General Information

About International Needs

International Needs Canada is a global non-denominational Christian development organization that promotes health, nutrition, education, and community development. Our programs include child sponsorship, schools, feeding programs, healthcare, clean water projects, and more. Key to the success and sustainability of these initiatives is a strong partnership with each partner country and ownership of each initiative BY the partner country.

Money Matters

Trip Price

The cost for each trip varies depending on location and duration of stay. As you begin planning your trip, this information will be provided to you.

Payment Schedule

1. $500 non-refundable deposit is due with your application (per person)
2. $1,500 is due 60 days before departure
3. The balance is due 30 days before departure

Note: Prices are guaranteed only with full payment, as taxes and fuel surcharges can be added by airlines until full payment is received.

Payment Options

Contact us by phone to make arrangements 1-888-702-9805 or 905-389-1118.

Important Details

Vaccinations

Please visit your health care provider or travel clinic well in advance of your departure date to receive the required vaccinations and medications for the country(ies) you’ll be visiting. Visit the government website for recommended and required immunizations by country.

Passport

You will need a valid passport that expires no sooner than six months after the date of your return. If your passport has less than six months left until expiration, most countries do not allow you to travel. To avoid travel restrictions, we advise you to renew your passport well in advance.

Tourist Visa

A tourist visa is required to enter many of our partner countries. You will be advised about the requirements for your tour.

Insurance

Extended medical insurance must be purchased at the time of booking. You must have extended medical coverage over and above provincial medical coverage. Cancellation insurance is optional; however, a package of cancellation and medical is usually less expensive than purchasing individual insurance. If you do not have travel insurance with your benefits provider, International Needs can provide you with the information you need to secure the proper coverage.

Child Protection

As we will be visiting children, you will need to:

1. Sign and return a copy of our Child Protection Policy. 

2) Submit a valid police check. Please visit your local police services or submit your request online through www.backcheck.net/inc/.

Packing List

• Clothing (see dress code below)
• Comfortable footwear
• Toiletries 
• Medications – Important: all medications for personal use need to be packed in your hand luggage in their original containers. 
• Personal items
• Small items to entertain the kids at the clinic e.g. bubbles, soccer balls & pump, stickers, paint

Luggage Allowance

On past trips, domestic flights in some countries have limited personal luggage. You will be advised about any restrictions for your tour.

Water

We advise extreme caution when consuming tap water, ice cubes, and fresh produce that would have been washed with local water, which is often taken from wells and not treated thoroughly. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth. Drink bottled water and beverages only after checking for proper a seal. 

Meals

All meals will be provided except while in transit. Alcoholic beverages are not included. 

Tipping

It is appropriate to leave $1 US a day for the cleaning staff at your hotel. If your luggage is brought to your room, tip $1 US per bag. This is their livelihood, so give them the opportunity to carry your bag. 

Electricity

You may need an outlet adaptor to charge your phone or use any electrical devices from home. 

A Few Important Rules

Dress Code

Many places we visit have an expectation of modesty when it comes to clothing and appearance. Here are some guidelines:

• Long pants only (no shorts in public)
• No spaghetti straps or revealing tops
• Modest dress is recommended for clinics and visits to villages or schools
• Skirts need to cover to at least the knee
• Capris and pants are fine
• Skirt or dress when attending a church service
• Do not wear flashy jewelry, which may be offensive to the disadvantaged people we will meet.

Photography

Please do not photograph people without first asking their permission to do so. Sometimes a small tip is appropriate, though not at the school and villages where we are visiting. Do NOT take photos in airports or customs and immigration areas. 

Gifts

International Needs has a strict policy on gift-giving. Many of our trip participants want to bring gifts and other items so they can make a bigger difference in the communities we visit. Thank you for your heart and generosity! However, these gifts often have unintended negative consequences. Therefore, all gifts must be approved in advance. Feel free to request a copy of the gift policy. 

Cancellation Policy

Deposits and payments are 100% non-refundable at all times or as stated in the terms provided by the airlines. We highly recommend you purchase cancellation insurance to cover yourself in case of illness to you or a member of your immediate family.

Responsibility Disclaimer

International Needs and the Travel Agent have made arrangements and act solely as agents for such services and cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions on the part of suppliers. They are not liable for any injury, damage, or default of any firm or person engaged in conveying passengers, carrying out travel arrangements, strikes, war, or any other causes beyond their control.