Packing Guidance for Mexico

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.

Climate

The climate of central Mexico is quite variable due to differences in topography, but in general it is semi-arid to temperate, with dry winters. Temperatures can range from mid-90s °F on summer days to mid-30s °F on winter nights. There is a rainy season from June to October, but the rest of the year tends to be dry. Temperature changes throughout the day can be extreme, especially in the winter, and so layering is a good strategy year-round. It is important to note that it can freeze in this part of Mexico, and houses do not have heat or air conditioning.

Peace Corps Mexico provides the following items:

• A mosquito net
• A medical kit with over-the-counter medications and supplies for disease prevention and the management of common, uncomplicated medical problems, such as: ibuprofen, antifungal cream, sunblock, insect repellent, dental floss, condoms, and Band-Aids. Standard multi-vitamin preparations may be provided if requested.
• Menstrual products can be provided by the Health Unit or you may choose to receive a supplemental living allowance to purchase products on the local market.

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.

Your personal appearance can greatly influence how you are viewed by Mexicans; it can affect your integration into the community and how effective you will be as a Volunteer. It is important that you observe local norms and adapt your dress and appearance accordingly. Volunteers should strive to present themselves as professionals throughout their time in Mexico.

Below is guidance on clothing expectations and cultural norms for work as well as leisure and recreation.

General

Temperatures in Central Mexico can vary by 30 degrees or more during the day (think 50 °F when you wake up, 85 °F in the afternoon, and 65 °F in the evening). The best strategy is to pack for layering, and we encourage Volunteers to bring a light jacket or raincoat and a medium-weight fleece layer for those colder months. Other suggestions:

• Bring enough clothes for two weeks, and plan to wash your clothes once a week. Avoid clothes that require dry-cleaning or extensive ironing. Laundromats may be available in larger cities, but they are expensive.
• Avoid white or colors that stain or discolor easily.
• Favor clothing that is breathable for hot weather and that dries quickly.
• Don’t bring any clothes you will miss if they are damaged.
• Don’t feel you need to bring enough clothes to last for two years. You can find clothing and other items locally. In larger cities it is normal to find familiar stores such as Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club. Malls and thrift stores are common throughout Mexico.

Clothing for pre-service training (PST)

The Peace Corps office is a professional setting, and all Trainees are expected to adapt to our office norms while you are a Peace Corps Trainee. Our dress code is business casual on most days, unless there is a special activity or guest, and nice jeans (without rips or discoloring) and clean tennis shoes/sneakers may be worn. It is important to realize that business casual does not include shorts (of any length), short skirts, crop tops, spaghetti straps, undershirts, T-shirts with designs on the front or back, or athletic sandals (e.g., Teva, Chaco).

Clothing for special occasions

You will need more formal attire for special occasions, such as the swearing-in ceremony at the end of PST, weddings, graduations, or other special events in your site. Bring at least one business or formal outfit (nice dress, slacks/blouse, or sport/suit jacket with button-down shirt) and appropriate shoes.

Work clothing

The clothing you will need depends on your sector and specific work assignment. In general, be sure your clothes are professional and comfortable for higher temperatures in the summer and longer walking distances. It is better to be slightly overdressed than under dressed.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program:

• TEFL Volunteers work at public universities, and appropriate clothing may vary from casual to business casual.
• Bring clothes that you can easily mix and match, such as various slacks/pants and a variety of tops and shirts.
• Professors at some universities tend to wear jeans, so you may want to bring a few nice pairs.

Environmental Awareness and Action (EAA) program:

• Work assignments can cover a range of settings, from fieldwork to primary and/or secondary schools.
• For work outdoors, Mexicans tend to wear long sleeve t-shirts and long pants for sun protection, even when hot.
• You will need well-made outdoor clothes: jeans or work pants, boots, hat, etc.
• Appropriate clothing in schools ranges from casual to business casual. If there is a dress code for students and/or teachers, you will want to dress accordingly.

Peace Corps Response program:

• Due to the varied nature of job assignments for Peace Corps Response Volunteers, clothing requirements will depend on the specific job description and counterpart agency. In most cases a Response Volunteer will be in a university, research center, or other office setting, and clothing needs will be similar as those for TEFL Volunteers.

Leisure and recreation clothing

You will live with a host family during training and for the first 3 months in your site. Clothing considerations include:

• Casual clothing is acceptable at home. Follow your host family’s example when it comes to casual clothing. Some families may dress less casually than you are accustomed to.
• Dress modestly, especially during your first few days in the house, and be aware that shorts are not commonly worn outside of the home except for exercise.
• Houses aren’t heated, so you will want warm sleepwear for the winter.

Some recommended clothing for common recreational activities is:

• Athletic clothing and clothing for specific sports-related activities.
• Hiking: Quality boots, long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect from insects/sun, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Swimming (in site or when traveling): modest swimwear.
• It does not rain often, but you may want to bring a raincoat or small umbrella.

Footwear is available and relatively inexpensive in Mexico; however, local brands tend to be of lower quality. Brand name footwear is available but costs more than in the U.S. Artisanal leather sandals and huaraches are inexpensive and of good quality. It is important to note that women’s shoes larger than U.S. 10, and men’s shoes larger than U.S. 12-14, are harder to find.

Specific recommendations regarding footwear are:

• You will do a lot of walking in Mexico. You will want to have shoes that are durable and comfortable.
• Having separate walking/long distance/recreational shoes and work shoes will help your work shoes stay clean and last longer.
• Athletic sandals are not commonly used and should not be used in the workplace.
• It may be useful to have a variety of shoes ranging from closed-toe sandals, low heels, boots that can be dressed up or down, professional shoes that are comfortable for walking, etc.
• It is seen as unusual to walk around houses with socks or barefoot, you will need to have slides/sandals/flip-flops to walk around inside your home. This is especially important while living with a host family.
• It is common to have two pairs of slides/sandals/flip-flops. One for walking around the home and the other for use in the shower. We encourage volunteers to purchase slides/sandals/flip-flops locally as there are many options that are reasonably priced.
• If you would like good cleats for soccer or hiking, it is recommended that you bring them as they are expensive locally.

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

You should bring your yellow WHO immunization card (if you have one), and any immunization records that were not recorded or provided to Peace Corps in your physical exam form.

Don't bring more toiletries than what will last you for the first weeks, as you can get almost anything you need in Mexico relatively inexpensively, including some familiar brands. Exceptions could be if you have a specific, niche brand that you require (sunscreen, skincare, shampoo, etc.), a favorite brand of make-up, or special products for color-treated or textured hair.

Electricity

Mexico’s electricity is compatible with equipment from the United States and uses the same power plugs and outlets as well, so you should not need a converter or adapter. Depending on the home you may be unable to use high watt electronics like heaters or hair dryers.

Personal devices

Volunteers who have brought smart phones, laptops, or tablets have found them helpful. Peace Corps Mexico uses a blended learning methodology where many learning experiences are self-directed eLearning courses accessed using a computer or tablet. Additionally, Volunteers use electronic devices to monitor and report their work throughout service.

If you bring a U.S. phone, ensure that it is unlocked so that you can use the SIM card that Peace Corps Mexico will provide. Your local cell phone number will be the primary means that we and community members will contact you. If you want to keep your original number, you may need to carry two phones to meet Peace Corps Mexico’s policy.

To support and protect your equipment, Volunteers suggest an extension cord/surge protector and a reusable portable charger. It is common for rooms to have only one outlet that may not be in an ideal location. Electronics are available in Mexico, but name brand or American products are generally significantly more expensive. Although many cheaper electronic devices are available with hit-or-miss quality. It is advisable to purchase insurance for your U.S. electronic devices.

Based on your interests and personal preferences there may be additional items you will want to consider bringing with you. Below is a description of what different Volunteers have said they enjoy having and may be hard to find.

• Some Volunteers find that they are more active in a variety of sports or recreational activities in Mexico than they were in the U.S. and wish they had brought more athletic clothing and footwear.
• A waterproof or water-resistant backpack or daypack.
• A high-quality water bottle.
• A rechargeable head lamp.
• Disposable earplugs.
• Sleeping bag to stay warm on winter nights in an unheated house.
• Think about things that bring you comfort or are special to you. An example would be your favorite tea, hobby items, or snacks.
• Photos of family and friends.
• You may wish to bring a small gift for your host family during pre-service training and at your permanent site, such as American candy, postcards from home, or small trinkets.