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The message bears repeating because it's true and because most first time travelers want to take everything, including the proverbial kitchen sink, only to regret it later when they have to carry the load. If you have any doubts about the usefulness of a particular item, leave it home. Carrying your bags around the block once will help you decide how much to take, and how much you can do without!!

 

Important papers as well as money should be kept with your carry-on luggage. Photocopies of your most important documents (see list below) should be packed in a separate piece of luggage and emailed to yourself.

 

It is strongly recommended that you buy or make a money belt or pouch. Although they are more cumbersome than neck pouches, a few students have unfortunately discovered how easy it is for a thief to slash and take a neck pouch.

 

It is a good idea to take some "essentials" along in your carry-on bag in case your luggage doesn't arrive with you. These might include toothbrush and other toiletries, a change or two of clothing, medication, etc.

TRAVEL LIGHT...travel light...travel light

 

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Emergency Medical Information

Type up the following emergency medical information and keep the information with your passport when you travel.

  • Allergies to foods and medications

  • Dietary restrictions

  • Current medications and dosages

  • Blood type

  • Immunization history (tetanus inoculations, etc.)

  • Chronic ailments

  • Type of health insurance and policy number

  • A person to contact in case of emergency (name, phone number, address, e-mail address, etc.)

  • Students who have allergies or who have potentially serious medical conditions are strongly advised to purchase and wear a medical alert bracelet.

 

Prescriptions

Be sure to take prescriptions for eyeglasses, contacts, contraceptives and medications. If there are any prescription drugs (this includes birth control) that you take regularly, or that you are likely to need while you are in Ecuador, bring a supply large enough to last for the duration of your program. Be sure to bring a doctor‘s statement or prescription to verify use of the drugs. Carry your prescriptions in the original bottle with the prescription on the label – do not pack pills into a film canister or other container.

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Some U.S. approved drugs are not available in Ecuador. Ibuprofen and Tylenol products are available at most pharmacies and cost about the same as in the States.  If you wear contact lenses and want to deal with them in Ecuador, we recommend that you bring contact solution with you. Even though contact solution is available in Quito, it is expensive because it is imported.

MONEY

We recommend having a debit card and/or a credit card. Do NOT bring traveler‘s checks.

 

A debit card that can be used at an Ecuadorian bank will allow you ready access to cash from the ATMs. There may be a charge for this – check with your bank. Also, be sure to alert your bank that withdrawals and purchases will be made in Ecuador and give them a list of any other countries you may plan to visit.  Some banks will put a hold on your card if transactions are made that look suspicious.  

 

To minimize bank charges, you can withdraw large sums few times rather than small sums several times. It is also recommended to bring a credit card with you. Bring smaller bills ($50 and under). 

 

You can always get extra money transfered to you through Western Union. It´s easy and fast.

CLOTHING

Clothing needs vary. You are at a high altitude, but also at the equator. When you arrive in Ecuador in June, the weather is warm (70˚ - 80˚ Fahrenheit, 21˚ - 27˚ Centigrade). The temperature ranges between 50˚ - 80˚ F (10˚ - 27˚ C) year round and on a daily basis. You should expect cooler temperatures in the evenings and during the day as well. Keep in mind that houses do not have central heating or air conditioning.

 

You will start the typical day off with a sweater, pare down to a lightweight shirt around lunchtime, need a rain jacket in the mid-afternoon, and put your sweater back on around dusk.  Clothes that are easily washed and worn will be appreciated by you and by your family. Clothes dryers are rare in Ecuador, and jeans take forever to dry during the rainy season. In order to cope with the changing seasons (that is, from dry to wet), plan to bring clothes that can be worn in layers (e.g. a cotton shirt that can be topped with a wool or cotton sweater). Bring one or two sweaters and a fall coat. A lightweight raincoat and boots are recommended. Bring flip flops for wearing in the jungle and in hotels, etc.  However, don't bring flip flops to wear around the city - flip flops are not seen as everyday foot wear (sandals are okay).

 

For your clinical sites, you will want to have casual professional attire.  Also clothes that you feel comfortable getting dirty in as well as getting down on the ground or sitting in small chairs in. 

 

We will go to the jungle and it will be much warmer and more humid there!  For that trip you'll want lightweight cotton clothes and a swimsuit.  We recommend bringing a lightweight shirt and pants that cover your arms and legs for at night (as well as shorts or skirts and t-shirts for the day).  

 

If you want to save space in your suitcase, and you have a little extra money to spend on clothes, keep in mind that you can buy beautiful wool, hand-woven Ecuadorian sweaters for about $15.

 

Bring warm clothing! Temperatures can change drastically. Many participants have wished that they had brought a fleece jacket, sweatpants, sweaters, turtlenecks, and wool socks…all of which you can purchase in Quito. As a rule, middle class Ecuadorians living in urban areas are more fashion conscious and cosmopolitan than most US students.

 

Be sure to bring a couple of nice outfits, especially for your clinical practicum sites.

Dress business casual. Professional modest dress is valued in clinical sites.

 

 

Tight or short skirts will attract a great deal of attention, which you might wish to avoid. Ditto on low-cut blouses. You will already standout as a foreigner; dressing slightly more modestly is recommended. For the most part, bring clothes that you would normally wear at home, such as jeans. We recommend bringing your bathing suit as well.

 

Shoes – Sturdy, comfortable shoes, running shoes (there is plenty of opportunity for walking/hiking/running), flip flops (to wear in showers if you plan to travel on weekends and stay in hostels). Some participants have commented on how they wish they had brought their more dressy, city boots.

 

You will be doing a great deal of walking, probably more than you are accustomed to, so bring at least one pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes that will last during the entire program.  Do not plan to buy all your clothing in Ecuador. Clothes can be fairly expensive and it is often difficult to find large sizes. Nonetheless, some students have had beautiful items custom-made at very reasonable prices.


There are, however, some truly good clothing buys in Ecuador, especially wool sweaters and cotton shirts. These items can be bought cheaply if you know where to shop and how to bargain. Carefully check seams and craftsmanship on goods you buy. A lot of badly made items sell for much more than they‘re worth because they‘re attractive.

 

Bring light long sleeve shirts and pants for jungle and Mindo trips, you´ll want to cover as much skin as possible to avoid mosquito bites. Rubber boots will be given to you here.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

It is very important that you carry all of your documents in your CARRY-ON piece of luggage. Be sure to photocopy all documents and keep them separate from the originals.

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Passport

Make a color photocopy of your passport and keep it separate from your original passport. (We recommend you leave your original passport at your host families' home when you're in Quito). Scan copies of your passport or take pictures and email them to yourself. Having this photocopy on-hand will facilitate replacing your passport in case of loss or theft. You may also wish to leave a photocopy of your passport with a friend or family member in the U.S.  

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Also bring:

-       Student ID

-       Driver's license

-       Credit cards

-       Airline tickets

-       Prescriptions (eye glasses, medications, etc.)

Electrical Items, computers and phones...

Electrical equipment runs on the same voltage as in the United States. You can safely use all the gadgets you‘ve accumulated here; however, you should be aware that there are the occasional power brown-outs and surges. Sensitive electronic equipment could be damaged. There is no problem with battery-operated equipment, but dry cells are more expensive in Ecuador than in the US.

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Laptops

Taking your laptop gives you the advantage of being able to store journal information and photos, conveniently write papers, etc. The disadvantages are that your homestay may or may not have strong connectivity, and the variable electrical current could have a bad effect on the computer‘s circuitry. Laptops are easy targets for thieves, as well. If you take your laptop, be prepared to watch it carefully and consider purchasing insurance for it, or other valuables.

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Cell phones

Most participants who do not bring their smart phone wish they had. There are plenty of places that offer free wi-fi. Those that did bring them, were really happy they had them. They said they were able to work out a plan with their providers in the U.S. Most American cell phone companies do not provide service in Ecuador.

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If you buy an Ecuadorian SIM card to insert in your phone, make sure you have unlocked your phone with your local phone company. This can be done in Ecuador but it may take over a week and cost a lot more than doing it at home. Make sure to download all the apps you think you might need before you get on the plane, some cannot be installed in Ecuador and others might ask you to pay for them (whatsapp is one of them). You will be able to use whatsapp with your US number while on an ecuadorian SIM card.

 

A common and basic cell phone may be purchased in Ecuador for about $50 and minutes may be purchased at many local stores. At the end of your stay, you may wish to sell your smartphone at a good price.

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Be cautious with personal electronics. Don’t have your cell phone in your back pocket or visible as very often they are the target of petty crime.

 

 

TOILETRIES

A wide variety of toiletries are available in Ecuador, but imported items can be expensive and might not always be readily available. So, if you are used to a particular brand and price, bring your own. For women, it can be difficult to find tampons or yeast infection medication. Take at least a week‘s supply of toiletry items such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc. Also, ear plugs are recommended; you will be in a big, noisy city, with dogs and roosters near many of your homes.

SUGGESTED MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

 

  • Spanish dictionary (although you can purchase one in Ecuador)

  • Small first aid kit

  • Comfortable walking shoes and sandals

  • House slippers and robe

  • Sewing kit

  • Travel clock or watch with an alarm

  • Diary or journal

  • Pictures of your home, family, and friends

  • Small backpack along with notebook, pens, etc.

  • Kleenex or tissue paper (travel-size)

  • Hand sanitizer

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