There could be four areas for this mission: mountains, jungle, coast, or island. Despite the proximity to the equator, the mountains can get cooler because of the elevation, (like 50's), so a few sweaters are helpful. In the mountains, there are also bed bugs and fleas. In the jungle and coastal areas, it rains heavily (every day in the jungle), but it is really hot, so a waterproof LIGHT rain jacket is needed. The islands are hot and dry. A WATERPROOF bag is essential. It is a heavy walking mission, so get good shoes. Cole Haan shoes don't hold up in the rain as well as Doc Martens or Johnston and Murphy shoes. Boots are not needed, just good, waterproof walking shoes. The water filtration bottle they give you in the mission isn't great. But they do have a water filter attached to the tap in the apartments that you can use to fill a water bottle. Serve shirts work best. You can't pay with cards, you just take money from the ATM and pay with cash. There are no packages delivered.
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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!
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.