Packing

General Tips

How do you pack for weeks, months, or a whole year abroad?

• When packing for your time abroad, it’s important to be strategic about what you bring.  Shipping can be very expensive, airlines have weight limits and traveling light makes everything a lot easier!  
• Before packing, become familiar with the baggage allowance and fees of your airline.
• Before placing items in your luggage, take the time to lay them out, check how the different items complement each other, and plan accordingly.
• Make a list of essentials and necessities before you start packing. This will help you focus on what you truly need, rather than packing unnecessary items. 
• Do research on the climate and culture of your destination, as this will affect what type of clothing and accessories you should bring.
• You can use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space in your suitcase. These tools help to organize your items and compress them to take up less space. Additionally, rolling your clothes instead of folding them can also save space and prevent wrinkles.
• When packing electronics and valuables, it’s important to consider the possibility of loss or damage during travel. It is recommended to bring a surge protector for your devices and to purchase travel insurance for added protection.
• Keep in mind that you can always purchase items that you may have forgotten or that you can't find at your destination, so don't feel the need to pack everything.
• Make sure that you can comfortably carry your baggage up a flight of stairs and around one block!

Carry-on 

It is important to pack a carry-on bag with essential items for your study abroad trip. This should include:

• Passport and visa (if required)
• Pre Arrival Instructions
• Insurance information 
• Medications with prescriptions & personal health kit 
• A change of clothes in case your checked luggage is delayed.
• Basic toiletries- toothbrush and toothpaste, face wash and lotion
• Laptop, phone, iPad, tablet, along with their chargers

• We do not suggest bringing any valuable jewelry or items, but if you must, it is safer to put them in your carry-on rather than put them in your checked luggage
• Keep in mind the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry on: 3.4 ounce (100ml) containers in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 per passenger placed in screening bin.

Emergency Contacts and Passwords 

• In your checked luggage, carry-on luggage AND wallet put a list of emergency contact names, phone numbers and email addresses. Make sure they are written down not just on a laptop, cellphone, tablet or other electronic device. Although it is good to have an emergency contact on your cellphone, consider how you would access this information if your battery dies.
• Include with the above a copy of your travel insurance contact phone numbers, policy and assistance details. Keep copies with your passport, hand luggage, and checked luggage and with family back home.
• Before traveling abroad be sure to have a list of your laptop, tablet, cellphone, or any other “technology” passwords in case of a serious emergency. Additionally be sure to provide the same for Facebook, X (Twitter), email, credit cards, etc., so that these can be accessed by family should some life emergency occur. Keep such listings secure, but also remember the need for 24-7 access. You can and should change these after you return home safely.

Toiletries

It's important to consider that you can easily find replacements for most toiletries at your destination, so it's not necessary to bring large quantities with you. Pack enough for a few days and then purchase more once you arrive. This will save on space and weight in your luggage. If your trip is only for a few weeks, it's likely that travel-size items will suffice.

Electrical Appliances

 All electrical sockets in Costa Rica operate on a standard voltage of 110-120 volt electricity and a standard frequency of 60Hz. This means you won’t need transformers to use your electronic devices. However, you will need an adapter for some sockets:

Medications

If you have any prescription medications it's important to bring enough to last you for the duration of your program. Please keep in mind that you are not allowed to receive medication through the mail, and getting the same medication you are used to taking might prove difficult while onsite.  We recommend researching the laws and regulations regarding medications in the country you'll be visiting, as some medications may be illegal or require a special prescription. Additionally, if you have any medical conditions or allergies, make sure to inform your Program Enrollment Coordinator, host family, or any other relevant individuals of your condition and any necessary precautions. It's also a good idea to bring a translation of your prescriptions or a note from your doctor in case of emergency. 

PLEASE NOTE that while cannabinoids are legal in many US states, if you currently use medical marijuana or recreationally use cannabis, please note that it is illegal to import into Costa Rica or travel with internationally. Please DO NOT attempt to bring any cannabinoids into Costa Rica. Additionally, CIS Abroad adheres to US federal law around cannabis, and therefore considers any use of cannabis on-site as a Code of Conduct violation. Please feel free to discuss any concerns you have about this with CIS Staff.

Clothes

Pack versatile clothing items that can be dressed up/down and mixed/matched easily. Bring items that can be layered, so you can adjust to different temperatures and weather conditions. Moisture-wicking clothes will come in handy in Costa Rica. And don't forget to pack a small laundry bag for dirty clothes. This way you can easily keep your clean clothes separate from your dirty clothes, and you can wash them as you go. Remember to also check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. And most importantly, don't over pack. Trust us- you won't need as much as you think you do.

Attire

It is also worth noting that in Costa Rica locals tend to be quite laid-back and dress accordingly, so it may be a good idea to pack casual clothing. However, we recommend bringing a nicer outfit with you if you plan on going out in the evening or visiting upscale restaurants and bars. Additionally, when visiting religious sites, it's important to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and legs. Overall, it's best to err on the side of dressing slightly more formally than you might in the US to blend in with the local culture.

Sample Packing List for Costa Rica

When it comes to packing for your study abroad trip, it's important to keep in mind that homes in the city tend to be smaller than you're accustomed to in the US, so you won't have a lot of extra space for storing items. However, you will have access to laundry facilities, so you only need to pack enough clothing for two weeks, regardless of how long you'll be staying.

Remember, you can find just about anything you need in your host country, so there's no need to overpack. You'll likely have the opportunity to do some shopping while you're here.

Essentials

• Water bottle
• Small bag to pack in for overnight trips. This may be a backpack you carry on the plane with you as your carry-on luggage
• Travel luggage locks
• Waterproof phone case
• Sunglasses

Clothes

• Comfortable walking shoes - you'll be walking a lot!
• Layers - great for long days when the weather can change drastically from morning to afternoon (think lightweight shirts, jackets, etc.)

• Rain jacket – less clunky than an umbrella and you can keep your hands free!
• Waterproof shoes 
• Sandals
• Shower flip-flops for shared showers at hostels- whether staying in a hostel is part of your program or travel plans or not, it’s always good to have a pair of rubber flip-flops just in case!
• Sportswear
• Hat
• Beach towel

Toiletries

• Travel-size toiletries: in the case that your luggage is delayed, be sure you have some basics to get you through 1-2 days
• Sunscreen
• Small first-aid kit with: 
  After-bite cream
  Mosquito repellant
  Neosporin/antibiotic ointment
  Hydrocortisone cream
• Dramamine/anti nausea medicine (would recommend this)

Electronics

• Unlocked cellphone if willing to buy a local SIM card
• Power bank
• Headphones
• Plug adapters