If I even began to delve into what my 4 suitcases contained, you’d think I was crazy. I packed as if I were setting up camp in the middle of Timbuktu, hundreds upon hundreds of miles away from civilization… ok, that’s a stretch. However, even though I may have missed the lesson on minimalist packing, I gratefully, feel at home… minus the very hard mattress I was (generously) provided. Although, with the help of the Chinese app, Taobao, it’s a quick fix and a memory foam mattress pad is enroute.
I’ll provide you a list of wants vs. needs… What I think is a must and what you MAY want to pack if you have the space, yet is easily accessible to buy in China. At the end of the day, everything is made in China anyhow, right?
NEEDS:
First and foremost, A VPN: Virtual Private Network. China blocks such sites such as google, YouTube, and facebook. My colleagues and I have dabbled with a few, and ExpressVPN has won by a landslide. It is $99USD per year, and worth every penny. I tend to leave mine on 24/7, and choose the “Smart Location”. In China, Hong Kong or Tokyo, work best. However, if you are wanting to watch your favorite show on Netflix, switch it to your home country. https://www.expressvpn.com
…… Oh, and cash. You know that saying, “Cash is king”….Well, it couldn’t be truer in China. Your debit cards will not work, your credit cards will not work, Alipay or WeChat will not connect with your Western cards… Just get the cash. Don’t end up like me, sweating bullets, holding up the Walmart lines, looking all frantic when you are checking out with your new hamper full of import beers, and you have no way to pay for it.
Pollution Mask: There are days (in August) when I am in Downtown, Beijing and can see the murkiness in the sky… When I say something aloud, the response is, “It’s not even bad now. Wait until the Winter.” There are also a lot of buses, cars, scooters, etc. passing you by, so there will be days (at any point during the year) you will want to pull out your mask. I suggest getting the N99, which filters 99% of the airborne particles. I recommend the Cambridge Mask N99, which you can also find on Amazon.
A Chinese converter: one that can withstand the voltage of that curling wand you’re bringing.
Deodorant- You will find this here, but it may be difficult to find the brand you like.
Face Lotion- I have seen limited stock of face lotions, and quite a few have “whitener” in the product. If you’re wanting to lose that summer glow, go for it.
Tampons: I’ve only run across pads.
Pocket tissue and travel size hand sanitizer. No joke. Carry these 2 things with you, everywhere, every time. Go to your local Dollar Tree, and stock up.
Photographs of family, friends, pets, etc. You can get the frames in China (see below).
Medicine: If you take what you can get, skip this section. However, a girl who has WebMD as an app and checked in with her Doctor(s) numerous times before the move… you can guarantee I packed everything I could get my hands on (OTC), of course…..
Here it goes:
Cold and Sinus: Afrin, Sudafed, Mucinex Day and PM, NyQuil, DayQuil, Zinc Cold Remedy Tablets, Breathe Right Strips, EmergenC
Stomach and Indigestion: Tums, Imodium, Pepto Bismal
First Aid: Antiseptic Spray, Neosporin, BandAids, Gauze, Alcohol swabs, Ace Bandage, Wrist wrap, Knee wrap
Outdoors: Suntan lotion, bug spray, hydrocortisone
*The sun is hot, and the bugs here SUCK. They ALL need to DIE, or be caught by the vendors over at Wangfujing Snack Street to be put on a stick*
Vitamins: Calcium, Vitamin D, Zinc and Vitamin C (Colds), Vitamin B Complex, Biotin, Probiotics (Start taking probiotics a few weeks before your travels)
Pain: Aleve (or whatever suits your fancy), Excedrin, Oragel (Teeth)
Allergies: Claritin, Benadryl, and Kirkland (Costco) allergy tablets
Random: Dramamine, Melatonin, and essential oils
*Also, ask your Doctor for any other suggestions and to fill your prescriptions for an extended time if necessary. I asked mine to prescribe the 90 day supply*
Clothes: If you wear larger than an XS or Size 4, and/or tall, bring alllllll your clothes. Don’t play around with this one. When I went to the Nike store in Beijing I was beyond thrilled to see they had a pair of women’s leggings/running pants in an XL…. Once I pulled them off the rack, I realized I wouldn’t have been even able to pull those suckers over my ankle. Chinese XL is comparable to an XS/ XXS in America. However, there is H&M, Old Navy, & Gap here (I’ll check out this weekend, and update)… So there may be a chance for you yet.
Shoes: Again, ladies if you wear larger than a size 8 US/ 39 European, you’re SOL.
Hair Products: They have a few things here and there, but I would just bring what you know works best for your hair type. You don’t want to be messing around with what “could” work.
Technology: Yes, Apple is here. However, if you need a new IPhone, you will be paying a lot more for it in China than just upgrading in the US, by a significant amount. Although, you’ll be saving on that Chinese data plan. Put that US Verizon/ATT&T/etc. data plan on a hold, and bring your passport over to say, ChinaMobile. For $14USD/month and no contract, you get 500minutes of talk and unlimited data… And a Chinese phone #. *They provide you with the Chinese SIM Card, so be sure to put your original somewhere safe.
Umbrella: If you forget to pack one, good luck buying the one from that Asian lady off the street… That treasured purchase will break in half in 30 seconds flat.
Most Sauces and Spices: BBQ sauce, Hot sauce, Ranch dressing
WANTS:
Shower gel & Lotion- If only the smell of your Bath & Body Works bath products wakes you up in the morning, or puts you to sleep, pack it. However, I have seen brands such as Dove at most supermarkets. I also picked up a few new shower gels at the smaller shops, which smell fab—- what they’re made of, I couldn’t tell you.
Candles: I packed 1 candle from home with a scent I love. I’ve bought 2 additional candles while out at IKEA, and they’re just not the same. All of the candles I have come across have unfortunately, a very faint scent once lit.
Bedding/Pillow: They do sell pillows and bedding here, but nothing beats your own (ESPECIALLY, the pillow). The search for the perfect pillow can be daunting… Plus, watching all those people at IKEA test out EVERY pillow was pretty humorous— going from pillow to pillow. Now that I think about it, also gross. Something else to consider, pillows and bedding here can be on the pricier side, even at Walmart. The designs are also rather cheap looking and the duvets are very thin. I packed my own pillow, comforter, pillow cases and flat sheet—- I squeezed them all into a vacuum space saver bag, let out that air, and couldn’t be happier. *I didn’t bring a fitted sheet as the sizes of beds differ in China, but I’m making do.
THINGS THAT CAN BE PURCHASED IN CHINA…. (without looking too hard):
Toothbrush & Toothpaste: I have seen Crest, etc. here
Hair tools: Hair dryer, curling iron, etc. I bought by hair dryer off Taoboa for $8USD. It’s pretty great, too.
Picture frames: You can find a small selection at Walmart, and I’m sure quite a few other places. I did fill my entire carry on, around clothes, with 14 picture frames. I have a vision for how I like things to look, but if you’re looking for something simple and to just make do, only bring the pictures!
American snacks: You can find quite a few brands here including Lays Chips, Pringles, Oreo’s, Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Coke (Harder to find!), Sprite, Jiffy Peanut Butter, Smuckers Jelly, Ragu Sauce, Quaker Oatmeal, Belvita, amongst many others… I’m sure you can find a slew of things on TaoBao, even Kraft Mac and Cheese- trust me, I checked it ALL out. However, if you have a particular candy that you crave- like Haribo Gummy Bears… Pack them. They’re options for Gummies are slim. Just an fyi, you’ll never starve. Ramen is fully stocked on every shelf, every where.
Journal: Keep a travel journal to document your experiences- you’ll have plenty to share 🙂 You can find cute journals at most shops.
Basically, you can find anything on TaoBao, even a College Degree 😉
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