When you join our staff, there is a natural shift from thinking about living life in a place temporarily (the 3 months at a time model of a DTS), to a longer term commitment (as most of our staff commit to two years). Here are a few suggestions of what to pack given a longer term stay, though much of this can be purchased at the local mall once you arrive, including adaptors:
Any traditional clothing from your culture for celebrations and mission events.
Medical Insurance card
Passport with valid Visa
Certified copy of your birth certificate and ID for outreach (as needed)
Mementos from home (photos, favorite snacks, etc.)
Swimming costume / bathing suit / swimming shorts (Muizenberg is famous for its surf!)
Warm clothing (Cape Town can get quite windy and cold in the winter months- June through August)
Semi-formal clothing for church (Ladies, you will want to bring a long skirt if you would like to attend a traditional African church)
(If you are joining a DTS staff, please contact your School Leader about anything you would specifically want to bring for outreach, for example- a hiking backpack)
Optional — hammock, travel mug, headlamp, compression socks (for airplanes), portable charger, headphones, sleeping mask and ear plugs
PLEASE NOTE: We have many different cultures on our campus and clothing that is acceptable to some cultures may offend others. So please embrace our context and your soon to be cross-cultural friends by only bringing modest clothing. A basic rule of thumb is… if you question “is this appropriate?” Then it’s probably not worth bringing.
CHECKLIST FOR MOVING OVERSEAS:
Update your passport and obtain the necessary visa (email our Visa Team). For free passport photos, download this app.
Book your transportation to Cape Town.
Prepare items to be packed.
Make copies of your passport, license, birth certificate, medical records, marriage certificates, and health insurance in case the original copy is lost. (For any children- bring original birth certificate).
Purchase health insurance (options listed on our General Information tab).
Gather copies of your health records, including your medical history, immunization records, insurance cards for your medical, dental, eye and/or disability insurance. Also, make sure you have copies of your prescriptions for your medication and disability records (as needed).
Make sure that any cards won’t expire in at least the first year you’re here (e.g. credit cards, drivers’ licenses, etc.)
If you or your family members will attend school overseas, make sure you bring copies of your school records, including school transcripts and/or a homeschool portfolio and grade reports.
Gather any other insurance policies and legal documents, such as your power of attorney, will, trust, health power of attorney, medical consent forms and any other important notarized or legal documents.
Confirm any outlet converters or adaptors you will need to get while at home (you can easily find US or UK adaptors here)
Get necessary immunizations (note: Malaria is not an issue in Cape Town).
Visit the Doctor for a checkup- be sure to go through the yearly checkup routine to ensure that there are no pressing health matters to take care of before leaving.
If you own a car, make a plan for what will happen to your car (will you store it and have someone drive it occasionally so the battery doesn’t die - what needs to be done to stop insurance coverage for it? Will you sell it or lease it to someone - what insurance will you need?)
Store, sell or donate anything else you are leaving at home.
Moving out of your current location- turn off any utilities.
Assess what local banking options you want (tips listed on our General Information tab)
Notify bank + (any credit cards) you are traveling.
Set up mail forwarding (as needed) — include bank, government, etc.
Make a plan to suspend or continue your cell phone services - an affordable option to keep a local number is to Port your cell phone number to Google Voice
Cancel any insurance, memberships or subscriptions no longer needed.
Look into travel insurance for any valuables.
Confirm access to any medication you’re currently taking.
You will need to update a few organizations or people before you move:
Any current Postal Service (as needed).
Any current landlord / realtor (as needed).
Any current employer (as needed).
Your Nation’s Embassy.
Friends and family- share your new address with your friends and family so they can send you mail!
Exchange some money to Rand so you have some cash on hand.
Send transportation itinerary to anyone involved (family + our staff).
Download any items to your phone that you’d want to access offline (e.g. important travel documents, Google Maps of Cape Town).
Take time to celebrate your move with friends and family during your last week.
