Packing List
Updated 01-April-2006
Here is a page to help those of you that are on your way here as part of the education group.
First I am a member of the group that came 10-JUN-2005, the Education group. I have been here for almost one year and have learned quit a bit in this time. Hopefully if you read this it will help you plan your PC adventure! Good luck and see you soon!
Second, there are two types of people in the world those that travel light, and those that, well...like to be prepared for anything. I fall into the latter group, I brought way to much stuff, so learn from my mistakes.
So, I will tell you what I brought, then I will make some, hopefully helpful, comments. Here's my list.
So, I brought way too much stuff! So what should you bring? I will start by telling what Peace Corps will be giving you. Then I will try to tell you what items are available here in Ghana and the quality of those items. I will also try to give some recommendations. Finally I will tell you what I would have done different knowing what I know now.
So the Peace Corps is going to give you some money. You will get money at staging (US dollars). I don't remember exactly how much it was but I think that it was $140. Once you arrive in Ghana say good bye to the good old US dollar and say hello to the cedi! The good news is that when you convert a dollar to cedis you get about ¢9000. You will be given more than enough money throughout your training. The settling in allowance they give you to buy stuff in your new house is kind of weak though (1.3 million) so try to save a million or two during training. The first advice is, if you have it, bring cash. Peace Corps gives you enough money to live comfortably but more money is always nice, especially if you want to travel around Ghana.
You will be given a medical kit. A mosquito net will be provided. A water barrel and filter will be provided. You will be given a bicycle or money to buy a bicycle. You will also be given some books: "Where There is No Doctor" by Dave Werner; "Culture Matters, The Peace Corps Cross-Cultural Workbook"; the Peace Corps "Ghana Health Handbook"; the Peace Corps Ghana cookbook, "The Dawn of Cooking." You will also get language books and possibly some books specific to you area (we got books for teaching our subjects areas). Also you should have received (staging packet?) the Peace Corps Information Collection and Exchange CD (Digital ICE Catalog). This disk contains all of the Peace Corps literature and some other literature that may be applicable to you assignment. If you have a computer take some time to look through the literature on the disk.
There are many things that are available here in Ghana and given the exchange rate stuff is usually much cheaper here. Here's a summary of what I have found to be available here.
Toiletries
They have nice bath bar soaps here and they are cheap. There is shampoo available as well you will have to hunt to find it (ask me or other PCV's). I found the toothpaste to be good as well. Toothbrushes are available. Q-Tips can be bought in the market. As far as deodorant is concerned I brought some but, honestly, I rarely use it. They have inferior razors and shaving cream. Toilet paper and napkins are readily available. I was able to find some hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and rubbing alcohol.
For the girls: Peace Corps doesn't supply tampons to you. The volunteers are pressuring PC to change this but I would not count on it. I would suggest that you bring a six month supply and then you can have your family members resupply you. I'm not sure about the supply or quality of tampons here. But I do hear the female PCV's complaining. Ask them for advice if you can.
Being used to American products I have to say that the products here are not that great. Having said that, many American/Euorpean products are available in Accra/Kumasi, but they are prohibitively expensive for the average PCV (bring money!).
Clothing
Ghana has very nice, vibrant, fabrics. For about 5 to 10 dollars you can buy some fabric and have a shirt, pants, dress or man-dress made. There are some more expensive finely crafted items such as Kente clothe that will cost you ~$100. They have plenty of laundry soap available here. They have powder detergent and bar soaps for washing clothes. Clothes are hand washed by the way, it's a pain in the ass, but you will have help. There are some nice leather sandals but I have not bought them and am not sure of the quality. They have flip-flops (they call the Charlies) that you can get for ¢5000 or so. Charlies are worn around the house and for bathing. Underwear, bras, socks, T-shirts, etc are available but, again, I'm not sure of the quality.
Kitchen Items
There are plenty of kitchen items available here. Many Ghanians eat with their hands but silverware is available. Plates, bowls, cooking utensils are available as are pots, pans, wooden spoons, etc. They typically cook on a coal pot oven but you will have enough money to buy a gas stove and cylinder. They have dish soap and some local solid soap they use for washing dishes/laundry.
Electronics/Appliances
Ghanians love music consequently the have plenty of stereos (receivers, speakers, tape, players) available. I'm not sure about the availability of CD players. I'm sure the import stores (see below) will have them. I am really not sure of the quality though. You can get imported electronics such as Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, etc in Accra/Kumasi. Also there are many cheap knock-offs but the quality is not variable, so be careful what you buy. They have satellite radio here (World Space) but I was told that you cannot buy the new radios in Ghana because they stopped selling them. This sound like crap to me but that's what I was told. You can buy a used one from one of the PCV's leaving or someone else though. The subscription for World Space is $10 per month (paid online via credit card). They have NPR and plenty of music stations. They have cheap world band radios here as well but you will only get BBC and sometimes VOA (there are plenty of stations in French and other languages if you can understand them).
As far as appliance, they have: irons, refrigerators, blenders, toasters, etc. They are pretty expensive at least for a PCV. A small refrigerator will cost you about $100 to $150 used, or for about the same price you can get a small dorm frig.
American electronics/appliances run on 110V/60Hz electricity here they have 220V/50Hz so you need a converter. They have them here for about $5 to $10, depending on the wattage of the device you are using. I bought one that has 100 Watts max for ¢40,000 in Techiman. Many laptop computers have a power supply that can handle American and Euorpean Electricity, for example I brought an ibook that I don't need a converter for.
As far as batteries are concerned they have Duracell and Energizer batteries as well as the cheap knock-offs. I know of at least one person who had the cheap ones leak in a digital camera and destroy it, so I wouldn't use them for expensive devices. Also the cheap ones don't last that long. Duracell and Energizer AA's and AAA's are readily available at gas stations and some stores. I have seen C's and I was able to purchase some D's in Kumasi, but they were, somehow, hard to find. The cheap ones are available in the markets everywhere (AA's and D's). I even recently saw some AA rechargeable Energizer batteries.
Cell phones are available here. I bought a Nokia 2600 for $150. I think most of the others in our group bought Nokia 1100's for about $85. You may or may not have reception at your site. I can send and receive text messages from my house but I have to walk about 50 yards and stand on a small hill to talk. Even if you don't get reception at your site you can use it while traveling. I think most areas have at least limited coverage though. If you want to bring your own I think you will need a tri-band that can accept a SIM card.
Recommendations
First I want to say that for most of you, while you are hear people are going to be sending you packages so don't worry if you for get something. Better yet, give your family some small things to put in each package they send. Second try to bring things that you can't live with out and nothing else. I think a good rule of thumb is to get all your stuff together and cut 25 to 50 percent of it out before you leave. You have to understand that your lifestyle is going to change. If you think in terms of your current lifestyle then you will bring things that you just don't need. For example I don't wear deodorant most of the time here where as in the US I always wore deodorant.
For luggage I will just make a few recommendations. First bring an good medium sized backpack for traveling around. The size should be small enough to keep on your lap while traveling. Any stuff sacks packing kits etc. will be helpful. It is also a good idea to bring some extra straps to secure your luggage. Sturdy Mesh laundry sacks are nice. Bring suitable cases for your electronics (laptop, digital camera etc.). If you pack is not waterproof, bring zip-lock bags for all electronics (that you will carry with you) that may be damaged by the rain. Bring a money belt and/or security pouch.
A word on Ghanaian money. First as I mentioned previously it is called the cedi and the exchange rate is about ¢9000 to the dollar. The bills here are ¢20,000, ¢10,000, ¢5000, ¢2000, and ¢1000. So if you have $100 in cedis thats about 50 to 100 bills that's a lot of bills and a lot of money by Ghanaian standards. I have a waist money belt and a neck pouch, I put some in each, and some in my pack. I personally have found the neck pouch to be more useful.
I would recommend that you bring any type of make-up or facial creams that you will use. Remember thought that it is dusty and dirty here and you will be dirty most of the time. Bringing a few small make-up item for special occasions is recommended. I also recommend that you bring some shampoo; enough for a couple of months. It is available here but hard to find (the Cash & Carry in Techiman may have some). Some bath scrunches would be invaluable as you will be taking bucket baths. I would bring some Q-Tips for a couple of months as well. Don't bother bringing bar soaps (take the small ones from the hotel to last a couple of days). Bring acne cream if you use it. I brought a small mirror and am happy I did so but you can buy one in the market here. The reality is that you will be dirty most of the time. You just have to adjust, most people get along just fine.
If you will wear contacts...bring lots of saline (or have it sent) and Visine. If you will wear glasses...bring some lens cleaner and a cloth (I wear glasses and use toilet tissue to clean the lenses). Also I have a nice hard-side case for my glasses that is great. I wore contacts is the States pretty regularly but have not worn them here. I would suspect that if you have disposable contacts they will last half as long as the package recommends because of all the dirt and dust. I have found that the lenses of my glasses are scratched up pretty bad but they are good enough that my vision is not really obscured, thankfully.
For guys I would recommend an electric beard trimmer and/or shaver (AA battery powered is best but any rechargeable will be fine). Also a nose hair trimmer is recommended if you use one. If you have a shaved head or want to shave your head while you are here I would bring an electric hair trimmer (you could by one here). Their are scissors in your med-kit but a nice pair of hair-cutting scissors would be great to have. I would bring nail clippers, nail file, a pumice stone too. I brought some mole skin for blisters and have used it several times (duct tape way also work!?!).
As far as clothes are concerned there's the debate natural vs. synthetic.
Before I came to Ghana I had never been to the tropics. I thought it would be hot as hell. I read that the temperature varies from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. I some how found that hard to believe. However now that I am here I can tell you that the temperature is almost always between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is almost always cloudy where I am (Brong Ahafo region which is in the middle of Ghana). I have experience the hot season and can report that it's not that bad. By the time it rolls around your body will be well adapted. I did experience the wet season thought and it rains quite a bit.So back to the point. Synthetics will typically dry more quickly and they may be more durable (laundry soaps and/or hand washing seems to be harder on fabrics than the good old washing machine). Cotton feels nice but is difficult to dry when it's sunny, cloudy, then rainy, all in one day. Bottom line cotton feels better, but synthetics dry faster and are more durable. If you can afford, it silk is the best of both worlds. I brought a pair of silk boxers and a silk travel sheet they both dry pretty fast and are comfortable. Bottom line I would recommend that you bring a mix of synthetics and cotton fabrics....Update...after having lived here for a year I can say that cotton is preferred. I actually ware locally made cloths most of the time. I would bring some nice, comfortable underwear, t-shirts and socks. Also lightweight clothing is great for traveling. A couple of pairs of lightweight, synthetic, travel pants are recommended. So what to bring? I would recommend you bring enough underwear that you can go 10 days with out washing it. I would recommend that you bring at least some good pairs of socks. You will probably wear sandals most of the time but your feet will get very dirty and I have found that it helps to wear socks and sandals/shoes once in a while. Some nice T-shirts would be great if you wear them. Denim Jeans are fashionable here and you may want to bring some (I'm sure that you could sell them if you didn't want to wear them). Ghanians appreciate a well dressed person so if you can bring some durable clean cut nice looking clothes you will make a very good impression!
As I said before, some of the things that you may need as SED, HWS, or EN PCV's may be different than what us ED PCV's need. Consequently as a EN PCV I brought a couple of pairs of dress pants and dress shirts. I think that the EN PCV's may want to bring some boots and work clothes (I'm not sure). Keep in mind that much of your time will be spent interacting with Ghanians and they will respect you more if you are well dressed.Some clothes that I would definitely consider bringing are: at least one nice pair of clothes (dress pants shirt and tie for guys; nice dress for girls) for special occasions (there will be a reception for you at the US Embassy shortly after you arrive). A pair of comfortable clothes for traveling. Traveling in Ghana is an experience. You will see when you get here but I will tell you now that you will get very dirty. Bring a pair of clothes that are durable and you will not mind getting dirty. For guys pants and a T-shirt are fine. For girls a T-shirt an a long loose dress would be great. I would also recommend bringing an sweater for when you are feeling cold. For Ghanaians and the PCVs that have been here for a while, anything below 70 degrees is cold.
For your feet you should bring a durable pair of sandals. I brought Teva sandals that are OK. Many people brought chocos and some people brought Birkinstocks, etc. You will also want to bring some shoes. I brought a pair of dress shoes, a pair of leather Timberland boots, and a pair of running shoes. I think the boots may have been over kill but I have worn them several times and am happy I brought them. The bottom line is bring some good sandals, at least one pair of shoes and few pairs of good socks. I would bring at least one pair of heavy hiking socks for when it is cold at night and when you travel with a heavy pack. I would concentrate on quality footwear as you will probably be traveling quite a bit and taking care of your feet is important!...update after having been here for almost a year I would say that the sandals are what I wear most of the time. I would recommend that you don't bring dress shoes or boots. You can buy dress shoes here in the market. If you want to run bring some running shoes.
It rains here. I read some recommendations to bring an lightweight breathable rain coat. I brought a Patagonia Rain coat ($150) and an umbrella ($30). I think that the rain coat is overkill. It works great but If it really rains you will be soaked below the waist anyway. When your dirty rain is a free shower too! Bring an umbrella and save your rain coat money for other items. If you already have a rain coat bring it. You may consider bringing a rain fly or plastic trash bags to cover your gear/pack(s) while traveling or if you get caught in the rain. Also I would recommend that you prevent you electronics from getting wet while traveling by putting them in a plastic bag etc.
Bring at least one nice full sized sheet. I brought a silk travel sheet (silk sleeping sack) and a full sized cotton sheet. The silk travel sheet cost $50 and is super compact for traveling so I recommend it. I brought a compressible thermarest pillow that I like. I also brought some synthetic camp towels (Packtowl) and they're great. As I mentioned before they have nice fabrics here that can be used as sheet, towel, blanket, etc. So this is a judgement call you can get by just fine without any of the above but there nice to have!
Bring some books that you would like to read. There are plenty of books in the Accra/Kumasi/Tamale offices that you can take if you like (you can also donate yours!). Bring some of your favorite music (see electronics below). I wish I hand brought more of my favorite music. You could also bring some of your favorite dvd's or video tapes. Some people brought a guitar, bring it if you like. You can by a low quality one here. Other musical instruments are good. Bring a deck of cards and any other small games you like to play.
As far as electronic are concerned bring what you like to use. Try to bring rechargeable gadgets though. Check my list for some things to consider. Other people in our group brought ipods/mp3 players and walk-man type CD players with small speakers. Someone also brought an FM transmitter that connects to an ipod (it is called the itrip ibelieve) so you can play your music on a stereo this is a great idea. I would strongly consider a USB flash drive (or two) especially if you bring a laptop (this is how I upload my web page files!). If you bring a laptop that can burn CD/DVDs bring some blanks (trade music files, burn digital pictures) I brought a 3 LED headlamp that has proven indispensable. It runs on 3 AAA batteries and last a long time though it becomes dimmer as the batteries go down but for reading at night it is fine. I also brought a mini Maglite and a 4-D cell Maglite. I would recommend that you bring an LED headlamp and a Maglite sized to you taste! The electricity may be off for extended periods of time at your site.
As far as batteries are concerned try to bring devices that use AA or AAA and bring rechargeable AA and AAA batteries and a charger. You can buy batteries here if you like, but go for the Duracell/Energizers. D and C cells are harder to find but you can find them (ask me if need some). I brought devices that use AA and AAA with the exception of my laptop and 4-D cell Maglite. I also brought a charger. This scheme has worked very well for me so far.
Some other items to consider are: knife/multitool. Ziplock bags; I brought some 1 and 2 gallon Hefty bags that I have used quite a bit. I currently using them to store food items like rice and beans. Nalgene bottles are pretty nice I brought wide mouth and narrow mouth the wide mouth being easier to clean. A pack of note cards for making flash cards will help you pick-up the language. A tape recorder voice recorder will help also (PC will lend you a tape recorder if you ask nicely). Some T-shirts as gifts for your home-stay family would be much appreciated (Ghanaians love American clothes) I brought a small AA battery powered fan that I am enjoying right now.
Hindsight is 20/20
So what would I do different? I wouldn't bother with a pack lock, I've never used mine. I think the boots may have been overkill but I like my feet! I think I would bring less socks, but I am happy that I brought some nice ones though. As I mentioned before the rain coat is probably not necessary. Same goes for the rain hat. I am happy I brought my umbrella though. I wish I hand brought some duct tape, it has many uses in American and probably more in Ghana. I brought some spices that I am enjoying; cumin, coriander, oregano, black pepper corns and basil. Some spices are available here such as garlic, ginger and hot peppers. The kitchen utensils were overkill. A nice spoon and fork may be good though for when you get to site.
I am glad I brought my GPS watch but I wish I had brought a better GPS unit. I spent $125 for the watch I wish I had spent twice that for a nice handheld unit. I would bring a small cheap world band radio. There's a Grundig world band radio with a hand crank and a built in flash light that would be perfect. Buy it at Radio Shack for ~$40. I really like my Grundig mini PE. World Space is the way to go if you can get it. Some small walkie-talkies would be nice as well. Bring some money ($100 to $150) to buy a cell phone and buy one in Accra when you get here. I wish I had brought more music and a small CD player or ipod. An ipod/itrip combination with all you favorite music would be perfect. I wish I hod brought a few dvd's to watch on my computer.
I wouldn't bother with insect repellant PC will give you some. The mosquitos here aren't that aggressive, at least that has been my experience. If you do want to bring some there are some handy-wipes with insect repellant that are nice. I brought some permethrin based clothing insect repellant that I didn't need (PC will give you some for your mosquito net which can be used for clothes as well). The 100% deet I brought with the intention of diluting it so I would have a whole lot. This seemed smart when I was packing but in hindsight seems stupid. The diatomaceous earth I'm glad I brought. Diatomaceous earth is used to kill ants, it's non-toxic and works like a charm and there are plenty of ants here. You can get it at a garden center. Bring a pound or two.
A final note if you forget anything you can have it sent. If you mail yourself something put it in a large envelope. Don't worry too much about forgetting something or not bringing everything you will need. As time goes by you will learn what you want and need and you can have your family send it. I look forward to seeing all of you when you arrive. Godspeed!!!!!!!