What to take to China

For anyone who will soon be traveling to the Chinese mainland, especially if you are from the US or Europe, there are some things you will have to do before you leave; including deciding what to take with you and what to leave. As I have been through this before, I now have a much better understanding of what I will need and use during the next 12 months than I did the first time I went to China. Here is a list of what I recommend:


In the suit case:

1. 3 or 4 pairs of Work attire pants/slacks that DON'T require dry cleaning.
2. 7 or 8 work shirts to go with the slacks. Remember, if the slacks are neutral colored (black, brown, tan, khaki, etc.) the shirts can be any color.
3. 2 pairs of "summer" work shoes that are comfortable and will go with your work outfits. Don't forget the shoe polish if your shoes require it.
4. 2 pairs of "winter" work shoes that will survive rain and/or snow.
5. 3 lounging/casual outfits to wear around the house or on weekends.--including running or tennis shoes.
6. 1 package each (unopened) of underwear and socks/stockings. Chinese washing machines can be hell on your under clothes and hosiery and most stores will not have Western sizes.
7. (For women only) any items you require for certain times of the month.  I bring enough to last 2 or 3 months.
8. At least 2 sticks of deodorant. Many people in China don't use deodorant and the deodorant they do have can really irritate the skin. I recommend bringing your own.
9. 4 tubes of toothpaste and 1 bottle of mouthwash (if you use it). Chinese toothpaste brands are highly corrosive (many contian crushed pearls which can wear away tooth enamel) and can cause damage to your tooth enamel and foreign brands can be expensive and are usually limited to Crest or Aquafresh. Bring your own or have it sent to you. The mouthwash you can get in China, but you may have to find a different brand than you are accustomed to.
10. 1 bottle of shampoo (and conditioner if you use it). Until you are able to find a Chinese brand you like, this will tide you over. Many Chinese shampoos can make your hair quite oily due to the difference in hair textures.
11. Any over-the-counter medications you require such as cough medicine/drops, acetaminophen/aspirin/ibuprofen, allergy medication, or digestive aids. These items generally require a doctor/pharmacist recommendation to obtain in China.
12. An emergency kit of antibiotic/antiseptic cream, bandages/plasters of various sizes,  burn cream, gauze, etc. These things are available in China, but you may have to go to a pharmacy and be seen by a pharmacist.
13. Hair dryer/straightener and any styling products you use as they will be generally hard to find in China and the products will probably make your Western hair greasy.
14. Outlet converter if you come from a country with a different power grid configuration than China uses (220 Volt is the Chinese standard). Most new buildings in China will have compound outlets that will take any plug style, but older buildings may still use the old style outlets.

In the carry-on:

1. 1 change of clothes with travel deodorant/perfume, and travel toothbrush. Just in case you get stuck at the airport.
2. Travel size first aid kit with pain killers, bandages/plasters and anti-nausea medications if you need them.
3. Laptop with extra battery if possible. If you come from a country that uses a different voltage (220 Volts is the Chinese standard) than China uses, you will find that your battery will wear down after a bit even if you use a converter.
4. ENTERTAINMENT (tablet, DVD player and DVDs, books, etc.) for the flight.
5. Small travel pillow and blanket. Airlines usually have these too, but I personally don't like using something that someone else may have slept in.
6. If you are bringing a cell phone, bring the charger.

On Your Person:
( I use a small money belt to carry these items)

1. Passport and visa.
2. Any additional IDs or credit cards.
3. Contact information of your destination.
3. Currency. You will need to use some of it at the airport and you should also have enough on you to rent a hotel room in the event of an emergency.

That is what I will be packing along this time around. Last time I ended up taking some things I didn't use and leaving things that I later needed to have sent to me. These items will take up about one and a half large suit cases and one small carry on bag. That leaves room for the gifts on the return trip...