Sister Missionary Packing List: Argentina Tucumán Mission Guide
By Chris Ballam
— a returned missionary (Scotland) and parent of an elder (Brazil) and sister (Argentina) missionary, sharing firsthand travel and packing guides from 29 countries.
Last updated: July 30, 2026
We recently sent out two missionaries and a lot of people have asked us what stuff we sent with our son and daughter to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Packing a missionary to serve a two year or eighteen-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be a little overwhelming especially if you wait until right before they leave. Sometimes missionaries from our church are referred to as a Mormon missionary or an LDS missionary.
This packing list includes items our two young missionaries took and used on their missions based on what they heard from other missionaries who served or are currently serving in their missions or other related missions. It was also influenced by some advice from their friends and acquaintances or other members of the church who recently returned home from serving missions or doing other missionary work. This item list is specific to a sister missionary serving in the Argentina Tucumán mission, but also has some items our elder missionary also took to the Brazil Rio de Janeiro South mission.
The list has the normal things found on the missionary packing list like clothing, shoes, dresses, white shirts, belts, rain boots, luggage, bug spray, etc. It also has some other items like power adapters, small pillow, phone charger, MicroSD cards, water bottle w/ filter, itch sticks, curling iron, hair dryer, hair straightener, home MTC banner, vacuum storage bags, waterproof spray, bar soap shampoo, luggage tracking tiles, small blanket, etc. A few of the things on this packing list like power adapters, etc. will be specific to Argentina.
Also, for Elder missionaries I have this Elder Missionary Packing List for my son who recently returned from the Brazil Rio de Janeiro South mission.
Our daughter didn't take any belts, but our son really loved his mission belts. He took 2 different colors.
Cold weather accessories: Gloves, scarf, ear-bands, winter hat
Clothing
Our daughter took a beanie, a scarf, a puffer jacket, some light non-garment thermals, some sweaters, and warm socks. She didn't take gloves, ear bands, or a warm winter coat. So far, these items have been fine for her because she has served in the warmer areas during the winter months both winters. There are some colder areas where you might need some warmer items. You can always buy stuff in Argentina if you need it.
Our daughter has used this a lot during the rainy season. This rain jacket folds up nice and small into itself. If it's really hot outside she will use her umbrella instead.
Socks (Ankle)
Clothing
Our daughter uses these socks for everyday use (with her non-boot shoes)
Ankle white ruffle. These socks are a little more dressy, but they started getting holes in them when she was wearing them a lot so now she uses them for things like church and baptisms and uses the Nike socks for everyday use.
Socks (Rain Boot - Less Warm)
Clothing
Our daughter had us send her some Nike crew socks to wear with her rain boots because her boots are above her ankle, so it was nice to have some socks that were thicker that went above her ankle
When our daughter first started her mission they allowed open toed shoes, but later changed the rule to lower mosquito bites. With the new rules these shoes can only be worn with socks. Double check the current mission rules for sisters.
Deodorant is available for purchase in Argentina, but my daughter heard from other missionaries it doesn't work well so we sent our daughter with an 18-month supply of deodorant. She ran out of what we sent at her 1 year mark so we sent a few more to her via a courier mailing service.
These last up to 12 hours and are disposable. They can be used instead of tampons. Try them out before you leave to see if they would work for you. The tampons you can buy in Argentina don't have the plastic applicator like we're used to in the United States.
Extra Eyeglasses (if needed)
Toiletries & Personal Care
She took extra glasses in case she had any problems with her daily contacts
The included carbon filter lasts up to 26 gallons (100 L) - about two months so you will want to take extra carbon filters to last your mission. Amazon also sells a silicon base for this water bottle. This one wasn't for sale yet when we got our daughter the non-insulated one. Now she says this one would work better in the Argentina heat.
The included carbon filter lasts up to 26 gallons (100 L) - about two months so you will want to take extra carbon filters to last your entire mission. When we got this 22 ounce, non-insulated one for our daughter, the insulated version wasn't available yet. She said now that she is in Argentina, she would have chosen the insulated version to keep the water cooler longer in the heat. Our daughter carries this with her each day. With all the walking they do, she gets pretty thirsty and it's really nice to have when they go places without filtered water like member's homes, etc.
Our son took one of these and the Elders would cut each other's hair to save money. The quality of haircuts varied widely, but they were able to save money.
We had to make sure everything electric would work in Argentina (supports the Argentina voltage, etc.) Our daughter said that so far, she has only used this in her only area that was cold because her hair would never dry in the mornings. All her other areas have been hot, and she hasn't needed this there.
We had to make sure everything electric would work in Argentina (supports the Argentina voltage, etc.)
Makeup
Toiletries & Personal Care
Our daughter took some of this, but we're hoping she can get this in Argentina when she runs out
Personal supplies (makeup, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, shampoo, deodorant, hand lotion, shaving supplies, combs, shoe polishing supplies, and so forth) to last the duration of your MTC stay
Toiletries & Personal Care
Our daughter heard from other missionaries that the deodorant in Argentina wasn't great so we sent her with enough to last 18 months.
Prescription eyeglasses, if needed. Contact lenses are discouraged because of the risk of corneal injury or infection
These are handy. In one of our daughter's areas the only way to get their washing machine to work was to use these tweezers to turn the broken off knob.
Adapter if needed for charging your phone with a USB-C cable and a USB-A charger plug. Most missionary phones these days have USB-C connectors on them.
Because this case is USB-C it simplified charging AirPods because she didn't need an Apple lightning charging cable. Her previous AirPods case was not USB-C so we sent her this one to allow her to charge everything with USB-C so she didn't have to also have an Apple Lightning charging cable.
Initially we didn't know if AirPods were allowed in her mission, but the new mission president allows them, so we sent them to her later in a package. Each mission will be different in terms of whether AirPods are allowed. As of June 2025 they are allowed in the Argentina Tucumán Mission...
Take 2-4 of these 512 GB cards in case a lot of photos/videos are being taken. It's nice for them to be different colors to make it easier to tell them apart. This memory card fits into the missionary phones and gives them a lot more storage for the photos and videos they take. Also, if their phone breaks you can still pull out this memory card and move it to a different phone without losing the original photos and videos. When they come home, they can take this memory card with them when they have to turn in their phones. Just make sure they move all their photos and videos from the phone internal storage to their MicroSD card before they give their phone back.
This is a little tool used to eject the Sim card and memory card tray on their phone. This is needed when missionaries move to different areas and need to swap SIM cards. They can also use this to add or change a MicroSD Memory Card in their missionary phone.
When you arrive the mission office will give you a pillow, a pillowcase, and a mattress cover to use during your entire mission. You need to provide your own twin sheets. At the Mexico City MTC (CCM), all bedding was provided. Each mission and MTC may be different, so definitely check the details for your own mission.
Small blanket that is lightweight, but warm. Our daughter arrived in the winter and wanted us to send another blanket to her. Her 1st week she was using this travel blanket and the blanket from the airplane. We're going to find another blanket we can send her or have her get one there in Argentina. It heated up pretty quickly and we never had to send her another blanket...she is using this one when her apartments don't have any.
Our son loved these hangers because he could keep his shirts and suits on the hangers, fold them up together and put them straight into his suitcase still on the hangers when he got transferred.
31.1" x 20.95" x 13.78", 9.5 lbs. including wheels and handles. Each bag must not exceed 62 total dimensional inches or 157 total dimensional centimeters (total dimensional measurements = length + width + height). The maximum weight allowed for each checked bag is 50 pounds (22 kilograms).
This was handy to weigh our daughter's luggage before she left so she could distribute the weight between suitcases. It will also be nice when she is coming home so she doesn't get overweight fees, etc.
We like getting bright-colored luggage tags to make it easy to spot your luggage at the airport and to prevent others from thinking your luggage is theirs.
Our daughter really loves these. She uses them every day because most apartments she has been in don't have drawers to use. These make it easier for her to keep her clothes organized and it keeps the big bugs out of her clothes!
Apple AirTags can only be found by iPhones and you need an iPhone to register the AirTags. We didn't send any of these with our daughter to Argentina because there is a smaller percentage of iPhones in Argentina compared to the United States. A larger majority of people have Android devices in Argentina currently. The missionaries in Argentina also have Android devices (although I don't know if the missionary phones have the Google Find My Device capabilities turned on, but other people walking by will have it activated). Check to see if there are a lot of Android devices in your mission and if there are a lot then these would work well. If the person who will be tracking the luggage (parent or guardian) uses an iPhone but there aren't many iPhones in the missionary's mission, I would recommend using the above Tile trackers since they can be tracked by both Android devices and iPhones. These trackers have replaceable batteries. The batteries are supposed to last about 1 year so your missionary would need to replace the batteries at some point.
Tracker - Chipolo POPs to track luggage (Android & iPhone)
These trackers can be used by both iPhones and Android devices. They can be registered on either the Apple network or the Google Find My Device networks (Find Hub)...but not both at the same time. The nice thing about these ones is for them to be tracked out in the mission field, it doesn't require an app to be installed on the phone of the person walking near the trackers...they just need to have either an iPhone or an Android device with the Apple or Google tracking capabilities turned on which is normally turned on by default. These trackers have replaceable batteries. The batteries are supposed to last about 1 year so your missionary would need to replace the batteries at some point.
Tracker - Tiles to track luggage (Android & iPhone)
We put tiles in our missionary's luggage to keep track of their luggage. Get ones to last more than 2 years and don't require your missionary to change the battery. The Tile Mate 3 lasts 3 years. Others have had success using Apple AirTags and the new Android Find My Device trackers would probably work as well. One downside to these Tile trackers is it requires other people near the trackers to have the Tile app installed on their iPhone or Android device. We have noticed that in the smaller cities of Argentina not many people have the app installed while the larger cities with more people track the devices more frequently.
These were helpful to fit everything into suitcases. We didn't send the vacuum because you can still use the bags without it, and it also didn't support the voltage in Argentina.
First-aid kit: Supply of current prescription medications, multi-vitamins, cold and allergy medication, decongestant, thermometer, fever reducer, pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antibiotic ointment, anti-itch cream, anti-fungal cream or spray, band-aids, 25-35% DEET mosquito repellent, and a medical ID bracelet, if needed. Pack your insect repellent in your checked luggage or it will be confiscated by airport officials
Small first aid kit. Hopefully you never have to use it, but handy to have in case you do.
If you have any required medications, please bring enough for your training at the MTC and fir the first three months of your mission. Not all medications are available in your mission. If you have questions as to whether your medications are available, please contact the mission office well before you enter the MTC
Medical
Need to get allergy pills, fish oil, hair & nails & skin, vitamins, pro-biotic, ibuprofen, DayQuil, NyQuil, Pepto-Bismol pills, feminine medicine, Tums, cough drops
Our daughter learned some other missionaries were using these, so she asked us to start sending some to her. She mixes them with sparkling water she buys at the local store.
I found an image for this on Etsy and printed it out on a poster with a sticky back on it at Walgreens
Shoulder bags should be in conservative colors with no apparent logos or insignias. (Note: Backpacks are no longer allowed.) Shoulder bags should be waterproof or sprayed with a product to make them water-proof.
Our daughter took two shoulder bags. One from Bohme (c.c cross body, micah sling bag) & one Baggu medium crescent bag. She mainly used the Baggu bag. We also waterproofed both bags with a waterproof spray before she left on her mission.
Maybe send this later if she wants it (and if the mission allows it). Our son's mission allowed Spikeball and they played it a lot on p-days to get exercise.
We sprayed this on our daughter's bags to make them waterproof
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many suitcases can a sister missionary take to Argentina?
Missionaries are typically allowed two 50-pound checked bags plus one carry-on and a personal item. However, it is recommended to check with your mission president or mission office for specific guidelines for your mission, as airline restrictions may vary. Keep in mind, missionaries need to haul all their suitcases around with them every transfer so the recommendation from our son and daughter is to try to limit the amount of stuff you take with you because when you get transferred you will need to take this luggage on busses, on Ubers, etc. Two pieces of luggage and a large backpack is ideal because you can drag the luggage with both your hands with your backpack on your back. Don't worry though if you must bring a third suitcase because most sister missionaries have a lot more stuff than elders. Here are the suitcases our daughter took.
What size suitcase can I take on my mission (dimensions / weight limit)?
The size of suitcase you can take on your mission will depend on which airline you fly on, but the general guideline is to not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and 50 pounds. Our daughter flew on Aeromexico from Mexico City (MEX) to Buenos Aires (EZE) and then on Aerolineas Argentinas from Buenos Aires (EZE) to Tucuman (TUC). The suitcase dimensions for a checked bag on both Aeromexico and Aerolineas Argentinas was 62 inches (length + width + height). The suitcase weight limit for a checked bag was 55 pounds on Aeromexico and 50 pounds on Aerolineas Argentinas. For a carry-on suitcase/bag the dimensions were 22 x 14 x 9 inches on Aeromexico and 21 x 13 x 9 inches on Aerolineas Argentinas. The weight limit for a carry-on suitcase/bag was 22 pounds on Aeromexico and 17.6 pounds on Aerolineas Argentinas. Also, don't worry if your checked or carry-on luggage exceeds the weight limit because they will just charge you a very affordable fee which is normally paid by the people who come to help the missionaries at the Buenos Aires airports. Here are the suitcases and backpack our daughter took.
What type of clothing is appropriate for sisters serving in Argentina?
First review these guidelines from the church. Sisters should pack modest blouses, dresses, skirts, or dress slacks suitable for the Argentine climate. The clothing should be professional, knee-length or longer, with sleeves. Consider the seasonal changes - summers can be very hot while winters can be quite cool, especially in Tucumán.
What are the best shoes for sister missionaries?
A lot of sister missionaries, including our daughter, take Mary Jane Doc Martens to Argentina. Our daughter also took some rain boots that went above her ankles which she used during rainy season when the streets flood. In terms of taking open-toed shoes, definitely review the mission packing list information because when this mission first opened open-toed shoes were allowed, but after a couple months they stopped allowing them to lower the mosquito bites. With the new rules open toed shoes can only be worn with socks underneath. Another thing to keep in mind is because there is a lot of walking in this mission you want the shoes you take to be comfortable. Before you leave on your mission try wearing them around the house for a while and if they are killing your feet, return them and get different shoes that are more comfortable.
Do I need to bring my own bedding to the Argentina Tucuman Mission?
This may vary widely depending on your mission, so make sure to check your missionary portal and other resources provided by your mission. Apartments (pensions) in the Argentina Tucumán Mission provide basic bedding. Our daughter's mission papers said "Bedding: Sheets and pillowcase (1). Please be prepared to pay US$40-50 or its equivalent in local currency upon arrival in the mission field. The mission is responsible for all other bedding". In the Mexico City MTC (CCM), all the bedding was provided. When she arrived at the Tucuman mission office she got sheets, a pillowcase, and a pillow to use her entire mission. When our daughter gets transferred to a new area she takes her sheets and pillow (and pillowcase) with her to the new area. Our daughter also took this lightweight travel blanket which she uses in the winter months. Speaking recently with our daughter, she mentioned the Tucuman mission has changed the bedding requirements for new missionaries. She said now the missionary packing list asks missionaries to bring their own sheets and pillowcase. Now when the missionaries arrive at the Tucuman mission office they are given a pillow, a blanket, and a mattress cover. If they didn't bring their own sheets or pillowcase then they will need to buy some in their area. Make sure to check your missionary portal and other communication from your mission to see if you need to bring your own sheets and pillowcase or not.
What size sheets do I need?
The size of sheets you need are twin sheets. We heard the mission office is now providing mattress covers, a pillow, and a pillowcase when missionaries arrive in the mission.
What do missionaries do for transportation? Do missionaries ride bikes in this mission?
Currently there are no bikes in the Argentina Tucumán mission. Missionaries primarily walk or ride the bus depending on the area. Some missionaries also sometimes take Ubers if they have the funds to do so. Transportation rules could change with new mission leaders.
What should I bring for a sister missionary bag?
Our daughter took two shoulder bags, but she mainly used this small shoulder bag that was just big enough for a paperback Book of Mormon or two, her own set of small scriptures and her small rechargeable phone charger. We also coated her bag with a water repellant spray before she left. Here's a photo of what her shoulder bag looked like:
Should I bring a backpack?
Our daughter took this adjustable travel backpack for times when she was going overnight somewhere (mission office, zone conferences, etc.), when she transferred to a new area, and as a carry-on item on the airplane. For proselyting and every day use, the missionaries are asked to use shoulder bags like the one shown above.
What feminine products should I take on my mission?
The answer to this question will vary by personal preference and by what is available for purchase in your mission. Rather than loading up your suitcase with eighteen months of feminine products, figure out what items can be purchased locally in your mission. In Argentina pads and regular tampons can be purchased, but the tampons do not have the plastic applicator like you find in the United States. Our daughter took these disposable period discs to use in addition to regular tampons and pads.
What electrical adapters do I need for Argentina?
Argentina uses Type C and Type I electrical outlets with 220V power. You will need a universal adapter that can handle both Type C and Type I. I do not recommend taking a voltage converter. Instead of taking a voltage converter, just make sure your electronics are dual voltage (110V/220V) so they will work in Argentina without being damaged or catching on fire. I have a variety of adapters listed above that worked for our daughter in Argentina. She took a small one with her in her bag to charge her phone, and had a bigger one for her apartment with a surge protector built in. She also used a Type A adapter in the SLC airport and the Mexico City CCM.
What mosquito repellent works best in Argentina?
Both our son and daughter had the best luck using mosquito repellent that has Picaridin in it. They liked this Bug Repellent Lotion because it would last the entire day. Our son also started putting it on his feet at night because he was getting a lot of mosquito bites on his feet while he was asleep. The missionary portal mentioned the mission would provide mosquito repellent for both our missionaries, but neither one of our missionaries received mosquito repellent from their mission, so when they ran out of what we sent in their suitcase we used a courier service to mail them some more.
What do I need to do for my Argentina Visa?
Please check the visa instructions from the church and your mission office. When our daughter went to Argentina the majority of the visa application process was done once she arrived in Argentina and coordinated by the mission office. Before she left for Argentina she only needed to send in two things: 1. Digital photo of Passport ID page (saved as a PDF) 2. FBI Clearance Report (fingerprints, etc.) Because this process may change over time, please follow the visa instructions you receive from the church and mission office because the process may be different depending on which Argentina mission the missionary is going to.
Do missionaries need to get the yellow fever vaccine if they are going to the Argentina Tucumán mission?
Starting in April 2026, the yellow fever vaccine was added for missionaries going to the Argentina Tucumán mission. When this mission was first opened in July 2024 it was not required. Check the information you received with your mission call and in the missionary portal to see if this vaccine is still required.
Are missionaries able to call immediate family members who have a birthday?
Currently missionaries in the Argentina Tucumán mission are able to call their mother and father (or primary guardians) when they are having birthdays. They are not able to call siblings when they are having birthdays. Normally these birthday calls are at the end of the day for the missionary, and they are brief, around 10-15 minutes. This mission rule may change with new mission leaders or if there are problems with this privilege.
Do you have a similar packing list for Elders?
Yes, we have this Elder Missionary Packing List that we put together for our son who recently returned from serving a two year mission in the Brazil Rio de Janeiro South Mission.
Sister Missionary Packing List: Argentina Tucumán Mission Guide 
