Packing Guidance for Paraguay

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.

Paraguay has a subtropical to temperate climate, characterized by a rainy season in summer and a dry season in winter.

Summer is hot and humid, with frequent rainfall and occasional storms. Temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F) or higher.

Winter is mild to cool, with occasional frosts, especially in the southern regions. Temperatures can drop to around 0°C (32°F) at night.

There are regional variations. The eastern region is more humid and rainy, with lush forests and fertile soil. The western region (Chaco) is hot and dry, with sparse vegetation and occasional droughts.

Despite the seasonal contrasts, Paraguay enjoys pleasant temperatures throughout the year, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities year round.

• Medical kit, including bug repellent and sunscreen
• Mosquito net
• Funds for menstrual products, if applicable
• Bicycle and bicycle helmet, repair tools, and under-seat bag (upon request/justification).
• Safety equipment: Each Volunteer receives a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, flammable gas detector (electric), and a fire extinguisher.
• Library of work-related books and novels. Volunteers are encouraged to use it.
• When you complete your pre-service training and begin your transition to your site, you will be given a settling-in allowance to support the purchase of basic supplies for your home, such as kitchen items, bedding, simple furniture, etc.

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.

General clothing

• Pants: At least four pairs of pants you can wear for anything, every day in a semi-professional setting. This includes comfortable nice jeans (nothing faded or with rips/holes), synthetic quick dry business casual pants, lightweight slacks, etc. Capri pants for women are a great option for warmer months.
• Outdoor work clothes: Sturdy pants, t-shirt and long-sleeve breathable shirt that will protect you from the sun and can get dirty.
• Lounge clothes: Two sets that can be worn as pajamas, exercise clothes, and around the house. Long underwear bottoms and tops are great for layering in the winter. Leggings and yoga pants are popular around-the-house clothing for Paraguayan women; these are easy to find locally, if needed.
• Exercise clothes: Many Volunteers feel exercise is an important part of their routine and some even end up starting an exercise group for their community. A minimum of two sets is recommended, but many of your exercise clothes might be multi-purpose, so you might even bring more. Breathable sports shirts can double as everyday shirts in casual settings especially in hot summer months. For women, running leggings and capris are more appropriate than shorts for exercising in public, but during the summer months most female Volunteers opt for modest shorts. For men, longer shorts like soccer shorts or basketball shorts are better for public exercise. Easy to buy more of these locally, if needed.
• Shirts: 10 to 12 shirts are recommended, both formal and informal. Button-up long sleeve shirts with a collar are a very popular option for sun protection among Paraguayans (and easy to get locally, if needed).
• For women: Two to three nice short-sleeved or sleeveless (but thick-strapped) professional blouses, and one to two long-sleeved professional blouses, two cardigans, a few thick strapped tank tops for everyday use and for wearing with skirts or layering, exercise and lounge shirts as listed above, and three to four nicer but casual t-shirts for informal settings, two long-sleeved casual shirts for winter, one or two lightweight breathable long-sleeved shirts for sun protection. Most professional Paraguayan women use short-sleeve polos like the ones sold at the Training Center.
• For men: As many as 6 nice short-sleeved shirts (a combination of polos and button downs), two nice long-sleeved button downs, two long-sleeve shirts for cooler weather, one or two lightweight long-sleeved shirts for sun protection, a combination of exercise, lounge and everyday t-shirts. Most professional Paraguayan men wear short-sleeve polos like ones sold at the Training Center.
• A few shorts: Although not appropriate for pre-service training, Peace Corps office, or in formal settings, you can wear them around your house. These are a staple for down time in the community; bring at least 4. Easy to buy more locally, if needed.
• Skirts and dresses: Skirts and dresses are much cooler than pants and can be worn for formal occasions, so consider bringing one or two of each. All should be knee length or longer if you want to use them in a professional setting.
• Warm clothes: Three pairs of warm socks, a scarf, a winter hat, a warm vest (optional), a warm coat (very important), gloves, long underwear and/or thermal wear top and bottom (one to two pairs), and two or three sweaters or sweatshirts for layering (at least one being nicer for special winter occasions).
• Rain jacket (not too heavy) with a hood; rain pants are not necessary.
• Underwear and socks: 10-15 pairs of underwear, both cotton and quick-dry material. For women: 5-10 bras (including sports bras); 5-8 pairs of sports socks. Please note that women in Paraguay wear bras in most social and all professional settings.
• Clothing that shows your style: You will find a time and place for it. Bringing a few of your favorite pieces can be comforting.

Paraguayans value cleanliness in dress and appearance, including their shoes, and tend to be impeccable about washing/cleaning their shoes. Bringing shoes that are darker-colored and easily washed will be useful.

• A pair of durable, nice-looking boots with heavy soles that you can wear for long periods of time and that can be polished/cleaned easily. A good pair of waterproof/sturdy/hiking boots/shoes is essential. Blundstone type boots (look nice, easy to clean) are popular among Volunteers. Rain boots are difficult to pack and can be purchased locally.
• Sandals: Women in Paraguay often wear dressy sandals for events or professional situations. Sandals such as Tevas, Keens, or Chacos are useful, but are not appropriate for a professional setting. Bring a sturdier sandal and one or two pairs of dressier sandals. Keep in mind that comfort is important since much of your travel will be by foot, and often on uneven terrain. Plastic shower flip flops are great for using around the house and in the shower and can be bought very cheaply and readily in Paraguay. Men in Paraguay always use close-toed shoes in professional settings such as schools or giving presentations and in social settings such as festivals or birthday parties, but may wear sandals in informal settings.
• Running/exercise shoes: One or two pairs; and soccer cleats, if you play.
• Close-toed shoes: For walking long distances, and to wear in the winter. Durable/of high quality to withstand lots of wear and tear. Waterproof hiking boots might come in handy but are not necessary and may be more weight and hassle than they’re worth. Paraguayans typically use rain boots (available here in all shops and hardware stores) when working in wet conditions. WorkSafe is a good brand for work boots.
• Bring good socks and plenty of them; they wear out fast and though available locally, the quality is not great.

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

Other toiletries

The Peace Corps provides a full medical kit upon arrival so no need to bring your own basic meds unless it's something special.

• Menstrual products: Some Volunteers really like using a menstrual cup for environmental and affordability reasons. Others bring brands or types of products that are hard to find in Paraguay. Applicator-free tampons, pads, and panty liners are available locally, of varying quality.
• One week to one month's worth of toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, deodorant, toothpaste, razors. There are plenty of pharmacies and general stores close to the training center where you can buy toiletries when these run out. If you use a specific brand of shampoo, conditioner, or makeup for your hair and skin type, one to three months’ worth of supplies is recommended. Products for specific hair types like Afro/curly hair are hard to find in Paraguay. Keep in mind that products can also be shipped to you during your service. If you have sensitive skin, gums, or hair, or ones that require special treatment, the Peace Corps medical team can often help you find these items here.
• Bandanas or handkerchiefs (optional): Three
• Sunscreen: Only if you have a favorite brand or want a specific SPF; the Peace Corps provides SPF 30 and 50.
• Special toiletries: If you have a favorite lotion, face wash or other product it’s nice to bring down a little to pamper yourself once and a while. But in general, most toiletries are available here (although not the same brands).
• Toiletry bag (optional, the hangable fabric ones work great and are very useful)
• Two pairs of eyeglasses: If you wear them
• Dietary supplements (optional)

Telephones

International phone service in Paraguay is fairly reliable and accessible to most Volunteers.

• Volunteers should plan to bring an unlocked smartphone that accepts a SIM card/eSIM.
• You may need to check with your current cell phone provider to see if your current phone is unlocked, make sure that it supports GSM 850/1900 (these are the same frequencies used in the U.S.).
• Each Volunteer will receive a local SIM card/eSIM and a monthly allowance for phone/data credit.
• Volunteers who are unable to bring an unlocked phone will be provided a basic Samsung Galaxy phone.

Laptop

A laptop computer is 100% a good idea if you possibly can. Please consider bringing a laptop or tablet with you – if possible, with a USB plug. (We’ll provide you with a pen drive with the Peace Corps manuals uploaded.) You will use a laptop/tablet regularly during pre-service training, as a few of our sessions are on-line; most of our manuals and handouts are electronic documents and all Volunteer activity reporting is done online. We will offer printed versions of anything you request, but in general, we are online here at Peace Corps Paraguay and a laptop/tablet is essential. Some Volunteers get by with their smart phone, but if you can bring one, you’ll get your money’s worth out of a laptop. Peace Corps has a limited number of desktop computers available for Trainees and Volunteers to use when they are in the office and some Volunteers – with good planning and efficient use of time – get their work done on those. If you do not have a laptop or tablet, please let your country desk officer know as soon as possible so that we can plan ahead, work on a creative solution together, and ensure an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all.

Internet

Volunteers use a laptop/tablet regularly during pre-service training, as some sessions are online and most manuals and handouts are electronic. Additionally, once at site, all Volunteer reporting is done online. We will provide print versions of anything you request, but in general, we conduct business online at Peace Corps Paraguay and a laptop/tablet is essential. Some Volunteers get by with a smartphone, but if you are able to bring a laptop, it will be very helpful.

The internet service provided by Peace Corps Paraguay is through cell phones. Once at site, Volunteers have the option to purchase internet plans using their living allowance. In rural areas there is greater coverage of the 3G network, making internet browsing challenging, while the 4G/LTE network has better coverage in urban areas.

Voltage

The voltage in Paraguay is 220/240, so be sure that all of your devices can either handle this or bring a converter. These days most electronics have a label that tells you if they are 110/120 only or good for 110-240, so be sure and check. The standard outlet in Paraguay is the two circular pronged “European” outlet, but many outlets can also accommodate the two pronged “US” plug, however - not the three-pronged plug. You can find inexpensive adapters for going from three to two prongs at most hardware stores in Paraguay. A high-quality surge protector will save your gadgets from unstable electricity spikes.

Other electronics items to consider:

Portable chargers are handy as power outages are common in rural areas.

• External hard drive (recommended by Volunteers) with protective case; fill it with movies/shows/manuals/resources.
• Protective cases for electronics that protect computer, smart phone, hard drive, etc. during travel and from dust, sand and moisture.
• Camera and rechargeable batteries (expensive cameras are not recommended without insurance)
• 220-volt adapter, preferably with a surge protector
• USB flash drive or high-capacity external hard drive
• Audio player and traveling speakers
• Optional odds and ends: a good pen drive, Mac projector connector plug (the Peace Corps office lends projectors for Volunteer activities), USB extender, rechargeable batteries (regular batteries are easily available in Paraguay), extra headphones and cords and chargers for your devices (available in Paraguay but good quality ones are expensive).
• Projectors are sometimes hard to find here, especially in rural areas.

At least one of your pieces of luggage should have a secure lock (padlock or combination lock) so that you can safeguard your valuables when you leave your room in your host family’s house. All host family rooms have a lockable door, but we recommend locking your valuables when you leave the house, just to be on the safe side.

• If you plan to travel to other countries for vacation, you may want to bring extra money to suit your travel plans; credit cards or traveler's checks are preferable to cash. There are ATMs in larger cities, and most towns so you may want to bring an ATM card to access a bank account in the U.S.
• Small gifts for host family and friends (not required); knickknacks for the house; pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from your area; hard candies that will not melt or spoil; photos to give away
• Travel bag or small daypack
• Chest/shoulder bag, easier to wear and use to keep your things secure when traveling
• Large backpack for longer trips (one with an internal frame is recommended)
• Suitcases: wheeled suitcases rather than duffel bags are easiest to maneuver while traveling. Be prepared that wheels might break over the course of two years. Peace Corps will help with your arrival and initial settling in but eventually you will have to manage your own bags, so plan ahead.
• Camping sleeping pad (great for visitors) or yoga mat
• Tent (optional)
• Multipurpose tool/pocketknife
• Water bottle
• Flashlight/headlamp,
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Quick-dry towels
• Set of sheets to fit a double-sized bed
• Duct tape
• Small, basic cookbook and/or favorite recipes
• Dietary supplements you take other than multivitamins
• Ziploc bags
• Frisbee, soccer ball, baseball glove, football, and other recreational or sports equipment
• Permanent markers