Advice

What to Bring

• Bug spray (important for jungle travel, while in town, bugs aren’t as bad). Sunscreen, hand sanitizer. Snacks for between meals (can be obtained in-country)

• First aid items: band-aids, painkillers, antacids and/or stomach relievers (can be obtained in-country).

• Converters/adapters for devices that do not accept 220v. U.S. power is 110v, but most computer, camera and phones are okay with 220v as well.

• Ear plugs (if you stay in Yantaló, there are often early morning & late night noises)

• Plastic bags for dirty clothes, so your suitcase doesn’t smell. Zip lock bags are also a great way to pack.

• Clothes – Light weight items you do not mind getting dirty. Comfortable sandals and closed-toed shoes for clinics. Sunhat, raincoat

• Towel – if staying in a homestay. Sheets are not required, but you can bring if desired

• Gifts – clothes, toys and school supplies can be donated to the school. Gifts for your homestay family such as memorabilia from your hometown or country are great.

What NOT to Bring

• Expensive, delicate, or beloved clothing and other belongings.

• Travelers checks – these take extra work to cash.

• Hairdryers.

• Uncomfortable or fancy shoes.

General Information

• Electricity: Peru uses the Type-C outlet. Standard 2-prong European and U.S. plugs work in some Peruvian outlets. Make sure your electronics are rated up to 220V. If you bring an electronic only rated up to 120V and plug it in to an outlet in Peru, the electronics will burn out instantly!

• Immunizations: Please visit the CDC PERU WEBSITE for recommendations.

• Malaria: Incidence of malaria is very low year-round in this upper Amazon region. It is notrequired for volunteers to be on malaria prophylaxis. However if you plan to spend a lot of time in the deeper jungle, or are planning to come during the rainy season (Dec-May) then you may feel more comfortable. Incidence of malaria is also low in Cusco and Lima.

• Currency and cash: The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol or “Sol” / “Soles”. Many places do not accept credit cards and don’t have change for large bills. We suggest carrying small bills with you, especially in Yantaló. Cash MUST also be in perfect condition.

• Tipping: is done minimally. Often locals just leave whatever leftover change there is from the bill.

• To be a nice traveler but not overly tourist, you can leave 1 or 2 soles for a meal.

Local Information

• Getting Money and ATMs: Check with your bank for fees. We recommend taking money out at the ATM at the LIMA AIRPORT, or changing money there, as travel to Yantaló takes time and you may not have an opportunity. There are no banks in Yantaló. In Moyobamba, Scotia and Banco Continental are good ATMs (Banco Continental connects with Chase). In Moyobamba, there are cheap places to exchange money. Cash MUST be in perfect condition or else it will not be accepted.

• Water: You should not drink the local water. Bottled water can be purchased from any of the town’s convenience stores. It is recommended that any volunteer staying more than a week purchase a refillable blue canister from the corner store. One must put down a S./35 deposit to use the canister, and it costs S./5 to fill up. It is not recommended for volunteers to consume unpurified water in Peru.

• Food: Snacks and some groceries can be purchased in the small bodegas in Yantaló. There are bigger supermarkets in Moyobamba as well as the big open air market.

• Internet: There is wifi at the clinic that often works. There is wifi that comes from the Municipalidad, but it usually does not work. There are computers with internet in the Municipalidad, but they often don’t work. Best option is an internet cafe in Moyobamba or using wifi at the Puerto Mirador hotel.

• Cell Phones: You can buy a local pay as you go phone, SIM CARD for your phone, or a USB router for your computer. To obtain these, find a Movistar or Claro store in Moyobamba, Claro has better internet service in Yantaló, Movistar has better cell service. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should get cell service at the hospital.

• Laundry: You can do it by hand in the homestays if you buy your own detergent. There are a number of locations in Moyobamba that you can drop off laundry, including the Puerto Mirador Hotel.

  Food in Yantalo

• If you’re part of a large volunteer mission, the clinic will organize meals.

• The clinic has a restaurant that is open most days.

• Eating out in Yantaló will cost S.4-7 or $1.50-3 per meal.

• Breakfast: You can expect eggs, yogurt, fruit, granola and coffee at breakfast

• Lunch / Dinner: Some variation on rice, beans, meat, soup and a salad.

• There are few restaurants in Yantaló. Most just have a set menu. You can set up meal plans with some if you’re doing a homestay or staying in Yantalo.

  Internet & Food in Moyobamba

• Bet-El is a small café and hostel with wifi. Often closes in the middle of the day. They have great ice cream. It is close to the Plaza Central.

• La Olla de Barro is a pricier but safe and tasty place to get a meal. They have good wifi that you can get the password for when you sit down.

• Many coffee shops and restaurants have opened up around the main plaza in Moyobama

• Mercado Central is a market with private vendors, lots of fruit/veggies and super cheap.

• Groceries: Mega Moyobaba is on Alfonzo Alvarado, taxi drivers will know where it is. It is like a normal supermarket.