Packing Guidance

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.

Weather in El Salvador is marked by two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from November to April and the rainy season runs from May to October. Annual average temperatures range from 58 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and vary based on location and altitude. Temperatures can also vary during the day, so dressing in layers is a good idea, as is having rain protection (rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella). Homes and workspaces are generally neither heated nor air conditioned. In addition to temperature variations, please consider high humidity during the rainy season.

Invitees are encouraged to keep those conditions in mind and choose clothing to keep warm and dry.

Peace Corps El Salvador provides the following items:

Medical kit: The Peace Corps medical officer will provide you with a kit containing basic items to prevent and treat illnesses that may occur during service. Medical kit items can be periodically restocked at the medical office.

Smoke/carbon monoxide detector: Provided to every Volunteer for use in host family residence.

Bicycle helmet: As applicable for those who choose to purchase a bicycle. Owning a bicycle is not required to accomplish work activities.

Mosquito net: Dengue, zika and chikungunya are widespread in El Salvador. All Volunteers are required to sleep under a mosquito net.

Settling-in allowance: Volunteers will receive an allowance to purchase items needed to settle into a host family residence. This allowance is commonly used to purchase household goods, such as a stove with a gas cylinder, kitchen utensils, and if needed, a cabinet for clothes.

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.

Post recommends that you bring enough clothing for your first four months in El Salvador. Clothes are usually washed by hand and line dried, which can be hard on clothes, especially delicate items.

In El Salvador, both professional and casual clothing can be purchased economically in the many used clothing stores — known as “pacas.” Local markets also have simple clothing options for sale at reasonable prices. Consider the tried-and-true packing rule—lay out everything you want to bring and then pack half of it!

Work clothing

• In El Salvador, professional dress is generally more formal than in the United States, especially when conducting personal or professional business (regardless of whether in cities or rural areas).
• During pre-service training and other in-service events at the Peace Corps office, dress is business casual.
• Clothing in the communities is generally conservative when visiting government functionaries, ministry officials, or others in positions of authority.
• Close observation of your host family, work partners, and community members will allow you to be in tune with local customs and perceived as a professional.
• There are some occasions during service (e.g., professional events, holidays, weddings, swearing-in) that require more formal attire.
• Patched or torn clothing, military clothing, and clothing that exposes midriff or shoulders must be avoided.
• Jeans may be appropriate for some working conditions (e.g., outdoor activities).

Leisure and recreational clothing

• Casual (yet presentable) clothes are acceptable for informal events, after-work occasions, and sporting activities. Shorts should not be worn outside the house except for sporting events.
• You may find occasion for a bathing suit or swim trunks.
• Gyms are accessible in most larger towns and cities. Consider modest athletic clothes (covered shoulders, long shorts) if you plan to work out in a gym. Sport bras and tight-fitting leggings should be covered when in public.

• In workplace settings, business casual, close-toed shoes are the norm. Volunteers walk and stand a good deal in their workplace. Many work events in El Salvador require travel by foot on both paved and unpaved roads, so shoes should be durable, comfortable, and take the elements into account.
• In casual settings, sandals, sneakers, and other comfortable shoes may be acceptable.
• Volunteers do a lot of walking and have many opportunities to participate in hiking or athletic activities. Durable, comfortable walking shoes (like sturdy boots, sneakers, or sandals) are encouraged.
• Both professional and casual footwear options are available in El Salvador for a broad range of U.S. sizes. Sizes larger than women’s 9 and men’s 10 might be more difficult to find. Options and quality may be limited, so it is important to approach shopping with an open mind.
• During the rainy season, roads and paths become extremely muddy. Although not strictly necessary, you may consider bringing waterproof boots or shoes.
• Salvadorans wear inexpensive rubber or plastic shower shoes and house shoes in the home. Salvadorans do not typically walk barefoot or in socks in the house. Inexpensive shoes can easily be found in the local market.
• It may be difficult to find specialty running shoes or cleats in El Salvador, so consider bringing these items with you.

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

Additional guidance for Peace Corps El Salvador:

• Most toiletries (such as shampoo and conditioner for a variety of hair types, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, sunscreen, soap, razors) can be found locally in El Salvador.
• Mosquito repellant can be found in larger towns; the Peace Corps Medical Office also keeps a limited supply on hand for Volunteer use.

Menstrual products

• Menstrual products will be accessible to all menstruating Volunteers. A self-serve basket of menstrual products 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 a 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.
• During 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.

Phone: Peace Corps El Salvador encourages invitees to bring an unlocked personal device (smartphone) for which Peace Corps will provide a SIM card (or e-SIM) from a local service provider. If you are unable to bring an unlocked phone, Peace Corps will provide a basic smartphone. 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.

Laptop: Volunteers are encouraged to bring a laptop for both work and entertainment purposes. Volunteers who do not bring a laptop may be provided with a modest stipend to purchase a basic model in El Salvador. Repair services for electronic equipment may be expensive and difficult to find. Some Volunteers suggest packing an e-reader.

Voltage: El Salvador uses the same 120-voltage electric current as in the United States; therefore, any appliance or charger from the U.S. will work here. Outlets are the same as well (Type A or universal electrical sockets), but most only accept two prongs. Two- to three-prong converters can be found in El Salvador.

Electricity access: Volunteers will have access to electricity in the host family’s residence; however, power outages are common and unpredictable in many areas.

Wi-Fi: Access to Wi-Fi varies by site and may not be adequate for streaming movies or music.

Based on your interests and personal preferences there may be additional items you will want to consider bringing with you. These items are not required or even recommended, but they might be nice to have.

Gifts: While by no means required, a small gift can be a nice way to make early connections with host families and community members. Calendars of American scenes, coffee table books, pictures of yourself in the U.S., scented soaps or candles, a small box of crayons, U.S. brand snacks, or small knickknacks are often appreciated.

Music: Many Volunteers enjoy having headphones or a small, portable Bluetooth speaker to play music in their home and with community members.

Musical instruments: Many Volunteers find comfort and connection by bringing an instrument with them to El Salvador. Please be aware that the climate can be very hard on musical instruments. As instruments are also attractive to theft, do not bring anything of high monetary or sentimental value.

Games: Playing games is a great way to connect with host family members and friends in the community. Consider bringing a deck of cards, dominoes, or a travel-sized version of your favorite board game.

Sports: Salvadorans enjoy playing football (soccer), but basketball is also popular. Sports can be a great way to connect with your community and students. Footballs and basketballs are available locally, but other types of sports equipment (frisbees, baseballs/gloves, badminton sets) can be harder to find.

Hiking: Many Volunteers enjoy exploring the footpaths around their communities or hiking El Salvador’s volcanoes. If you enjoy such activities, consider bringing sturdy hiking boots, a small daypack, and a water bottle.

Photos: Many volunteers find it comforting to bring photos of family and friends to hang on their walls or have in their workplace.

Spices: Volunteers who like to cook may have difficulty finding certain spices in their sites, although larger supermarkets near the training center or in larger towns have more variety.

Cycling: Peace Corps provides bike helmets but not bicycles. Those interested in cycling as a hobby may also consider packing a strong bike lock and repair kit.