Some items western visitors take to be a part of daily life can be difficult to find in China. Along with the usual items on any packing list, you might want to remember some of these items when planning your trip to China.
Also included are some items to bring along your daily travels within China.
Before You Leave: What to Bring to China
Note that public transportation in China, both intra-city and long-distance, is often crowded and rushed. You should try to keep your luggage small and manageable if you are packing for a vacation in China rather than an extended stay. Nevertheless, here are some things you might wish you'd brought along.
- Fresh ground coffee and a french press: While hot, filtered drinking water is readily available throughout China, fresh coffee is not. Coffee lovers might want to invest in a press suitable for travel and enough coffee to last the trip.
- Deodorant: Very few Chinese wear deodorant (but don't worry; even fewer have strong body odor), so it can be hard to find and expensive when you do.
- A soft sleeping pad: Chinese beds are often quite stiff. If this is a problem for you, it might be worth the extra space in your bag. Outdoor equipment stores have a wide variety of compact sleeping pads.
- English books: Don't expect to find new reading material once you land in China.
- An unlocked GSM mobile phone: Yes, China manufactures many phones, but the real name brands won't really be much cheaper than your home country. On the other hand, visitors can easily get a pay-as-you-go SIM card, and having a phone can be really helpful. For example, if you need to give a taxi driver instructions, you can phone a Chinese speaking friend to help you talk to him or her.
- A small phrasebook (or smart phone application) with Chinese characters: Make sure your phrasebook is small enough that you'll actually carry it. Also, a phrasebook without Chinese characters is almost useless. Don't expect to be able to pronounce the words with just a pinyin guide, unless your Chinese is already proficient. If the book has Chinese characters, on the other hand, you can just point to what you mean to say.
- Gifts from your home country: You'll be sure to make friends with chocolate, candies, alcohol, and cigarettes (many Chinese men smoke and enjoy exchanging cigarettes). Postcards from your home country also work well.
- Long underwear in the winter: Northern China is very cold, but at least there's indoor central heating. Southern China is milder, but central heating is very rare. Even if your home country has snowy winters, southern China can be uncomfortably cold in the winter so bring warm clothes.
Leaving Your Hotel: Daily Items to Always Bring Along
Here are some things you should always carry with you when your out on the town.
- Tissue paper: This is definitely the most important item to have on your person. Many public toilets in China do not stock toilet paper. Also, although restaurants in some areas will give free tissue to use, restaurants in other areas will charge for it.
- Cash: Most restaurants and stores in China deal only in cash,. Although debit and credit cards are becoming more frequently used in the major cities, in most places they are still only used to get cash out of a machine. Beware of pickpockets. Take only the cash you need for the day. It's safe enough just to put it in your front pocket and go without a wallet or money belt.
- Local business cards: It's a good idea to start collecting business cards from your hotel, as well as the restaurants and shops that you visit. They are very useful when you want to get back to that area, just show the taxi driver the address on the card.
- A hand fan in the summer: Yes, there's a reason why fans are popular in China, particularly in the south where it is hot and humid.
Don't Forget Your Toothbrush
Well, of course you can buy a toothbrush, and other personal items you'll need, when you're in China. On the other hand, finding those things in an unfamiliar environment, amongst an unfamiliar language, can be a chore. Don't forget all the things that you would normally bring on any trip.
Jeff Fedorkiw - Jeff is currently teaching reading to primary school students in southern China. After spending a fair amount of time traveling the ...
Join the Conversation