PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Immunisations

If you did not receive the full normal routine childhood vaccinations you will need to have the full course before departure. These may take three months to complete.
All volunteers should have vaccinations and relevant booster shots against: Hepatitis A, Tuberculosis (BCG), Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio.
Hepatitis B is also recommended especially if you intend to work medically with patients. This is a course of three injections.
Anti-malaria tablets are recommended if you intend to travel in Bangladesh.
Check with your travel doctor for the recommended medications and to ensure that you have received all the necessary immunisations.
Air Fares and Travel Insurance

Airfares vary so shop around or check the internet for the best deal. Airlines which have connections to Dhaka include Emirates, GMG Airlines, Air Asia, Air Arabia, Biman Bangladesh, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airways and Thai Airways.
Travel Insurance is highly advised for medical expenses, emergency evacuation and personal accidents.

 

Funding:

  • Acquiring an N-visa may enable CRP to provide some financial support to long term volunteers.
  • Financial assistance may be requested from your local charities, organisations, and hospitals (e.g. your local rotary club)

 

Money:

  • ATMs are widely available at the airport, Dhaka and Savar. Let your card provider know that you are staying in Bangladesh so that transactions are not stopped due to “suspicious” activity.
  • Currency exchange is available at the airport and in Dhaka, however NOT in Savar. Traveller’s cheques ARE NOT recommended.
  • Some US dollars may be useful.
  • Credit cards are accepted in many Dhaka shops and hotels.

 

What To Bring:

  • Flashlight
  • Water bottle
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Personal first aid kit including after bite cream; diarrhoea mix; a rehydration mix, throat tablets (due to effects of high pollution)
  • Earplugs
  • Scissors, penknife
  • Slip-ons (or shoes that are easily removed) as footware is expected to be removed prior to entering the guesthouse and people’s homes
  • Sunglasses
  • Money belt, locks
  • Universal adaptors for electrical items
  • Towel (not supplied by guesthouse)
  • Bathing costume (access to pools at various national High Commission/Embassy facilities)
  • Toiletries are available in the local shops and Dhaka (including some western brands)
  • Tampons, as these are not easily available in Dhaka.
  • A small photo album of your family, home, town (this can be a  good ‘conversation starter’)