Costs & Budgeting
We won’t charge any fees for placing you with a partner organisation!
Nonetheless, volunteers need to be self-sufficient for the entirety of their volunteering period.
That means paying the cost of your transport, accommodation and living expenses.
Our partners invest all their resources into running their projects and providing services to displaced populations - consequently, they are unable to cover volunteers' living costs. In rare cases, volunteers may be provided with a small stipend and free or cheap accommodation, but you should not plan for this as it only happens for a few long-term (3+ months) or highly-skilled volunteers.
- What should my budget be? -
This Numbeo website is a helpful tool to gain an understanding of the living costs in different cities - we recommend that you work out a budget according to the location you will be volunteering in. When in doubt, the organisation you are joining may be able to provide some more details
- How much money should I bring? -
Before you travel, inform your bank of your plans so that your card will not get blocked. We recommend you bring at least two different cards (i.e. from different providers where possible) - one for backup or in case your preferred card is not recognised.
​
Some other things to check before you travel:
-
Are there many banks/ATMs in the area?
-
Will you pay for things like accommodation by card or cash?
-
Carry small change when arriving in a country, as taxi drivers sometimes struggle to change larger notes.
-
Limit the total amount of cash you carry to avoid losing it or it being stolen.
Travel & Flights
It is your responsibility to plan your travels and check for any requirements you may need to adhere to.
​- Travel Costs -
Your travel costs will vary depending on where you go, for how long and where you are flying from. Check websites like Skyscanner to compare flights, Busradar and Eurostar to check for buses and trains, or Ferryscanner, Direct Ferries and similar sites to find ferries.
- Making a positive impact -
You can also book your flights via Give As you Live and raise money for a charity (like Indigo 😉)
To consider the environmental impact of your chosen means of transport, have a look at this website.
Accommodation
​- Is it provided? -
Accommodation differs from organisation to organisation. In most cases, you will need to budget for your own accommodation for the duration of your volunteering period. Some organisations may, however, be able to recommend or provide accommodation (for free, or at a reduced rate) if you are volunteering long-term (3+ months). Be sure to discuss this with the project ahead of booking your placement.
- Research -
For this reason, it is important you do some research into the location you will be volunteering in. There are many Facebook groups where you can find shared accommodation with other volunteers, and AirBnB is a good source of information when comparing prices. For specific guidance, you can ask the organisation you’ll be volunteering with as well as other volunteers on our Volunteer Hub Forum.
Health & Safety
- Where can I get information? -
Embassies and High Commissions are great places to get information on the country/ countries you are going to. They will inform you about all necessary safety precautions, as well as visas, currency, vaccinations and local cultural norms.
- Risks & Concerns -
Please discuss and assess with the organisation you are volunteering with if there are any risks involved with the type of volunteering you are going to be doing and to ask any questions - your safety is a top priority and must be taken seriously.
​
If you know you need particular medication such as inhalers, prescription medication etc, please make sure you bring it with you as availability may be limited in certain locations.
- For placements in Europe -
If your placement is in Europe it is a good idea to get a European Health Card.
Insurance
Neither Indigo nor our partners provide health insurance.
Depending on your existing coverage and on where you will travel, we suggest you purchase additional travel insurance.
- What should I consider? -
-
It is strongly recommended that your insurance provider covers volunteering abroad and not just travel abroad so that you are fully covered.
-
If you plan on doing other activities (e.g. water sports, skiing, hiking) in your spare time, make sure your insurance covers these as well.
-
Check whether your insurance also covers valuables you plan on bringing (e.g. phone, camera, laptop).
-
Confirm the maximum stay duration covered by your policy.
- Where can I get information? -
For EU citizens Apply for your European Health Insurance Card on this website.
For Non-EU citizens If you don't have a travel insurance, we suggest you to have a look at the following non-exhaustive options:
Print a copy of your insurance policy and carry it with you, so you are able to refer to it at all times. It is also a good idea to send a copy to a family member or friend.
Documents & VISA
Bring several photocopies of your passport, flight information, travel insurance policy and travel health/vaccine records (e.g. yellow fever, Covid-19 vaccination).
- I require a VISA -
​If you require a visa, you will have to source this independently as Indigo and our partners will not be able to help at all in any visa proceedings. Please find out your volunteering locations’ specific entry requirements for residents of your home country with the consulate of the destination country or VISA centres.
​
Please note the waiting times when applying online
- Brexit -
For UK residents, please consider the implications of Brexit. Travel in the EU is now limited to 3 months - see here for more information.
Please be reminded that neither Indigo Volunteers nor the organisation you will be volunteering with are able to provide any support with obtaining a VISA.
What to pack
Each volunteer placement is different, depending on the location and volunteering tasks.
- What to consider when packing -
Once you’ve confirmed a placement, consider and research the following to assess what you need to take with you:
-
The climate of the area you will be working in.
-
The level of physical activity in your role.
-
Whether the work you will take on requires anything specific, e.g. medical students taking post- exposure prophylaxis packs.
- What to bring -
Some basics that are almost always a good idea are:
-
Small bum bag/crossbody bag
-
Backpack for daily use
-
Insulated water bottle/reusable coffee cup
-
Closed and comfortable shoes
-
Clothes appropriate for the project you’ll be working in - ask the organisation about this.
-
Your printed insurance
-
Your ID/Passport
-
Cash
- Donations -
If you have capacity, ask your host organisation if they need any specific donations. Things like old smartphones/ laptops are often needed! Always double check what is needed at the time of your visit, as donations that are not needed often go to waste.
Notifying your loved ones
When travelling abroad, it's a good idea to let those close to you know about your plans.
Even though things will rarely go wrong, your family and friends will be reassured knowing information they might need to assist you from afar. Let them know where you're going, how to reach someone from the organisation you'll join and any kind of health and insurance-related info that might be relevant. We've made a handy template for you here!
​
Some organisations may also ask you to provide an emergency contact back at home - just like us.
