Passports
You will need a passport to travel to and from Guatemala. It takes about 3 months to aquire a passport. It is possible to get one in 2-3 weeks but rush carges will apply. Be sure to make several copies of your passport. Leave one at home with family or friends, pack one in each of your bags. This will ease the process of applying for a replacement in the case of loss or theft.

Luggage
Be sure to pack reasonably sized luggage, wheels are always a plus. You will be required to carry your own luggage through the airport and again on campus. Without paying penalties, the airlines restrict you to checked bags up to 50 pounds each and one carry-on. (you might want to check with your airline to be sure as the regulations are always changing)

Lost Luggage
In case your checked luggage is lost, be sure to pack some "essentials" in your carry-on so you will have enough to get by until your luggage is returned. If your luggage is lost, the airlines will either deliver it to the campus or it can be picked up from the airport. We recommend keeping a copy of the Casa Shalom contact information with you.

Departure Tax
Guatemala has a required $3 (or Q20) departure tax to exit the country (cash only; no cards accepted). It's good to keep this money separate from spending money, possibly with your passport.

Getting Through the Airport on Arrival:

Upon leaving immigration, you will possibly need several carts for your luggage. Carts are past the first baggage carousel on the left side as you proceed out of immigration. Carts must stay inside the hand rail area that extends outside.

Do not change money at the banks inside the airport. There will be other opportunities at a later time.

• Within Casa Shalom, all water and drinks provided have been filtered and are safe to drink.  While outside the Casa Shalom campus, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
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• Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.
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• Casa Shalom is located in the high mountain area where mosquitos are rarely found, so malaria medicine is not necessary.

Recommended Shots
The folowing shots are recommended when traveling to Guatemala.  See your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for immunizations to take effect.

   • Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)

• Hepatitis B

Cultural Tips:

Clothing
Clothes that expose arm pits and thighs are not acceptable. People often dress-up when going into a city. Khaki pants, long skirts and jeans are appropriate. (While inside Casa Shalom, walking-shorts are fine.)

Gender Roles
Men are given the role of the dominant, decision maker while women are given the role of submissive supporter. Female work team members should not confront male nationals.

Tobacco and Alcohol
Work team members must refrain from abusive language, drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking. Many of the children come from abusive backgrounds and we must be sensitive to potential temptations.

Respect
Please remember to respect the property and privacy of the Casa Shalom staff. This is their home so we ask that you follow the same considerations that we demand of the children — enter the houses only with permission and stay only when invited.

Sexual Abuse
Remember, many of the children have come from sexually abusive situations and what may appear to be very innocent to you may not seem so innocent to a child who has suffered abuse. Guatemalans in general are very “touchy” people. Just remember to “avoid all appearance of evil.”

Security
Passports, money, airline tickets, etc., should be given to your team leader to be put in the safe. Many of the children have lived on the streets and have provided for themselves in whatever way available to them. Please do not provide temptations to them by leaving valuables laying around.

Work Ethic
Everyone’s job description, including the director's is “whatever is necessary,” which is both physical and humbling at times. Always keep in mind that the team is here to serve, not to be served.

Denominational Beliefs
People from many denominational backgrounds pass through our gates. There may be a difference of opinion with some doctrinal issues. However, any problems you may have with Casa Shalom's teachings must be discussed with the staff in private — NEVER with the children.