What to pack

Pack light! You'll be toting your own luggage around at airports and hotels, so bring only what you need—ideally in one small suitcase and one additional carry-on bag.

Essentials
  • ATM card (Call your bank prior to departure to alert them of the trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts.)
  • Personal credit card
  • At least $60 converted to the currency of the first country that you’re visiting
  • Passport—required on all EF Study Abroad (Remember to leave one copy of it at home and bring a couple more copies abroad, in case your passport gets lost.)
  • Visas (if applicable)
  • A copy of the program itinerary
  • A list of important phone numbers
  • Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container.)
  • Health insurance card
  • Addresses to send postcards home
  • Carry-on bag

Clothing and accessories
  • Comfortable walking shoes and one pair of nicer shoes
  • Shirts (short and long sleeved)
  • Socks and underwear
  • Watch
  • Pants/shorts/jeans
  • Pajamas
  • Bathing suit (if applicable)
  • Dressier outfit (reserved for a special night out)
  • Raincoat and/or umbrella
  • Lightweight nylon jacket or fleece (rather than bulky sweatshirts)
  • Toiletries
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Day pack
  • Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing
  • Any medications (in addition to a copy of any prescription)
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Sunscreen
  • Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable)

Electronics
  • An alarm clock (many hotel rooms don't have one)
  • An adaptor/converter
  • Camera with extra batteries or charger
  • Travel documents

Carry-on bag

Here’s a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the trip. These should be packed in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed:
  • Passport
  • Money
  • Airline boarding pass
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (Check tsa.gov for current security requirements.)
  • Hairbrush
  • Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane)
  • A change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)
  • Medication
  • Any valuables

Service Learning programs
If you're traveling on a Service Learning program, we've created a detailed packing list of things to bring and keep in mind while working in and visiting local communities. Ask your Program Consultant for full details.