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WHAT TO PACK
Essentials
• Money belt - should be worn under your clothes and contain your money, traveler’s checks, passport, credit cards, ATM card, telephone calling card, etc.
• Passport and 4 copies of passport - 1) for embassy registration (CEDEI will need this copy once you’re in Ecuador), 2) to carry on you while in Cuenca, 3) to save as an extra in case, 4) one to leave with your parents or contact person in you home country.
• Extra passport photos - bring about 6 extra passport size photos. You will need these for registering your visa, for ¨censo¨ identification card, your CEDEI identification card, etc.
• International Certificate of Vaccination- talk with your doctor about what vaccinations you might want and/or need. Anti-malaria pills ¬ (necessary for travel in areas outside of the highlands only) Cuenca is located in the highlands therefore it is not necessary to take anti-malaria medicine while there. Consult your doctor and/or local Health Department about your options for anti-malaria medications.
• Cash - Ecuador now uses US currency therefore it is handy to bring US dollars in smaller bills ($1s, $5s, $10s), especially for the first few days of your trip (but risky to carry lots of cash). We recommend $75 in small bills for the first few days.
• American Express Traveler’s checks - for when you first arrive, for when traveling, or for emergencies safer than cash in case stolen and can be easily exchanged in banks and exchange houses.
• ATM/Debit card - ATM machines are not always reliable but are the fastest, cheapest way to receive money in Ecuador. The limit per day is approximately $300 from an ATM and $500 for cash advances obtained at a bank.
• Money belt, padlocks and ID tags for each piece of luggage— Carry your money, IDs (passport) and other valuables in a money belt rather than checking them in a suitcase.
• Hiking boots and/or good sneakers, comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen, lip sun-block- you can purchase this in Ecuador too.
• Extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts, including a copy of your prescription.
• Travel alarm clock.
• Spanish / English Dictionary.
• Insect repellent - especially if you are planning on going to the coast or the rainforest.
• Prescription medicine and a copy of the scientific name of your prescription.
• Camera.
• Extra film and camera batteries (both cost about the same or slightly more than in the US).
• Day pack - small backpack that can double as your carry-on
• Swimsuit
• Light raincoat or poncho - (small umbrella if you want)
• For gifts ¬ local foods, candies, or picture books about your city, typical souvenirs
• Photo ¬ To obtain your CEDEI teacher ID card.
• Clothes that you can layer for the frequently changing weather in Cuenca, i.e. light jackets, sweaters
• Warm clothes Cuenca can get cold at night, and if you plan on doing any traveling, hiking or camping in higher altitudes you will need warm clothes
Non-Essential, but Recommended
• International Student Identification Card (ISIC Card), International Youth Identification Card - for insurance and discounts
• Anti-diarrhea medication and over the counter cold & flu medication
• Hand disinfectant
• Small flashlight
• Ziplock and plastic bags - for keeping your camera, IDs and money dry
• Journal
• Books to read
• Guidebook - i.e. Lonely Planet
• Sewing kit
• Pictures - of your life and your family at home to share with your new friends
What Not to Bring
• Expensive camera- if it is not insured
• Expensive jewelry- if you can’t stand to lose it, don’t bring it
• All other toiletries ¬ if you won’t melt without your favorite brand, you can get all you need in Cuenca
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