Au Pair packing tips: what do you need to take with you?

Click here for a complete list or keep reading for more details!

If you think you already know what should be on your travel packing list, check your instinct with our quiz!

You do not want to get to the airport and discover that you forgot your passport or visa at home. The passport is essential to identify yourself and you will need it to board the plane. We recommend you to check if it’s valid not only at the time of traveling but for the whole stay. If you need a visa, be sure that you have it with you. Migration officers will ask for the visa and you will need to convert it into a residence permit.

We suggest having a small card with all the contact information with you and leaving one back home as a backup as well. Be sure to take the telephone number and email address of you Host family so you can communicate with them at any time. In some cases, you might also need this information at the passport control.

Take some cash in case you want to grab some food or need to take a cab. It's always good to be prepared!

If you have one - take it with you. Even if your family does not require you to drive, the licence might be handy in case they need you to use the car.

Take the Au Pair contract with you. It might be a requisite to open a bank account or to get your residence permit.

In many cases, the family will provide the Au Pair with insurance. Don’t forget to take a document confirming that during your trip. If the family is not obligated to pay for your insurance, you should purchase an international emergency and travel insurance before the Au Pair stay begins.

If you are traveling within the European Union, apply for the European Health Card and don't forget to take it with you. This will entitle you to public healthcare and the costs will be covered by the host country.

If you travel from a very warm climate to a cold one or viceversa, you're probably wondering what you should pack. We have a list of essentials that should definitely be in your luggage:

Another essential in your luggage should also be a present for your new hosts. Read more about Host Family present ideas.

What should you pack for your au pair stay?

Although packing your suitcase may sound easy, you may spend a significant amount of time wondering what you should take with you! Even if you are pretty sure that your packing list is already complete, have a look at our list just to make sure you didn’t forget anything (or took too much).

Items you don’t need to pack

1. Towels
2. Dressy clothes and high heel shoes
3. Bed sheets, blankets or pillows
4. Food

Miscellaneous items

1. Electronic devices (laptop, camera) + charger
2. Sun glasses
3. Photos of your family and friends at home
4. Present for your host family
5. Small bag of make-up
6. Your favourite books (not too many, they are heavy)
7. Small dictionary

Must-pack items

1. Passport + Visa
2. Travel ticket
3. Signed down Au Pair contract
4. Contact details and important telephone numbers
5. Some cash (about $200) + credit or debit card
6. Insurance card
7. International driver’s license
8. Comfortable clothes and shoes (Jeans, T-shirt, Cardigan, etc)
9. Enough of prescription medication (if you need)