Packing List

Headed to Myanmar as a Peace Corps Volunteer? This packing list will hopefully act as a guideline for you while you prepare for the most rewarding adventure of a lifetime. Please take this list with a grain of salt, as this is simply just a guideline of what to pack. You may find you don't need many of these things at all, while you also may find there are a few more things you'd really enjoy taking.

Clothing

• 4-6 basic plain-colored tees (not low-cut)
• 1-2 long-sleeve tops for cool evenings or protection from the sun
• Lightweight jacket
• 1 pair of jeans
• 2-3 pairs of versatile elephant pants
• 1-2 maxi skirts*
• 1 set of PJ's (lightweight and not too skimpy)
• 1 pair of running shorts or yoga pants
• One-piece swimsuit*
• All the underwear (bring as many pairs as you can -at least 6, preferably hardy pairs that can handle frequent handwashing. I really like ExOfficio. Bring at least one unopened pack to enjoy mid-service)
• 3-4 nude and/or white bras*
• 1-2 undershirts (nude or white)
• 2-4 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of running shoes
• 2-4 pairs of good, easy slip-on sandals (if you are anything bigger than a size 8, you may consider bringing more, as it may be hard to find sandals to fit you here)
• A pair of house slippers (totally optional)
• 1 simple 'business casual outfit' for staging (bring something lightweight)
• Scarf that can be turned into a small blanket
• A pair of sunglasses

You will be wearing Myanmar dress quite often once you are there. You will likely pair a longyi with a basic tee when you are not wearing your teaching uniform. A nice pair of sandals is considered business casual, and even formal. Women will not be able to find the white tops outside of Myanmar; however, men should consider bringing a few nice white long-sleeve button-up shirts to wear when teaching. Make sure they are breathable and lightweight. It is HOT in Myanmar.

Toiletries

So, you actually won't need to bring much in terms of toiletries, as you will be able to purchase everything from shampoo to toothpaste in Myanmar (like at Icon Mall). If you have any favorite brands you cannot live without, I'd recommend bringing some of those.

All you will really need is just enough toiletries to last you about 2 weeks at most. 

One random item I recommend bringing is a compact handheld bidet. Totally not necessary, but was really useful at bus stations and other situations where a sprayer or toilet paper wasn't readily available. A small mirror may also come in handy at times.
Women, bring a menstrual cup. You WILL thank me for this advice later.

Also, don't worry about bringing a bunch of medicine, bug spray, sunscreen or first aid stuff. Peace Corps has got you covered. I would recommend bringing some Bonine, Excedrin, and Melatonin. Oh, and go ahead and bring some hand sanitizer. I went through this fast.

Electronics

• Laptop (I recommend insuring it through Clements, due to the ants, dust, and humidity)
• Unlocked smart phone (if you don't bring one, Peace Corps will give you a very basic phone for texts and phone calls only. Data packages are easy to obtain and cheap. So bring that smart phone!)
• External battery for your phone and/or laptop (I recommend bringing at least one solar charger for brown outs in the summer)
• Bluetooth speaker (this will come in handy more than you know)
• Universal power strip with USB ports (you can buy this at Icon Mall in Bago; however, it was nice immediately coming in with one of my own)
• Inflatable solar lanterns (I brought 3, and they definitely came in handy)
• Mini USB solar fan (I brought 2. No regrets)
• External hard drive (pack this with your favorite movies, TV shows, books, and music. You'll thank me for it, I promise)
• A solid pair of headphones/earphones

Random/Just Because

The following are a list of items that I brought, that I found to actually be really useful. I have linked some of the specific items.

• Scrubba wash bag (this made washing clothes so.much.easier)
• Laundry detergent strips
• Mini portable projector (this was great for tracing for educational resources, and of course-movie nights!)
• Lifestraw
• Hammock
• Umbrella (windproof is great)
• Extra foldable duffel bag (if you are anything like me, you'll acquire a lot of extra stuff)
• Handheld fan
• Spices and seasonings you really love from home (taco seasoning, cinnamon, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Pictures of friends, family, pets from home (make extras to give to your sponsor family, and then some to keep in your own home)
• UNO (I brought two, and ended up leaving one pack with one of my host sisters because she loved it so much)
• Quality pens and a good notebook for language 
• Duct tape and paracord
• Mylar blankets (good for keeping bucket bath water warm)
• Clothespins
• Lots of gum and/or mints

If you have any additional questions about what to pack, or about life in Myanmar in general, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me through the 'CONTACT' page.