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Shopping is best done at home, so please come prepared. Be prepared for any clothing you wear on the work site to get ruined and dirty.
There are larger department stores, such as Walmart, located in the city of Tehuacan (30 minute car ride from San Bartolo), Mexico City, and Puebla, where volunteers will be able to purchase items before traveling to San Bartolo, if needed.
Please pack light - think about what is needed vs wanted; space on base is tight, and environmental impact of items left behind after programs is a serious issue in rural communities Please see the following lists for required, recommended, and good to have items:
REQUIRED
REQUIRED
Work Boots: These should be sturdy work boots or hiking boots, they must be closed-toe. Puncture-proof soles and steel toe boots are recommended (no Converse or running shoes/trainers allowed on site).
Photo ID/Passport
REcommended
REcommended
Mattress, blanket/sleeping bag, pillow. We do not provide bedding so you should bring what you need to be comfortable. Sometimes previous volunteers leave items behind, but we can not guarantee it - check with the VRC prior your arrival.
Work clothes: We provide short-sleeved work shirts but you should bring pants/shorts to work in, as well as long sleeve shirts in case you are working on a site that requires them.
Waterproof rain jacket or raincoat. It may occasionally rain on work days.
Normal clothes for after-work, days off, and community events.
Bring light, breathable clothing
No short shorts - it is culturally inappropriate
Personal cash and ATM/credit card
Personal first aid kit, including any medication e.g. paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, antidiarrheals, etc. (We are unable to provide any medication). And, a personal thermometer.
Personal items, toiletries (please consider bringing biodegradable soaps to protect the local environment), and towel.
Sun protection - sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
Mosquito/insect Repellant - Strongly recommended
Mosquito net
Power adapter - power plugs and sockets are of type A and B
Water bottle
Good to have
Good to have
Vitamins, electrolytes, food supplements.
Any “comfort” snacks or essentials you may not be able to get near base
Cell phone, Battery pack.
Books, games, or other forms of entertainment
Sharpie (for marking your belongings)
Personal Protective Equipment (such as: N-95 respirators for when mixing cement, ear protection, and gloves.) We will provide this equipment, but we encourage volunteers to bring their own when possible
Lots of socks (these tend to disappear in a communal living environment)
Lightweight jacket or sweater
Shower shoes/flip flops
Swimwear
Earplugs and a sleep mask
UV/Sun protective safety glasses: our worksite is on bright white sand/ground, and you’ll need safety glasses with UV protection to filter out the intense light
Want to see what other volunteers bring with them to gain some packing inspiration? Check out this video!
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