Mission Specific Instructions

Trinidad Port of Spain Mission

Mission-Specific Instructions

Luggage

Because many of our transfers are by air, the luggage requirement for this mission is one 50-lb bag, one carry-

on, not over 20 pounds, and one personal item (shoulder bag or purse).

Bike Fund

Every missionary is required to pay $15 USD per month (while in the mission field) into the mission bike fund.

It covers the use of a bike and a helmet, lock and vest that you’ll keep with you. You should calculate the

amount you will owe by multiplying the number of months you will be in the mission field by $15 USD. Then,

you will need to convert this amount into the currency of the country that you are living in. Be prepared to pay

this amount upon entering the mission field. This amount should be paid by withdrawing money from a local

ATM (using your personal debit card) and giving it to your zone leaders.

Letters and Packages

Attached is our mission mail policy to help your family know how to get packages to you. In general, receiving

a package can cost more money than the value of the contents. Instead, families may consider putting money

into your bank account since most items can be purchased in the mission. We have found that the most reliable

method for receiving packages is FedEx. It may be more expensive, but it is the most reliable.

Finances

Most banks in our mission allow cash withdrawals with a debit card. Let your bank know which countries they

may see charges coming from and the dates of your service.

Missionaries are supported through the Missionary Support Fund (MSF). Most expenses are paid with your

MSF allocation. Some expenses that are not covered by MSF may require some pre-mission planning. These

include dental and eye care, contact lens or glasses replacement, and over-the-counter medications. Prescribed

medications are covered through your Church Medical Insurance.

Immigration and Customs Procedures

The mission office is in Willemstad, Curacao. Some new missionaries come to Curacao for orientation. Most

will go directly to the country of their first assignment and receive orientation there. Please get your

passport as soon as possible. If you already have a passport, please ensure that it will not expire earlier

than 6 months after your return home from your mission You will be receiving Visa documents from

Missionary Travel. It is crucial that you complete this paperwork immediately. Do not wait until you

receive information from Missionary travel before you start the passport process. If you

have specific questions, regarding travel and immigration please contact the mission office at +599-9-690-4751

(from the U.S.) or e-mail 2011883-trv@churchofjesuschrist.org. You’ll receive instructions on the immigration

process with your flight itineraries before you leave the MTC.

International Driver’s Permit (IDP)

There are some cars in this mission, and it is possible you will be asked to drive. An international driver’s

permit is recognized in some mission countries and simplifies the licensing process in others. One can be

obtained for a fee from online companies. It would be best to get one that will last your entire mission. You

can check this site: https://idl-services.com/ or any of the other companies you may find. Some IDPs, such as

AAA, are only valid for one year. If you choose to get this type, fill out two applications, and leave one with

your family to renew a month prior to your one-year mark and have them mail the renewed license.

Clothing

Please follow the clothing guidelines in the Missionary Portal considering that it is hot and humid here --

daytime temperatures range between 80º F to 95º F.

Mission specific clothing guidelines

Raincoat: It’s usually too hot for raincoats unless very lightweight.

Umbrella: You may need an umbrella, but they can be purchased here.

Sunglasses: If your eyes are sensitive to the sun, please bring Sunglasses or purchase them here.

Most missionaries use a smaller proselyting bag when biking.

For Elders

This is a no-suit mission.

Shirts/Slacks: Short-sleeve white shirts. Some elders bring a long-sleeved shirt for more formal meetings.

Conservative, dark or light colored, permanent-pressed, or wash-and-wear slacks are acceptable. Casual slacks

(like Dockers) in light colors are also appropriate for missionary work. We have found that conservative colored

golf pants work very well.

Shoes: Two pair of comfortable, dress-type walking shoes, one pair of athletic shoes and a pair of sandals.

Water shoes (such as Crocs) are useful as well.

Socks: Socks made of cotton or cotton-polyester blend help minimize foot problems.

P-Day/Service: Long shorts and t-shirts (no logos please). Can be purchased here.

Hats: Baseball hats are fine for P-days, but for proselyting a wide-brimmed (conservative in color light brown

or tan) shade hat is acceptable. No cowboy hats. No logos please.

For Sisters

General: Jewelry is acceptable, but do not bring expensive jewelry. Name-brand cosmetics, hair-care items,

and sunscreen can be purchased in the mission, but your personal favorites may not always be available. Bring a

lightweight sweater as sometimes air-conditioning can be cool.

Dresses, Skirts, Pants, Blouses: Clothing should be lightweight and cool -- cotton/polyester blends. Clothes can

be colorful. Wear what looks nice and is comfortable to you. Some lightweight materials may require a slip

underneath as they can be see through.

Shoes/Sandals: Should be sturdy, comfortable, and look nice. Open toed shoes are acceptable. Water shoes

(such as Crocs) are useful as well.

P-Day/Service: Long shorts, loose joggers and t-shirts (no logos please).

Hats: Conservative wide brimmed shade hats or visors are acceptable. No logos please.

You do not need to bring hangers, towels and bedding.

Personal Cell Phone

The church has recently updated its policy on missionaries and personal cell phones. Missionaries are no

longer authorized to bring or use a personally owned smartphone in your mission. Once you arrive into

the mission field you will be sharing a mission cell phone with your companion.

Mission Facebook Page

The mission’s Facebook page is Trinidad, Port of Spain Mission. This can be a great resource from other

missionaries and missionaries’ families.