loose-fitting pants are generally cooler than jeans.
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants will help protect against mosquitoes in the evening.
• Underwear, socks and bras; consider bringing enough to last the two years of service because you may not be able to get your preferred style, size or quality in country.
• Hoodie, sweater or fleece for chilly nights.
• Lightweight rain jacket (for the rainy season, especially for Agriculture Volunteers).
• Hats or baseball caps for sun protection.

Work clothing

• Business casual clothes, including slacks, khaki pants, dresses, skirts, button-up shirts and blouses.
• One dressy outfit for ceremonial occasions. Volunteers often have outfits made locally for both formal occasions and their work setting.
• Agriculture Volunteers will be given supplies, which include rubber boots and work gloves. They should bring clothing appropriate to being outdoors in rain, mud, sun, etc.
• Education Volunteers (teachers) should look professional in the classroom.
• Health Volunteers should look professional, but their environment is less formal than the classroom.

Leisure and recreational clothing

• Casual (but presentable) clothes for informal and after-work occasions and sports. Note that shorts and skirts worn outside the house should be at least knee length.
• Bathing suit or swimming trunks.

• One pair of comfortable dress shoes
• One pair of durable, comfortable walking shoes, for instance a pair of sturdy sandals
• One pair of running/athletic shoes
• One pair of sturdy work boots or hiking boots, especially for Agriculture Volunteers
• Flip-flops and slides can be easily found in-country.

You should bring a three-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 three-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

Recommendations

Bring the toiletry items that are important to you. Some items might be hard to find in-country or expensive. Here are some suggestions for at least an initial three-month supply during training:

• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap
• Lotion
• Face wash and facial creams
• Anti-perspirant
• Sunblock
• Chapstick
• Sanitary pads and tampons (the Peace Corps supplies Diva Cups and/or Tampax tampons, but they may not always be the style you want).
• Sturdy hairbrush or wide-toothed comb
• Manicure/pedicure items (including nail clippers, emery boards)
• Cosmetics and hair products including hair bands, clips
• Acne treatment
• Cologne/perfume
• Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer (small supply for your initial travel)

Hair care in Cameroon

Salons and barbers specialize in African hair. In the capital city Yaounde, you can find salons and barber shops that can cater to non-African hair styles. You also have the option to ask other Volunteers attend to your hair needs by providing haircuts, etc. Though the following items can be purchased in-country, the quality or preferred choice may not be available. Consider bringing rechargeable clippers/trimmers, haircutting scissors, razors (plastic razors available locally; consider a rechargeable one), and other grooming accessories/hygiene products that meet your grooming needs.

Voltage (v)

Cameroon runs on 220v. Most phone, tablet and laptop chargers are compatible with both 120v (US standard) and 220v. Electronics sold in Cameroon are 220v compatible. When considering bringing any electronics or electric appliances from the U.S., note that items that are only 120v compatible may burn out, catch fire, or damage the battery if they are plugged into 220v. A power converter will be needed for appliances that are not 220v compatible. Consider rechargeable appliances when possible.

A voltage regulator is recommended and can be purchased in Cameroon.

Power surges

The electrical grid in Cameroon is unreliable with frequent power outages and power surges. We recommend using a surge protector when plugging in your electronics. Surge protectors are available in Cameroon but may not be of the same quality and/or standard as compared to the U.S. When buying a surge protector, make sure that it is 220v compatible. If possible, consider bringing a surge protector that can plug into Type C electrical sockets.

Access and reliability

Access to electricity varies greatly at your site. Some sites will have electricity while others will not. Many Volunteers find extra batteries, battery extenders, and/or solar chargers very useful for keeping phones and other small devices charged. Regardless of the power source available at your site, a key reminder is Peace Corps core expectation #3: Serve where Peace Corps places me with the flexibility needed for effective service.

For all electronics, keep in mind that the heat and dust of Cameroon can be very hard on them! Consider durability and lower cost over fancier models that may not last. Also, while some Volunteers do prefer Apple products, MacBook and the like are less available here and thus more difficult to have serviced should they break.

Cell Phones/tablets/laptops

You will need a way to access the internet as well as calling and messaging/texting features. Many Volunteers as well as Cameroonians use WhatsApp (messaging app) to communicate, but there are times that the network will only support texting. While there will be an opportunity to buy a Peace Corps-subsidized phone and tablet or laptop in-country, these electronics are not as fast, functional or familiar as what you might be used to. Therefore, if you have a preference and can afford to, it is recommended to purchase these items in the States. They do not need to be brand new; older models work just fine. Android, Windows, iOS are all acceptable but note that the majority of Cameroon uses Android and Windows.

It is also important to think of the longevity and repair of items. It is worth looking into purchasing personal articles insurance on your high-value electronics if you can. Protecting your items with appropriate cases/covers is a good idea, as well as backup accessories, such as cords, chargers, cables, headphones, etc., particularly for Apple products.

Recommended

• Smartphone (unlocked and can accept local SIM card); it is better to bring an older phone that operates on a 4G/4G+ protocol (or lower) as 5G networks may not be available. Protective cover and screen protector recommended. (Note invitees will be surveyed prior to departure on their need for a Peace Corps subsidized local cell phone.)
  
• Laptop/tablet: Peace Corps’ specifications for use in reporting and online learning are below. All invitees will be surveyed prior to departure on their need for a Peace Corps subsidized tablet or laptop (basic device purchased locally):
  
  • Non-Mac laptop or Android tablet with a keyboard and mouse
  • Excel or spreadsheet software
  • Word or note taking software
  • Access to Google Chrome (for Peace Corps’ online reporting system)
  • Virus protection
  • Network connection
    
• Headphones
• Chargers (and backups)
• Cables (and backups)
• Plug adapters; there are combined plug adapters + surge protectors

Nice to have:

• Small power converter (as needed for small electric appliances)
• Power bank (possibly small vs. larger sizes; check airline regulations for any restrictions)
• USB flash drives (if you have an Apple device, bring a convertible flash drive for sharing documents)
• Hard drive/SSD (1-5 TB); many Peace Corps Volunteers use these to download and share media, such as movies, TV shows, eBooks, etc.
• Other:
  • E-reader
  • Camera
  • Backup screen protectors
  • Backup cases
  • Reliable watch (durable, water-resistant, inexpensive; consider bringing an extra battery if not analog).
  • Camera and accessories, such as SD cards or film, with protective cover (if photography is very important to you)
  • Rechargeable batteries and battery charger
  • Headlamp or flashlight (could be rechargeable or solar powered)
  • Rugged Bluetooth speaker.

Based on your interests and personal preferences there may be additional items you will want to consider bringing with you. This list is compiled from what different Volunteers have said they have enjoyed having and may be difficult to find in country (or more expensive or of a different quality than you are used to).

Note: These items are not required and some are not even recommended, due to cost and/or possibility of damage, loss or theft.

Kitchen

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic storage containers and zip-top-style bags of assorted sizes (also good for organizing items such as medicine and clothing accessories) (available but can be expensive and of lower quality)
• Good kitchen knife and knife sharpener (if that’s important to you)
• Favorite recipes (you will be provided with a Volunteer cookbook)
• Packaged mixes (sauces, salad dressings, soups, and drink mixes)
• Favorite spices (although many are available in-country)
• French press/drip filter for coffee (local coffee is wonderful!)
• Can opener (available but perhaps of lower quality)
• Variety of open-pollinated vegetable seeds, if you like to garden

Work

• Planner or calendar: Volunteers are required to submit reports to their program manager twice a year, so it's important to record all your work activities.
• Folders with pockets: Large folders with zippers are a great place to keep important papers clean and organized.
• 3 x 5 note cards and sticky note pads.
• Teacher kit: markers, Sharpies, push pins, pens, pencils, glue, single hole punch, and folders. Inflatable globes, maps, educational resources on a flash drive, favorite teaching books, calculator, stickers, children's books. High-school grammar books and literary anthologies (for English teachers).

Miscellaneous

• Sunglasses
• Journal
• Stationery and envelopes if you are a letter writer and addresses of people you may want to write
• U.S. Forever stamps: The most reliable way to mail letters is to give them to someone traveling to the U.S.
• Bandanas
• Absorbent micro-fiber/quick-dry towel (small and great for traveling)
• Bath towel, wash cloth, and shower shoes
• Comfortable pillow
• One set of sheets in dark colors or prints made of 100% cotton will be the coolest; many Volunteers have double size beds
• Heavy-duty duct tape (good for everything)
• Concealable money pouch or belt
• ATM card if you expect to need extra money for travelling.
• Durable water bottle (or two)
• Pocket knife or multi-purpose tool
• Combination padlock (and/or TSA-approved locks for your luggage)
• Photos of your family and friends (printouts to hang on your walls or show to others without using cell phone).
• Books for pleasure reading
• Map of the U.S. to show your friends and coworkers where you are from
• Anything that will make you happy and feel at home (personal items)
• Small card or board games
• Hobby, craft or art supplies
• Musical instrument (if you play one and can tolerate possible damage to it from the climate; bring extra strings as appropriate)
• Sports or yoga equipment, etc.
• Music: consider downloading a preferred app to your device while in the States
• Binoculars if bird watching is of interest to you
• Medium-size day packs (without frame) for shopping or traveling. Drawstring bags or book bags in various sizes, also great for storing things in to keep out the dust
• Lightweight sleeping bag (good for overnight stays at other Volunteers’ homes)
• Bungee cords and/or zip ties in various sizes.
• Anything peculiar to the U.S. or specific to where you are from to share with friends and family during training and at your site: knickknacks, calendar with photos of U.S., small plastic toys, playing cards, stickers, postcards, coloring books, etc.
• Small sewing kit
• One or two physical books; there is a lending library at the Peace Corps office