The ultimate packing list when you're going to work abroad!
Emma
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3 minutes reading time
It's getting real! You're leaving to work abroad soon and are planning to start packing your bags already. Good plan! Be sure to pack your suitcase according to this checklist. That way, you won't forget anything and you'll start your journey with peace of mind and a well-packed suitcase.
The following items are best packed in your large suitcase:
- Clothing: both your favorite summer clothes and some warmer items like a jacket, sweater, and jeans
- Sleepwear
- Sportswear
- Underwear
- Socks
- Swimwear
- Beach towel
- Belt
- Cap or hat
- Small bag
- Bag for work
- Jewelry and watch
- Shoes: sneakers, flip-flops, and dress shoes
- Essential toiletries: toothbrush, contact lenses, perfume, deodorant, hairbrush, cream, lip balm, shaving items, nail file, scissors, tweezers, and any other favorite products you really can't do without, your makeup bag, mirror, and hair ties!
- Bag with medications: paracetamol, plasters, mosquito repellent, tick pen, motion sickness pills, etc.
- Electronics: laptop, camera (+SD card), and chargers
- Photos, memories, and small items from home to brighten up your new place!
Tip 💡 Traveling by plane? Make sure to have one large suitcase as checked baggage and in addition, a small suitcase + optionally a handbag or backpack as a personal item. Also, check with your airline in advance for their rules regarding baggage dimensions and weight!
The following items are best to have in your handbag or backpack:
- Phone and charger
- Passport or ID card + copy
- Boarding pass (printed or on your phone)
- Required documents: your recruiter will inform you which documents you need!
- Wallet: bank card, health insurance card, useful phone numbers, cash, driver's license, and optionally a credit card
- Charged power bank + charger
- Earphones or headphones
- Universal adapter if needed
- Sunglasses and glasses case
- Small deodorant
- Earplugs and sleep mask
- Notebook and pen
- A good book or downloaded Netflix movie
- Deck of cards or another game
- Wet wipes
- Disinfection spray
- Chewing gum
- Snacks for the plane
- Reusable water bottle
- Extra set of clothes (just in case!)
Tip 💡 When you use packing cubes, you can take a lot more stuff abroad and your suitcase stays nicely organized. So get some packing cubes, roll up your clothes, and pack them as compactly as possible!
By waiting to purchase the following items at your destination, you'll save a lot of space in your suitcase:
- Large bottles and packaging, such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, makeup remover, cotton pads, and cotton swabs
- Towels and sunscreen
- SIM card: by buying a local SIM card with a subscription, you can make cheap calls and use the internet anytime, anywhere!
Tip 💡 If you're traveling by plane, make sure to check the customs requirements before departure. Electronics, sharp items like scissors, and (large) bottles with liquid are best packed in your checked baggage. This way, you're almost always safe and can breeze through customs quickly!
Packing your suitcase with this comprehensive packing list ensures you're ready-to-go! Enjoy the excitement as you embark on your incredible adventure.
If there are any items you feel should be added to this list, please let us know in the comments!