It is hot and humid in the summer and cooler in the winter at night. Some of the nights can get a little cold (but only for a month or two in June and July) and there is no heating system, so pack a few sweaters.
Bring a GOOD rain jacket and umbrella. During the rainy season it can rain 3 times a week and the water accumulates in the streets up to the ankle.
GOOD shoes and then extra shoes is important. The Sisters are allowed to wear Chacos, Tevas or KEENs. The Elders, however, are not. They just need good, solid shoes like ECCOs. Missionaries should rotate their shoes every day to allow them to dry out.
They are not allowed to carry backpacks, but a WATERPROOF sling bag is preferred. Some didn't get waterproof and they have to wrap their stuff in shopping bags or ziplocks before going out, which is kind of a pain.
Missionaries found portable chargers, a battery pack, and a foldable keyboard super helpful.
Every apartment has filtered water, but having a filtered water bottle would be nice to have as well.
Packages are very expensive to ship, but there are some companies that can get them to the mission home safely. Letters, however, get there without any problems.
There is not deodorant that works well, so send a good supply with your missionary.
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Most parents send their Elders with at least 1 suit (most countries in South America only wear suits to church and meetings) and around 8–10 golf pants. Families are sending more shirts because of heat and humidity — 12–14 is the average. Note for Sisters serving in Brazil: feminine hygiene products are expensive there and tampons are often considered taboo. Be prepared to send a good supply with your Sister Missionary.
This is a very comfortable, durable shoe that missionaries serving all over have loved!
In places that allow open-toed sandals, these are the most recommended shoes by far.
In missions that allow open-toed sandals, these are mentioned quite often.
7 inch Rechargeable Fan. These have been recommended for missionaries serving in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Africa. They help keep you cooler at night, but also help keep bugs like mosquitos off at night too.
The power goes out frequently, so it is nice to have a solar power fan.
In places like Brazil, these have been recommended because it is so hot and rainy. These dry fast and have a no-slip sole that works well in the slick rainy streets.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.