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It rains a lot! There is no heat or air conditioning in apartments, so the evenings and mornings can get a little chilly sometimes, so a couple sweaters may be needed, as well as some warmer pajamas. Most of the mission and areas are HOT, HUMID, and RAINY.
Get clothing that is wrinkle free, and quick-drying. Few apartments have washing machines, so be prepared to wash clothing in a bucket. There are no dryers in apartments, so you will line dry clothing. In some areas, you can pay for laundry service, however.
Elders: Under Armour Golf Pants and Tough Apparel shirts hold up very nicely here.
This is a walking mission. You walk A TON! Get comfortable shoes that you have tried on to see what will work best with your feet. You will want 2-3 pairs of WATERPROOF shoes. They will always be wet. Rotate shoes everyday to allow them to dry out. Consider bringing a shoe dryer as well.
Common recommendations for Elders are Dr. Martens, and ECCO Track 25, and Cole Haan Zero Grand.
Common recommendations for Sisters are Dr. Marten Mary Janes and Dansko Rowan.
Invest in REALLY GOOD QUALITY socks and send more than you think you will need. They are not the best quality there and you will need good socks. Darn Tough, Nike Dry Fit, and Smart Wool are the most common recommendations.
A good rain jacket (so necessary) and umbrella will be your best friends and pretty invaluable.
For everyday carry bags, you will need one that goes over one shoulder, a sling bag. Make sure it is waterproof. A backpack is useful for transfers and exchanges, but not allowed for everyday.
During big rain storms, it is common to experience loss of power for a time, so sun powered battery packs or any kind of battery pack is very helpful to have here.
Bring a small pharmacy with you. A lot of medications are hard to come by. There is no Benedryl sold there.
Bring an entire missions worth of deodorant. The deodorants there are expensive and don't work well.
You will want LOTS of mosquito repellent.
Bring probiotics for gut issues that may be experienced while serving.
Sisters: Pads are available, but tampons are not. Consider bringing your own supply if tampons are needed as well as period underwear.
Packages are expensive and really only available through courier services, so try to bring most of what you will need.
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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!
These are the shoe that is most recommended for rainy climates and rough, unpaved roads.
These are made of Merino wool and are great for lots of walking and for rainy and humid climates!
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.