How to Pack for Overseas Contracting Jobs

Taji Iraq Mosque

This how to is for people going on overseas unaccompanied government or construction contracts. For the first timers this can be confusing and there is little information. I have worked on seven contracts in seven countries and traveled in thirteen.

Planning and packing the right items for your initial deployment can make for a more successful transition in your life overseas.

Things You'll Need

• One to two black lockable plastic foot lockers.
• Computer bag.
• Soft Pack luggage bag.
• clothing
• toiletries
• electrical tie wraps
• basic work materials
• computer
• SKYPE account

Instructions

1. 

   Living Conditions: Standard overseas unaccompanied (you don't take your family) contracting usually involves living in a Living container or hotel room. In some remote areas it may involve living in a wood sided tent. When ever possible find out what conditions are like where you are going to go.

   Check out the temperature extremes for the country you are going to be working in. Do not suppose you can find what you need once you get there. Take what you really need to survive at least for the first thirty days.

2. 

   Baggage: You are normally limited to two checked bags and a carry on for aircraft travel.

   I recommend that you purchase one black hard plastic foot locker. These are sometimes referred to as "Gorilla boxes". The ones with wheels on one end help when you have to travel a half a mile from a plane or vehicle to your housing (trust me it happens a lot). You need at least one for physical security of your personal items when you get to your job location. Many times you will be in locations without a place to secure personal items, the foot locker will give you some physical security for your wallet, personal papers, and other theft prone items. Purchase several locks, make sure they fit before you go.

   One other piece of checked luggage. This can be a soft pack (duffle bag type) you can sling or be hard sided with wheels, again when you have to travel a half a mile from a plane or vehicle to your housing.

   Computer bag carry on. Don't check your computer into cargo. I worked loading and unloading commercial aircraft for three years and saw a lot of crushed and damaged laptops.

3. 

   What to pack (Middle East, and Africa): Really hot! (up to 145 degrees) in the summer and down to freezing in the winter.

   Pack a minimum of ten days underwear and work clothing. Most contracts offer laundry services but you need five to seven day turn around. Take the clothes you need. You may have a problem buying underwear, socks and shoes that fit or are the quality you are used to. (American / European size shoes are difficult to find in most Middle Eastern countries).

   Pack thirty days supplies of toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, shaving cream, soap and any toiletries you are used to. Expect to be able to get basics but not the brands you use.

   Bring a good sun screen, a wide rimmed hat, bug repellent and good sun glasses.

   Bring an extra pillow, basic set of sheets and pillow cases, several wash rags and towels. Also bring some band aides, comb, brush, extra razors, all the basic bathroom stuff you use. One box of handi wipes, at least one roll of toilet paper and shower shoes. A bathrobe and something to sleep in is also suggested, you may have a room mate.

   Other suggestions: a set of plastic hangers, roll of duct tape, clothing marker, light jacket and or sweat shirt. For Sub-Sahara Africa plan for rain and bring both a mosquito net (prevents malaria) for your bed and rain gear.

   Bring some home comfort items like family pictures, music CDs, DVDS, address book, pens, paper, envelopes, etc..

   Must have US passport, International Shot Record, prescription drugs (minimum of 90 days), reading glasses (with spare), US drivers license and xerox copies of your drivers license, passport and social security number in your luggage. (if your passport gets stolen will help get a new one at the US Embassy.)

4. 

   What to pack (Europe, South America or Asia ):

   Pack a minimum of ten days underwear and work clothing. Most contracts offer laundry services but you need five to seven day turn around. Take the clothes you need. You may have a problem buying underwear, socks and shoes that fit or are the quality or style you are used to.

   Pack thirty days supplies of toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, shaving cream, soap and any toiletries you are used to. Expect to be able to get basics but not the brands you use.

   Bring a good sun screen, a wide rimmed hat, bug repellent and good sun glasses.

   Bring an extra pillow, basic set of sheets and pillow cases, several wash rags and towels. Also bring some band aides, comb, brush, extra razors, all the basic bathroom stuff you use. One box of handi wipes, at least one roll of toilet paper and shower shoes. A bathrobe and something to sleep in is also suggested, you may have a room mate.

   Other suggestions: a set of plastic hangers, roll of duct tape, clothing marker, light jacket and or sweat shirt. For Sub-Sahara Africa plan for rain and bring both a mosquito net (prevents malaria) for your bed and rain gear.

   Bring some home comfort items like family pictures, music cds, an address book, a reading book, pens, paper, envelopes, etc..

   Must have US passport, International Shot Record, prescription drugs (minimum of 90 days), reading glasses (with spare), US drivers license and xerox copies of your drivers license, passport and social security number in your luggage. (if your passport gets stolen will help get a new one at the US Embassy.)

   Basically fallow the same rules as above. If you are going to Europe, South America or Asia make sure you bring rain gear. Often it is unavailable locally in American sizes or often will be pretty poorly made stuff. Mosquito netting is needed for many parts of Central and South America and Asia to prevent malaria.

   Most of Europe, souther South America, Northern Asia and mountainous area will require you to have cold weather clothing. At least one set of long underwear, several sweaters or sweat shirts and a good sub freezing rated coat. Check out your weather extremes for the country you plan on working in.

5. 

   Electronics and electricity:

   Be aware that the US power is usually 110 and the rest of the world uses 220 power. If you plug in your American hair dryer, tv set, Wii or boom box to a 220 socket you will fry your appliance.

   Take a manual wind or battery alarm clock. Many countries have undependable power and constant black outs, still not an excuse for waking up later for work.

   You need to buy a voltage regulator to use American appliances overseas. These usually cost you more than $100.00.

   I recommend you buy a local or universal tv, DVD player, hair dryer, microwave, reading lamps and other appliances in country. Get the right wall connectors (which you need for the right country) and some power surge protector / power cords when you reach your destination. Most countries have less power outlets than Americans are used to. Also the power boxes have two round prongs or three prongs that do not fit American appliances.

   Laptop computers: Take your laptop. Laptops (only laptops) are all universal and have a voltage regulator build in and can take both 110 and 220 power. You may need to buy an adapter in country to allow you to plug in.

Tips & Warnings

• Check weather extremes for the country you are going to.

• Keep prescription medicine in original containers and take a minimum of 90 days and when possible 120 days.

• Luggage can not be locked for flying through US customs, use electrical tie wraps to seal your luggage, customs can cut them to inspect.

• Buy a master lock set with three or four locks that open with the same key

• Have someone send you additional items once you get to your living location.

• Take your laptop, get "SKYPE" and talk to your family online.

• Leave most American electronics at home.

• Don't take alcohol, illegal drugs or firearms into foreign work areas. Most are illegal and civilians working on US contracts overseas are generally subject to local laws and not give special protection.

• Do not plug US 110 appliances into 220 wall plugs you will have a fire and destroy your appliance.

Resources

• How to get employment overseas over 50
• how to plan for life as a government contractor overseas