Packing Guidance for Timor-Leste

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.

As you prepare for your time in Timor-Leste, it's essential to consider the tropical climate prevalent throughout the year, with coastal temperatures reaching the mid-to-high 80s and slightly cooler conditions in the mountainous interior. The country experiences a rainy season from November through April, characterized by heavy rains that can result in muddy tracks and roads.

For your clothing choices, Volunteers often opt for tops with short sleeves, especially in coastal areas, and layering for flexibility. In mountainous regions, a warmer layer such as a sweater or jacket may be necessary. Footwear is crucial, particularly during the rainy season. Durable, waterproof shoes are recommended, and having a small, portable umbrella can be beneficial, given the occasional heavy rains. While umbrellas are available locally, good quality ones can be pricey. Thin rain ponchos are also easy to find in local shops, but if you prefer a thicker or sportier rain jacket, you may want to bring one.

To protect against the sun, consider wearing a hat, polarized sunglasses, and light layers. Additionally, lightweight pants or a long-sleeved layer can provide protection against mosquitoes, which can carry diseases like dengue and malaria.

During the dry season, expect dusty tracks and roads to and from your work. If you have specific preferences for face masks, it might be wise to bring some items along. Overall, versatile clothing that can adapt to the diverse weather conditions will be valuable during your stay in Timor-Leste.

Peace Corps Timor-Leste provides the following items:

• SIM-capable phone and SIM card. You can bring your own phone for use if you prefer, if it is unlocked with SIM or eSIM capabilities. Peace Corps Timor-Leste provides a SIM and a monthly phone plan
• External solar battery pack
• Mosquito net
• Basic medical kit
• Insect repellent
• Sunblock with SPF 30-35
• Water filter
• Smoke Detector

Peace Corps Timor-Leste can reimburse up to $300 to purchase a bike after swearing in. We recommend you purchase your bike after you have been at your permanent site for at least three months since there is no way for you to know whether the roads are conducive to bike riding. Some roads near your site may not be paved, cobblestone, or quite rutted. You must wear a bike helmet, which Peace Corps provides, at all times when riding a bike.

Peace Corps can reimburse up to $400 for purchase of a laptop or tablet after Swearing In. Some tablets will be available during pre-service training if a Trainee arrives without a personal computer.

If your permanent site is near the ocean, you can check out a life jacket from the Peace Corps office and keep it for your two-year service.

The Peace Corps Volunteer lounge is stocked with a lot of books. You may borrow books from the Peace Corps library, and limited camping and sporting equipment is available from the Volunteer lounge.

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.

Below is guidance on clothing expectations and cultural norms for work as well as leisure and recreation. When considering your clothing choices, consider items that are interchangeable between categories and that can mix and match well to get the most flexibility out of the items you bring. Please watch video on how to dress in Timor-Leste here to find more information.

Work clothing

In Timor-Leste, the dress code for schools and offices leans towards business-casual and conservative attire. In the workplace, it's customary to wear pants or skirts (below the knee), paired with collared dress shirts or blouses. While short-sleeved shirts or tops are acceptable and even recommended for the heat, it's important to note that low-cut or sleeveless tops are not considered appropriate unless covered with a wrap or sweater.

When selecting clothing, choose materials that are lightweight, breathable, and quick drying, given the climate. Jeans are not considered suitable as business wear. During the initial phase, particularly through training and the first months at the permanent site, you should dress very conservatively until you fully grasp what is acceptable in your workplace.

While professionals aren't expected to have a different outfit every day, the emphasis is on keeping work clothes clean and tidy. A practical tip from a fellow Volunteer includes bringing an adjustable belt—either one without holes or one that you're comfortable piercing—in case of weight fluctuations.

Special occasions

In smaller towns and rural areas of Timor-Leste it's common for older people to wear traditional clothing, such as locally woven tais, or printed kabaya or kambatik during celebrations like weddings or house inaugurations. Traditional dances and rituals often accompany these events, creating a rich cultural experience. If you're invited to participate in a community gathering, wearing tais may be part of the occasion, and these can be borrowed or bought locally.

Given the Catholic influence in Timor-Leste, the local church plays a significant role in community social activities. Many Volunteers attend church activities with their host families. While most work attire is generally sufficient, Timorese often dress a bit more formally for such events. Nice slacks and a shirt or a lightweight dress are considered appropriate. Timorese women might accessorize with earrings, men with wristwatches.

Timorese wear black clothing during the mourning period for a close family member. If you're dressed in a fully black outfit or dress, it might lead to others to offer condolences. Understanding these cultural practices helps build strong connections within the community.

Leisure and recreational clothing

Whether visiting neighbors, taking walks in the community, or heading to the beach, the emphasis on modest dress remains. Timorese typically opt for skirts or knee-length shorts, paired with T-shirts or tank tops with wider straps, avoiding body-hugging attire even in casual situations.

When it comes to swimming, both sexes commonly wear shorts and T-shirts, with a recommendation to avoid revealing swimwear or cover up. Rash guards and board shorts are acceptable. For sports classes like yoga, leggings, gauchos, or capris paired with loose T-shirts or tank tops are common choices. Some Volunteers use long-sleeve athletic tops to prevent sunburn, highlighting the practicality of adapting clothing choices to the climate.

Extra undergarments are relatively easy to find but vary in quality, price, size, and new/used condition. Some Volunteers prefer to use underclothes made from quick-drying materials and bring a restock supply to use after one year.

Notes on purchasing clothes locally

The widespread availability of secondhand clothing is a notable aspect of local markets, offering a variety of options. However, if you need clothing larger than a size large, finding suitable clothing may pose a challenge. Sports bras and other sportswear are difficult to find or expensive.

Notes on laundering

You will likely be washing all your own clothes by hand and line drying them. You might also have limited choices in detergents, and they may be harsher than you are used to. Bring clothing with durable fabrics that is easily washed and line dried (important in the rainy season). Keep in mind that your laundry will be visible to families and neighbors. We recommend handwashing your clothes before departing for service to determine suitable clothing options.

In professional settings, closed-toed shoes are the standard, with occasional flexibility for women to wear dressier sandals. However, it's essential to avoid casual sandals and flip flops, particularly in schools, offices, and government workplaces. Considering the diverse terrain, which can range from hilly and rocky to muddy, and the likelihood of walking to and from work, prioritize shoes that combine durability, waterproofing, and comfort. Break in your shoes before you arrive.

During the rainy season, it's common for some Timorese to wear a casual and easy-to-clean pair of shoes or flip flops while commuting to work, later changing into a more polished pair for the office.

For leisure activities, simple flip flops are readily available in local markets. Volunteers recommend bringing bring sturdy hiking sandals, a dress shoe for special events, and even cleats if you're a soccer player.

Keep in mind that the shoe selection available might be more limited than what you're accustomed to, and finding replacements or specific sports/running shoes challenging, especially in larger sizes. For those wearing shoes above a size 40 (U.S. size 10 women or size 7 men), purchasing shoes in Timor-Leste could be difficult. Volunteers suggest bringing a backup pair of your preferred shoes or exploring creative ways to mix and match with your wardrobe for versatility.

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

Additional guidance for Peace Corps Timor-Leste:

You should find most personal hygiene and toiletry items locally, such as shampoo, conditioner, body soap, razors, and toothpaste. It's advisable to bring enough supplies to cover your needs for the first 2-3 weeks. For specialty products, consider bringing a larger supply.

During pre-service training, the Peace Corps medical officers (PCMOs) will provide you with menstrual products. The medical team maintains variety of supplies such as pads (R and S), tampons applicators (R and S), cups and discs. Once you begin your service, you have the choice of continuing to receive supplies through the PCMO or receiving an allowance to buy them locally. If you have specific preferences for menstrual products, bringing a larger supply is recommended.

For those wearing hearing aids, it's essential to bring extra batteries as they are challenging to find in Timor-Leste

In Timor-Leste, the standard voltage is 220, and a variety of plugs are used. (See World Power Plugs for more information.) The most common ones are the Indonesian style, with the Australian/Singaporean style being less prevalent. It's advisable to consider having a universal travel adapter, preferably one with surge protection. While cheap adapters are available locally, having a multi-pronged/universal one is more convenient.

Bringing a laptop or tablet can be beneficial, especially as there will be virtual learning during pre-service and in-service training. If needed, Peace Corps has a limited supply of computers for use during pre-service training if needed.

Peace Corps can supply you with a dual SIM smartphone, but some Volunteers opt to bring their own smartphones. If you choose to bring your own phone, ensure it's unlocked before leaving the U.S. Peace Corps provides a phone plan for all Trainees and Volunteers, but Volunteers are responsible for purchasing any extra data with their monthly living allowance. It's not recommended to buy an international SIM card, given its high cost and varied service support in Timor-Leste.

During staging, Peace Corps will provide you with a power bank featuring an integrated solar charger, which may be provided to you at Staging to carry with you. Additionally, items like USB drives, multiport adaptors, external hard drives, non-type C charging cables, or Bluetooth speakers can be significantly more expensive in Timor-Leste. Considering this, bringing these items with you can be a cost-effective choice.

Based on your interests and personal preferences there may be additional items you will want to consider bringing with you. Below is a list of items Volunteers have said they are happy they brought or may be hard to find in Timor-Leste. Note: these items are not required or even recommended but might be nice to have.

Travel or sport equipment

• Sturdy water bottle
• Sturdy and waterproof backpack
• Rechargeable flashlight or headlamp to walk to outdoor toilet at night
• Bandana or other face covering to wear when traveling on dusty roads
• Multi-purpose tool or pocketknife
• Sports equipment: hacky sack, frisbee, soccer ball, yoga mat, resistance bands
• Camping gear: inflatable air mattress, sleep sack, water bladder, carabiners, comfortable pillow.

Household goods

• Comfortable noise-cancelling headphones
• Quick-dry towels and washcloths are handy, but cotton towels can be bought locally
• Compact mirror, quality tweezers
• Sewing kit
• Work gloves
• Small, hand-held, rechargeable fan
• Duct tape
• Photos to put on your wall and sticky tack
• If you bake, consider bringing a set of measuring cups/spoons as they are hard to find here.

Crafts or games

• Craft materials: cross-stitch materials, knitting needles and yarn, embroidery materials, coloring books, origami paper, etc.
• Games: playing cards or dice
• Journal for self-reflection
• Good writing pens

Gifts for host families

Many Volunteers bring small, inexpensive gifts to give to their training and long-term host families. Suggestions include:

• Candy, snacks, or chewing gum
• Special teas or spices
• Toys for children: jump ropes, crayons and coloring books, noisemakers, glow sticks
• Beauty products: hair clips, nail polish
• A rosary blessed by the Pope
• Clothes: T-shirts or hats
• Simple family recipes to try with your host family