JUST COFFEE’S Delegations to Coffee Country

General Packing Suggestions:

-PASSPORT!  (a must!) a valid passport must also have an expiration date at least six months after the scheduled date of return.


-MONEY!  (also a must!)
I find that it is best to have a Mastercard and Visa (or at least one of them, some countries prefer one over the other and you may find that one is more accessible and easier to use)  debit card and credit card.  These can be used to easily withdraw money from ATM machines at the airport and in larger towns and cities.  Travelers checks also work but they are more expensive as you have to buy them and can often be a pain to cash out.  You can also carry USA cash and exchange it but this also costs some money and can be time consuming.  I find it is best to have some USA cash for leaving and returning to the USA, a few (or none) travelers cheques for emergencies if it makes you feel
comfortable, and the Visa or Mastercard debit card for the rest of the trip (you will use this primarily to pull local currency out of ATM’s). Bring additional money to purchase arts and crafts as you may want to take some gifts home with you.

-Backpack (better than a suitcase that you have to lug around)

-Day-pack or bag (smaller, used for walking around town, going on a hike, etc. Make sure this is something that you can securely close and is comfortable to wear.)

-Medications you require
These medications must be in their original containers with the doctors prescriptions on them, a legal requirement of the airlines.

-Small flashlight
and batteries if required

-Small padlock

-Camera (if you like)
and all necessary accompanying equipment (batteries, sufficient film, flash, etc.)

-Notebook

-pens or pencils

-Toiletries  
Such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.  Remember the smaller the better generally.

-Small towel or washcloth

-Watch or time telling device (nothing valuable please!)

-Sunscreen (if you like to use it generally)

-Bug spray (if you like to use it generally)

-Ear plugs (if you potentially have trouble sleeping due to noise)

-Small sleeping bag

-Shoes (comfortable and durable - for lots of walking, rain, etc.)

-Clothes
Must be comfortable and durable - for lots of walking, heat, rain, etc.  Remember that it is best to layer as it can be cool in the mornings, very hot in the afternoons and even cold late at night.  Temperatures can vary.  Nothing fancy is needed and simple, plain clothing with little writing on it is best in my opinion.  Obviously, nothing revealing.

=long pants  (or pants that convert to shorts, jeans, khakis, or loose fitting pants)
=t-shirt  (simple and breathable)
=long-sleeved shirt  (something simple that is breathable is best)
=fleece, sweatshirt, sweater, or hoodie (something that is warm for cool evenings, but packs small)
=socks  (comfortable and breathable)
=hat  (for the sun, rain, or cool evenings)
=raincoat or poncho  (you can also bring rain pants if you like. Umbrellas are not as good of an idea)
=something to swim in

**Try to pack small.
**Please do not bring anything of value (such as watches, jewelry, etc.)!