Au Pair Packing List
A complete checklist for your year abroad. Tick items off as you pack.
📄 Documents (carry-on, never checked)
- ☐ Passport (valid 6+ months past return date)
- ☐ Visa documents and DS-2019 (USA only)
- ☐ Printed copy of host family contract
- ☐ Driver's license (international license if needed)
- ☐ Travel insurance documents
- ☐ Vaccination records
- ☐ Emergency contacts list (printed)
- ☐ Some local currency for the first day
- ☐ Credit/debit card that works internationally
👕 Clothing (1 year, all seasons)
- ☐ 7-10 days of casual outfits
- ☐ 1-2 dressier outfits for special occasions
- ☐ Comfortable shoes (you'll walk a lot)
- ☐ Sneakers for active days with kids
- ☐ Warm jacket (even if going somewhere warm)
- ☐ Rain jacket and small umbrella
- ☐ Pajamas and comfortable home clothes
- ☐ Underwear and socks (2 weeks worth)
- ☐ Swimwear
- ☐ Workout clothes if you exercise
🧴 Toiletries & Health
- ☐ Any prescription medications (3+ months supply)
- ☐ Copy of prescriptions in English
- ☐ Glasses or contact lenses (bring spares)
- ☐ Travel-size toiletries for the first week
- ☐ Personal hygiene products you prefer
- ☐ Sunscreen
- ☐ Basic first-aid kit
🎁 Gifts for Your Host Family
- ☐ A small gift representing your home country
- ☐ Photos of your family and home
- ☐ Local snacks or sweets to share
- ☐ Small toys or souvenirs for the children
💻 Tech & Entertainment
- ☐ Phone with international plan or unlocked
- ☐ Phone charger and power adapter for the destination
- ☐ Laptop or tablet (optional)
- ☐ Headphones
- ☐ A book or two in your language
- ☐ External battery pack
❤️ Things That Make You Feel at Home
- ☐ Photos of family and friends
- ☐ A favorite small comfort item
- ☐ Your favorite tea, snack or spice (small amount)
- ☐ A journal (year-abroad memories are worth keeping)
⚠️ Things You Don't Need to Bring
Save space — you can buy these locally:
- • Hair dryer (uses different voltage)
- • Bed sheets and towels (host family provides)
- • Bulky winter coats (cheaper to buy locally)
- • A full year's worth of toiletries
- • Adaptor plugs for every device (one universal works)