Visiting China? Here's what you need to bring!

*** Please note that this blog post is my personal opinion and not a definitive list, so please adjust your travel needs accordingly. Also, while this post may seem geared towards women, men can take some points from this as well. ***

Two years ago, I wrote a blog post about what I was bringing to China (Click here to read it). To some people that list seemed a bit long, but keep in mind I was planning to spend one year here (and I’m still here BTW).  That post became one of the most popular posts on this blog.

Since I’ve been in China, I’ve had a few friends come to visit and one of the important questions they have is “What should they bring to China?” Instead of writing an individual email, I’ve decided to write one blog post that anyone who plans to visit China can benefit from. So without further ado, here is the list on what you need to bring when visiting China: 

The important stuff

*Passport: Yes, I know it’s silly but make sure you have a valid passport and don’t forget to pack it with you (trust me, I’ve known some people who accidentally forgot their passport for an international trip). Also, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months before it expires (meaning that if you have to travel six months before the expiration date).

*Visa: All tourists who come to China need to have a valid visa. Please consult the embassy/consulate website in your home country for paperwork and contact information. You can also use the services of a visa agent which is much faster and less hassle.  I would check the visa to ensure that all of your information is correct in order to avoid issues at immigration.

I would take 2-3 copies of the passport information page and the visa page with you in case anything happens. 

Money

You're probably wondering what the financial situation is like so here's a brief overview... The Chinese currency is called the Renminbi or RMB for short (literally translates to the People’s Money). Note that cash is king in China and aside from many first tier cities; credit cards are not widely accepted. With that said, you can still use your credit card (Mastercard, Visa or Maestro) at some major retail shops (albeit in first tier cities).   

To obtain cash, you can go to any ATM and make a withdrawal. ATMs are quite plentiful in many of the major cities and you can usually find several ATMs in some of the smaller cities.  Just about all ATMs have an English option and you use your ATM card just as you would in any country. Make sure to contact your bank to let them know you will be abroad so you’re not left without money.  I would not recommend bringing traveler’s checks since they will not be accepted. 

***Extra Traveler's Tip:

As another precaution, bring some currency of your home country in case there are any issues with your bank cards. The worst case scenario, you can always exchange it at the bank or airport. 

Technology

***Important: As of June 2014 Google has been permanently blocked in China. So, if you use Gmail, Google Maps, Google + or any other Google products or services, you will not be able to access them in China. ***

In order to get past the “Great Firewall of China,” you'll need to have a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN will allow you to access many sites that are blocked in China such as: Google (as mentioned above), Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Wordpress (for you other bloggers out there!) and even some news outlets such as the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Usually, you purchase a VPN service for as long as you need it and it can be used on your laptop, mobile phone and tablet. If you’re only coming for a visit, a month service should be fine. You can also use a free VPN but these can be a bit of an annoyance since they run slower and they tend to be the first ones to be shut down by the Chinese government.

The ones that are used most often by other expats here are: StrongVPN, AstrillVPN and ExpressVPN.

It’s worth a mention that some VPN services offer a 7 day free trial. If you plan to stay in China for a week, then it would be perfect! If you stay for a bit longer, think about getting the one month option.

In terms of technology, I bring what’s important/ the most useful for you. I would recommend a tablet and phone only (Less weight and room in your bags).  Your phone will work only if it’s on a GSM network (so sorry Verizon customers!). You can obtain a SIM Card at one of the major mobile phone outlets here which are China Mobile and China Unicom. You can even purchase a SIM card at the airport if you need to make calls while you’re here.

WIFI is available in many places and the more western/globalized the place, the better chance it will have free WIFI.

Don’t forget the adaptor/convertor!!!

Clothing
I’m partial to dresses since they are usually not to heavy and easy enough to pack (just roll it up). They are great for the really hot and muggy summer months (and even autumn) in southern China. I also pack a couple of pairs of leggings in case it’s a bit chilly/ or if you travel in winter they make a great pair of long johns (places in southern China are not heated too well). 

If you’re not into dresses, bring a couple pairs of comfortable trousers or jeans and a couple of nice tops (you can use the tops to go out in). 

A cardigan is nice to throw on in case you go to indoor places that are a bit too chilly. I also bring a scarf that can keep me warm or keep out the light if I want some darkness while sleeping.

Ladies, I suggest bringing two bras with you. One regular and one multi-way bra (one that can be converted into a strapless, halter, or one strap bra). 

Comfortable shoes are a must. I always wear sneakers since they can double up as a walking shoe and a workout shoe. If you suffer from foot problems, a pair of insoles wouldn’t be a bad idea since you will be doing plenty of walking. 

Always have a dress shoe for dinners or dancing out. I prefer flats since they don’t take up so much room in my suitcase, but if you’re partial to heels sick to one neutral pair.

Lastly, bring a pair of flip flops to use when showering or for swim purposes. 

Toiletries

Bring travel sized (3 ounces/100 ML) of your liquid and solid toiletries. That way you can pack all of these items in your carryon. If there is something you forgot, you can purchase these at one of the beauty shops such as Watson’s, Mannings, or the large chain groceries stores such as Carrefour, Jia Deli, Lian hua or Tesco. Just avoid anything that says white on the label since that means there are whitening ingredients in the product. 

It’s imperative to bring a travel sized bottle of hand sanitizer. The bathrooms in some places may only have a faucet and nothing else so it’s good to be prepared.

In addition to hand sanitizer, it’s also important to have a small pack of tissues/Kleenex with you. You will also find that some toilets do not have toilet paper so make sure you have some ready. These can be found cheaply in China (1-2 RMB) so don’t worry about buying a bunch in your home country. 

Ladies, if you have/will be experiencing that time of the month, make sure to pack tampons (if that’s what you use). Tampons are not really available in China, even in some of the larger cities like Shanghai, you’ll have to purchase them either in foreigner goods stores or online.  Whether it’s Tampax or Playtex, throw a few in your carryon if you need ‘em!

Medications : Of course one of the joys of travel is experiencing the food of that country. I would be careful in China since you don’t know what that person did or what you’re gonna eat (google recent food scandals in China and you get my drift). Make sure to bring some kind of upset stomach/ diarrhea medicine, pain reliever, mosquito repellent (for summer), sunscreen (it’s not that great/fake/the real is overpriced) and any other vitamins or prescription medication that you currently take. 

A travel sized umbrella or even a poncho wouldn’t be a bad idea especially with all the rain I’ve been experiencing in Shanghai recently.

Phew! That’s all I have to say on the packing subject. If there’s anything else I should add, please leave a comment below and I will make sure to include it!

Thanks for reading :)

Moving...Saying My First Goodbyes

Hello and Welcome Back!

Just as the title says, I started the moving and goodbye process. I officially leave in three days and so far, the reality has not hit me yet.

Over the weekend, I moved out of my apartment which was enormously stressful.  When it comes to moving, I tend to grossly underestimate the process which only leads to more stress the actual day of the move. Since I left The Firm over a week ago and upon returning from my mini vacation on Monday, I pretty much had the entire week to pack, organize and clean.  All week, I slowly packed up my things and I honestly felt like I had very little to pack, but when Friday finally came, it was a different story and I was frantically throwing things in garbage bags and cursing under my breath about all the s#%t stuff I had accumulated. I was fortunate to obtain some help at the eleventh hour; but, I completed the bulk of the move on my own, which only led me to think...

Can I continue living this lifestyle and if so, for how long?

Maybe it was the stress talking (because after all, who really likes to move???) because while I was packing, I had some time to think deeply about my long term plans for the future. Don't get me wrong, I love to travel and I'm excited about the opportunity to live and work in Shanghai, but I have to be honest when I say a small part of me is experiencing some fatigue when it comes to the nomad lifestyle. A part of me is eager to finally settle down into a place I can call my own without the undue burden I've placed on others. A part of me is over saying goodbye again and again only to return to where I came from.  A part of me is just tired...

I'm sure many other people who are in my position have these same thoughts and just like me, the thrill and excitement of travel weigh out a life of stability or monotony (or something along those lines).  All I can say is that I've chosen this life and I will deal with the consequences of my choices (rant over).

Now that I've ranted a bit, I was very overjoyed once I completely finished the moving process and a representative from the rental agency did a walk through of my apartment and upon inspection, informed me that I should expect my security deposit back in 4-6 weeks (this bit is crucial since I was engaged in a battle with the rental agency for several weeks over the return of my security deposit). Once the inspection was completed, I dropped off several bags to the neighborhood Goodwill and I continued on back home for a nap and then the massive task of once again, organizing and packing.

Saturday evening found me in the brand new home of one of my childhood friends complete with a delicious home cooked meal by his mother.  His mother exchanged some stories and advice on what to expect upon my arrival in Asia since she had spent some time there and had a sibling who lived there for several years.  It was a lovely evening full of friends, foods, and lots of discussion. We decided to call it a night just after midnight and thus, I said my first round of goodbyes. Despite the sadness of the situation, I remained cheerful and empowered about the new chapter of my life that would begin in the next few days.

What I'm Bringing to China (With Pictures!)

I officially leave for China in exactly one week (cue panic music), and over the past few days, I’ve been eagerly packing up my apartment, sending lots of emails , doing last minute shopping, and tying up any loose ends here stateside.

I will pack my suitcases in the upcoming days (or knowing me, the night before) and before that time, I wanted to show/advise my reading audience on what I’m bringing to China.  Many of the things/items I’m bringing are a culmination of previously living abroad, reading blogs, as well as, tips from those who currently reside in China.  This post will full of pics and packing tips so let’s go!

Clothing

Since I have ample butt and thighs, I know that finding clothes will be difficult, if not impossible.  I’m bringing several pairs of dress pants (3), in addition to, three pairs of dark colored jeans.  I know this doesn’t sound like much, but after spending a year in France, I know this will be more than enough.  I also plan on bringing lots of neutral and dark colored tops and dresses that I can play up with bright accessories (i.e.: scarves, jewelry, tights, and handbags)

Shoes:

I have large feet (I’m taller than your average), I wear anywhere from a size 9-10 (a size 7-8 for my U.K. readers and a 40-41 for my readers on the European Continent).  I’ve heard from several people that one of the items they regret not packing enough of was shoes since anything over a size 8 is non-existent.  Thus, I’m planning to bring several pairs of dark colored shoes (once again with the neutrals) which will range from casual shoes, sneakers, boots, and even a pair of heels (which I rarely wear).

I’m also bringing a pair of flip flops for hostel and hotel showers (a necessity for those who desire to travel abroad)

Undergarments….

After working for two different lingerie companies; not to mention, living abroad for several years, I know the importance of a good bra. I recommend for my women travelers to bring three bras (I’m bringing five): an everyday bra in a neutral color, a spare bra in any color, and a flirty bra for when you’re feeling frisky J I also recommend a strapless or convertible bra. Invest in good quality; new bras since washing machine abroad are quite rough (hand washing can be your friend). 

Beauty, Bath, and Makeup:

As shown in the picture below, I’m bringing a variety of shower and moisturizing products.  I was advised to stock up on these items since Asia is notorious for adding skin lighteners to their beauty and bath products. 

I’ve been going a bit more natural with my beauty routine hence the shea butter and coconut oil (whipped together, they make an excellent moisturizer).  I’ve also rediscovered bar soaps and these are excellent for packing since they take up less room and weight in my luggage.

Word to the wise, deodorant/anti-perspirant is not great/ practically non-existent abroad.  Even though there’s only one in the picture, I’m bringing three.

Hair Care:

I’m currently rocking my natural kinks and coils which require lots of love and attention as well as, many different products for washing, styling and moisturizing.  As you can see from the pic, I’m going to bring several different products and this is only the tip of the iceberg. I recommend minority travelers bring as many of their favorite hair products as possible since they will be overpriced and/or non-existent abroad.

Makeup:

I was advised by my China mentor to bring as much makeup as possible since my color (milk chocolate), would once again be nonexistent.  I hit up the MAC store this past weekend for my favorite foundation and I purchased some other make-up “must haves.”

Electronics:

I’m recently purchased a new laptop and digital camera that I’m excited about.  I’m also brining a set of converters for converting the electricity for my smaller appliances like my iTouch and battery charger (I need to purchase one for my laptop). 

 I recommend leaving the hair appliances at home since they can be purchased inexpensively abroad (I would even advise finding an expat website and purchasing these items second hand since people are always coming and going in today’s global society).

Health Matters:

Medicines/Vitamins 

The picture only shows just a small amount of what I’m bringing health wise.  I stocked up on vitamins, cold medicines and miscellaneous medicine for any other ailments that can occur while abroad.  I have a comprised immune system and I hate being sick so I plan on bringing enough items to get me through just about anything.  

Hand sanitizer will be a necessity (I’m also bringing several travel sized bottles, not shown)

To keep up on my physical health, I plan on walking lots as well as, bringing some workout dvds which can be done from the comfort of my apartment:

Food:

I’ve decided that I will sample as much as I can (within reason) while in China; however, I know that some of my favorite comfort foods will be calling my name.  To soothe homesickness bouts, I’m bringing some seasonings and other food items I can easily prepare.  Not to mention, seasonings can be packed in your carry on luggage and they take up barely any space.

Conclusion:

Well ladies and gents, thanks again for reading!  I know this list was a bit short and there’s a lot more that can be said; thus, feel free to add any other comments or suggestions below on what’s been helpful for you to pack when traveling.