Climate: Hot and Humid summers (like dripping sweat) and beautiful winters. It is more westernized than anticipated, so no need for extra vitamins and toiletries. They can get everything there. It is very difficult to send packages, so send any gifts out with the missionary. Clothing tips: 1 suit, lots of shirts (the shirts made in the U.S. are better quality), a good, small shoulder bag, a GOOD rain coat with a removeable liner (for warmth), and Shoe goo to fix broken soles (it is hard on shoes no matter the typer). This mission is both a walking mission and a car mission. Tips on Clothing: Invest in higher quality shirts like the Serve or Tough Apparel. The &Collar and Tempo do not wash well there. The water is not clear and those brands get dingy fast. It can get a little cooler in the winter, so a couple sweaters. Light and Stretchy golf pants are best. Expect to be robbed at least once. There are a lot of poor, hungry people there.
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Tips on Vaccinations like Yellow Fever and Typhoid: The cheapest options mentioned are Costco, GoodRX (request coupon), Walgreens, and County Health Department. You often have to request these vaccines and may have to pay for a travel consult. One helpful tip is to ask your doctor to send in a prescription for the vaccinations — some have had insurance cover the cost that way. Because of taking Doxycycline daily to prevent Malaria, probiotics have been recommended as very helpful for gut health. The Doxy also makes you more susceptible to the sun, so sunscreen is important.
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.