Preparing for a trip.

If you’ve never been on a trip to Nicaragua before, you may not be sure what to bring. This abbreviated post should help you out.

To Do Immediately

• Get a passport if you don’t already have one. New laws have created an increase in passport application volume, so you need to get the process started right away to avoid delays that might keep you from going on a trip.
• Get vaccinations. Most generally get the Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, but there are others that are recommended. Talk to your doctor or county health representative.

Personal Items to Pack

• passport
• cash (new, crisp bills, $200 recommended - make sure your money isn’t marked up or torn/folded)
• bug spray (non-aerosol can)
• water bottle (you can also purchase bottled water in Nicaragua and use those bottles instead)
• swimsuit (for our free day)
• anti-bacterial gel/hand wipes
• work gloves
• personal medical supplies
• dress clothes (skirts/dress for women, nice slacks and polo-type shirt for men)
• washcloth or shower scrunchie
• sun block
• hat/bandanna
• pens/markers (label your clothing; we get our laundry done at the place we stay, but it is put in a community pile and you’d be surprised how similar it all starts looking as the days go on)
• work clothes (at least two sets, preferable three; we do get our laundry done so you don’t have to something new for each day)
• lip balm
• notebook/journal
• camera
• flashlight
• snacks that won’t melt (both for your personal use, but also bring plenty to share with the rest of the group and add to the “community stash”)

Work Tools (if you are in a group with a construction project, you are responsible for bringing your own tools — check with your leader to see what you’ll specifically need)

• lineman pliers (one or two; they sometimes disappear on the site)
• tape measure (should be metric)
• tools should be inexpensive; sometimes they disappear from the site

Donation Items (things you’ve collected and brought down to hand out)

• clothing for all sizes and genders
• no pants/shorts for adult women
• men’s pants 32, 34, 36
• small toys, games
• shoes, sandals, flip flops

Traveling Restrictions/Tips

• Check with your leader or the airline you are using to see what the weight limit is for your personal, checked baggage BEFORE you get to the airport for check-in. If you have extra space, someone who is over the limit may be able to transfer items to your bag.
• Generally, you are allowed two carry-on items: a carry-on to stow overhead and a backpack/purse for under the seat
• Pack as much as you can in your main carry-on in case your luggage doesn’t arrive; you don’t want to end up without clothes to wear or necessary personal items. Most pack nearly all of their week’s worth of clothes, etc. in their carry-on and use the main luggage for donated items.
• Check with the TSA or your airline on restrictions in regards to liquids in your carry-on. In the past, passengers were allowed only one, quart-size Ziploc bag in which all liquids and gels must be placed, containers less than 3 oz. This may change by the time you travel, so be sure to verify that you’ve packed correctly.
• Have two photo-copies of your passport and give them to other group members, just as a safety measure.
• Keep your passport and boarding pass on you at all times. Keep all customs forms that you fill out on the plane before landing in Nicaragua. Keep any and all subsequent forms tucked inside your passport, including the stamped form from the customs agent, which is required when you leave.
• Have a few crisp $5 ready to pay entrance fees into Nicaragua when you arrive and go through customs. Check with your airline to see if your ticket prices covers any exit fees.