Packing Guidance for Togo

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.

Togo’s climate varies from tropical to savanna. The southern part of the country is humid, with average annual temperature of 27 °C (80 °F). In the north, temperature fluctuations are greater, 17 to 41 °C (62 - 105 °F).

Rainfall in the south of the country comes in two seasons: the first mid-March to late July, the second early September to early mid-November. The dry desert winds of the harmattan blow south from the northeast, which brings with it cool dry weather between November and March. Periodic droughts occur in the north of the country.

Raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots are available in-country at local markets for purchase, but may not be the quality and/or standard you are accustomed to or available in the U.S. You may want to consider bringing a lightweight, breathable raincoat.

During pre-service training (PST), you will receive items listed below. The items are intended to facilitate your professional work, health and safety while serving as a Volunteer in Togo.

Mobile cell phone and SIM card device: As part of your settling-in allowance, funds will be provided to purchase a pre-selected basic cell phone in-country (estimated value $12). If you prefer, you may bring your own International unlocked phone, not reimbursable by Peace Corps, which you will use with the Peace Corps Togo issued SIM card. Prior to departing the U.S, you will be asked to complete an online survey on Peace Corps Togo’s pre-departure LearningSpace page as to whether you will bring your own unlocked phone or purchase the pre-selected phone, with funds from your settling-in allowance, available in-country. Consider that eSIMs are harder to install than physical SIM cards.

Tablet: You will have the option to purchase a Peace Corps Togo pre-selected tablet with funds provided in your settling-in allowance. Another option is to bring your own tablet or laptop at your own expense. Prior to departing the U.S, you will be asked to complete an online survey on Peace Corps Togo’s pre-departure LearningSpace page as to whether you will bring a tablet/laptop or purchase the pre-selected tablet, as with funds from your settling-in allowance, available in-country.

Mosquito net: Togo is a malaria endemic country. In addition to taking your malaria prophylaxis, other preventive measures include sleeping under a mosquito net throughout service. You will be provided with a mosquito net on arrival.

Medical kit: A medical kit containing basic items to prevent and treat minor injury/illness that may occur during service. Items in the medical kit are periodically restocked. Medical kits are to be returned to the medical unit at the end of your service. For additional information on medical kit, scroll down to “Toiletries and Medication” section, below.

Water filter: It is not safe to directly drink tap or well water in Togo. The Peace Corps provides you with a water filter for water purification at site. Water filters are to be returned to the medical unit at the end of your service.

Motorcycle helmet: A Peace Corps-approved motorcycle helmet. You are mandated to wear a Peace Corps approved motorcycle helmet when riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, in accordance with Peace Corps Togo Transportation Policy. You are expected to return the motorcycle helmet at the end of service.

Bicycle helmet: You must always wear a bicycle helmet while riding a bicycle, in accordance with Peace Corps Togo Transportation Policy. During your first six months of service, you may request reimbursement (up to 50,000 CFA) for the purchase of a bicycle. You are expected to return the bicycle helmet at the end of your service.

Cooking stove: To facilitate cooking at site, a cooking stove will be provided.

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.

Peace Corps Togo highly recommends that you plan on transitioning to locally available clothing as part of integration into your new community. That said, PST is busy, and it takes time to adjust to feeling comfortable in your new environment, buying at the market, or having clothing tailored.

We recommend that you bring enough clothing for your first three months. During PST, most Trainees wash their clothes on Saturdays with some periodic cleaning throughout the week. Clothes are washed by hand and line dried. Once posted at your site, bear in mind, there are specific dress code expectations that varies by community/region. Once at your respective site, you will be able to observe and conclude the expected dress code.

To better facilitate your integration during your early months at site, the basic rule is to wear traditional tailored African fabric specific to your community or region. Below is guidance on clothing expectations and cultural norms for professional (work) as well as leisure and recreation.

Professional (work) clothing

Dress, appearance, and cleanliness are of great importance in West Africa. While a “relaxed” appearance may be an expression of individuality in the United States, it is viewed as disrespectful in Togo. Your appearance demonstrates your level of respect for those you encounter. Being respectful does not require dressing expensively or elaborately. In Togo, people generally take great care to look presentable even if they have very few or old clothes.

Volunteers must dress appropriately, professionally, and respectfully throughout their service. Wearing revealing clothing and/or dressing in an unkempt manner would diminish the respect community members have for you and would make your work much more challenging.

Culturally, clothing that should be avoided in nearly all contexts includes shorts, short skirts, and other revealing clothing—neither men nor women may wear clothing that exposes their midriff, back, chest or underwear—and dirty, torn, and/or disheveled clothes. (Exceptions may include the beach, inside your own house, when jogging/exercising, and when doing hard manual labor.)

Be sensitive to the fact that village attire and city attire differ, as does attire for a classroom versus a farmer’s field. Appropriate professional attire when teaching in a formal classroom setting consists of long pants, khaki, jeans, dresses and/or skirts, and shirts/tops that cover the shoulders and upper arms, waist, and lower back. All dresses and skirts should cover the knees, even when sitting.

Cotton and linen are more comfortable than synthetic fabrics like polyester and loose-fitting pants are generally more comfortable than jeans. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants will help protect against mosquitoes in the evening.

We recommend that you bring at least one nice outfit such as button-down shirt + dress pants or blouse + skirt for high-level meetings and local ceremonial events. You can have appropriate outfits made in Togo. Local tailors are available to make outfits using readily available African or Western fabric.

Because of the heat in the classrooms and clinics we recommend lightweight, breathable fabrics, provided they are not sheer, for all sectors.

During service Volunteers hand wash and dry clothes on a line. This causes clothes to wear out much faster than what you may be used to in the U.S. Please keep this in mind when packing high value or sentimental clothes as the majority of clothes that you bring to Togo will become significantly worn out. White clothing is extremely hard to maintain so think about clothes that will be easy to hand wash with ordinary detergent.

Leisure and recreational clothing

Leisure: Undershirts, tank tops, shorts, yoga pants, and leggings are appropriate while you are at home.

Exercise: It is appropriate to wear shorts and tank-tops for sports and exercise. If shorts are worn for exercise, they should be knee-length or longer. Sports bras and tight-fitting leggings should be covered for public exercise.

Swimming: Togo has a coast of beautiful beaches (although riptides are a danger) as well as rivers, waterfalls, and lakes. Swimsuits should be modest, such as knee-length board shorts, one-piece swimsuits, and modest two-piece suits.

Sun protection: The sun can be very strong, and the regular use of sunscreen is highly recommended. Sunscreen is provided in your medical kit; however, you may consider bringing a 3-month supply of your preferred brand. Sunglasses are available locally but may not be the quality you are used to and may not offer the same protections such as UV and polarization. Sun protection attire is also recommended such as hats, lightweight long sleeves, neck gaiters and umbrellas.

Recommendations

Keep your program in mind, as different programs have different needs. An Agriculture Volunteer (and those in other sectors who might want to garden or spend time in nature) might consider packing more work/hiking shirts, boots and gloves. An Education or Health Volunteer might pack more professional clothing. Regardless of your sector, most of the time you should wear business casual clothes that look professional, are comfortable, breathable, washable, and can quickly be dried. Below are some recommendations.

• Everyday clothes (two weeks’ worth):
• Workout clothes (1-3 sets depending on your preference); longer shorts are preferred
• Formal clothes (1 set)
• A pair of jeans (especially for Agriculture sector), and/or a pair of linen or cotton pants
• Hats and/or bandanas, handkerchiefs, scarves
• Hair ties, clips, and barrettes
• Comfort clothes
• Prescription/non-prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses (highly recommended to bring a back-up pair if you can)
• Windbreaker or rain jacket/poncho. Umbrellas can be purchased here.
• A hoodie and/or sweatshirt for cool evenings
• Swimsuits

During your Peace Corps service, you will do a lot of walking and standing. Thus, the shoes you bring should be durable, sturdy, and comfortable. During the rainy season, roads and paths become extremely muddy. Although rubber/rain boots are available in-country, they may not be the same quality as in the U.S. If you do decide to bring rainy season footwear, avoid insulation or lining material as it will be too hot. The material should be comfortable for walking and biking.

Education sector: Closed-toed shoes and professional or dress sandals are appropriate for the classroom. Flip flops, athletic slides, and shower shoes are not.

Health sector: Professional closed-toed shoes or dress sandals appropriate for a clinic setting along with comfortable closed-toed shoes for outings within villages.

Agriculture sector: Closed-toed shoes suitable for mud, rain conditions. Shoes that give ankle protection for security from snakes, scorpions, and bugs are good for field work.

Recreational: Bring one pair of your preferred form of recreational shoes, whether it is running, bicycling, hiking, walking, or playing soccer/basketball/volleyball, etc.

Recommendations

• A pair or two of durable, sturdy, fully secured sandals that can be worn in muddy conditions or in water and are good for biking and walking.
• Sneakers/running shoes (especially if you exercise).
• A pair of shoes/boots, flats or sandals that can be used for formal events if necessary.

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

Recommendations

Bring toiletry items that are important to you, items might be hard to find in-country and may be expensive to send.

• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss
• Shampoo, conditioner can be hard to find in country
• Lotion
• Face wash and facial creams
• Anti-perspirant or deodorant, especially if you prefer roll-on or stick
• Sunblock
• Chapstick
• Tampons (3-month supply) and/or menstrual cup
• One sturdy hairbrush or wide-toothed comb
• Shaving/groom items
• Manicure/pedicure items
• Three-month supply of any medications, to last through pre-service training; copy of prescriptions.
• Other:
  • Hair products for those with natural hair
  • Make-up products
  • Acne treatment
  • Cologne/perfume
• Baby wipes (for sweat and dirt)

Hair care and styling in Togo: salons and barbers in Togo specialize in African hair. In Lome, you can find salons and barber shops that can cater to non-African hair styles. You also have the option to have other Volunteers attend to your hair needs (haircuts, etc.). Though the following can be purchased in-country, the quality or preferred choice may not be available. Thus, consider bringing rechargeable clippers/trimmers, hair cutting scissors, razors, and other grooming accessories/hygienic products that meet your grooming needs.

Voltage (v)

Togo runs on 220 V. Most phone and laptop chargers are compatible with both 120 V (U.S. standard) and 220 V. Electronics sold in Togo are 220 V compatible. Make sure in advance of bringing any electronics from the U.S. that they are compatible with 220 V. Electronics that are only 120 V compatible may burn out, catch fire, or damage the battery if they are plugged into 220 V. Togo uses the type C electrical plug. Although these can be easily purchased, consider bringing 1-2 plug adaptors that will convert from plug type A or B (used in the U.S.) to type C (used in Togo), to ensure you are functional upon arrival.

Power surges

The electrical grid in Togo is unreliable with frequent power outages, power surges, or mixed sources of electricity, such as gas or diesel generators. We recommend using a surge protector when plugging in your electronics. Surge protectors are available in Togo 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 and preferably can plug into type C electrical plugs.

Access and reliability

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

For all electronics, keep in mind that the heat and dust of Togo 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.

Recommendations

You will need a way to easily access the internet, email, and call features; it is ideal to have both a phone and a laptop/tablet. Many of your work partners at site and in-country friends will use WhatsApp to communicate. While there are options to buy a phone and a tablet in-country, these electronics are not as fast or familiar as what you might be used to. Phones provided by Peace Corps are not smartphones and tablets do not currently have Microsoft applications, which are usually needed to complete tasks. 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 Togo uses Android and Windows.

It is also important to think of the longevity and reparability 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 is a good idea. The heat, rain, humidity and dust can be very hard on electronic devices. If possible, having backups is a good idea. This is not limited to back-up devices, but also cords, chargers, cables, headphones, etc., particularly for Apple products. Remember that the country runs on 220 V so check to make sure your devices and chargers can handle the input voltage. Pack accordingly and remember things can possibly be purchased here and can be sent later on however, both can be expensive and take a while.

• Smartphone (unlocked and can accept local SIM card) with protective cover / screen protector
• Laptop/tablet
• Headphones (lower quality options can be found in country)
• Chargers (and backups) (most chargers can be found in country)
• Cables (and backups)
• Plug converters and/or power strip (helpful if they double as surge protectors)
• Power banks
• USB flash drives
• Hard Drive/SSD (1-5 TB); many Volunteers use these to download and share media, such as movies, TV shows, eBooks, etc.
• Other:
  • E-reader
  • Camera
  • Backup cases (can be found in country for android products)
• Mini solar panel/power bank combo (If your site does not have electricity, there are options in country for more complex setups)

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 past Volunteers have said they enjoy having in-country. Note: these items are not required or even recommended, but they might be nice to have.

Photos of family, friends, social events (from the U.S.)

Showing photos of your home, family and friends can be an excellent way to connect with your new community and work partners. Consider bringing a small photo album with prints as internet connectivity is not always reliable. Consider bringing other sentimental or personal items, not too expensive, that help keep you grounded and connected to your sense of home and self, but please do not bring anything that you could not live without in case of loss, theft or damage.

Photography

Many Volunteers take excellent photos on their smart phones. For more avid photographers, consider bringing your camera equipment, but understand that it may present a temptation to theft, loss or damage. Please consider how you intend to use your camera equipment, especially when taking photos of people. “Extractive” photography is highly discouraged for it can create conflict when photos are taken without the subject’s consent. Please seek consent before photographing others.

Travel

You may have the need to travel within Togo and internationally over the course of your service. We recommend that you secure checked baggage during international flights with TSA-approved locks. You may also consider bringing lockable cables for securing bags to the top of vehicles while using local transportation.

Recommendations

These are miscellaneous items that have been recommended by previous Volunteers, items that they found to be both useful and/or comforting in-country during their service.

• You may want to bring extra money, credit cards and ATM cards for your time in-country and your potential travel plans. There are ATMs in larger cities where you can withdraw money depending on the card company.
• Small day pack for shopping and larger backpack/duffle for traveling
• Sturdy water bottle (1-2)
• Quick-dry towel (replacements can be found in-country)
• A watch and extra batteries if necessary (something that is rugged and water resistant is recommended)
• Rugged Bluetooth speaker
• Swiss army knife or multi-tool
• Money belt or pouch that can be concealed under clothing or worn on the waist to carry money and other valuables
• Rechargeable headlamp, lanterns or flashlights (solar powered, USB, etc.)
• Indoor lights and LED lights for better home decor.
• Pictures from home
• Various stationery items (Some can be found in Lome and purchased after swear in)
  • Scissors
  • Stapler
  • Favorite pens/pencils/markers/crayons
  • Duct tape, packing tape, binder clips
  • Journal
  • Wall calendar/day planner
• Favorite games (Deck of cards, UNO, chess, Codenames, Avocado Smash! Bananagrams, etc.)
• Spikeball, frisbee, football, soccer ball, hacky sack, etc.
• Musical instruments (e.g., harmonica, guitar, banjo). Bring extra strings.
• Hobby items (e.g., crayons, sketch book, sewing/crochet needles, paints, sticky tape for hanging pictures, knitting needles, and maps)
• Small pillow, pillowcases, queen flat and fitted bed sheets (for the first three months the peace corps will provide you with a twin bed, but for your permanent site you may purchase a bigger bed so bring sheets for the size bed you plan to eventually get, and you can fit it to your initial twin bed). There are in country options but often of lower quality
• Small sewing kit
• Small packable snacks and powdered drinks from home that can provide comfort during PST and during the initial months at site.
• Flavored electrolyte packs, especially if you plan to be physically active
• Your favorite spices or sauce packets. Local markets may have bay leaves, chili peppers, garlic, anise, and peppercorns. Other spices such as curry, oregano, etc., can be bought in Lomé. Seasoning packets for pasta are highly recommended, as are burrito/taco spices.
• Small camping chair
• Hammock
• Posters/maps
• One or two physical books (books are available for purchase in Lomé but they can be expensive and selection of English books is limited; Volunteers are encouraged to trade books among themselves)
• Ziploc bags of various sizes
• Potable fans (rechargeable or able to plug into USB port)
• Sunscreen (such as oil free face sunscreen)
• Spandex and dry-fit clothing
• Underwear supply to last 2 years