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What You Need to Bring with You to China
Packing for a trip like China can be daunting. It's good to know what you need to take, what you can leave behind and what you can find once you're there - leaving you plenty of room for the treasure you'll want to bring home with you.- China is a shopper’s paradise. But it's a shame to spend time trying to pick up things you forgot on your packing list rather than in the markets cruising for treasure.
- Here's a list of items that you may want to bring with you because you won't be able to find them, or the brands will be limited, in China. Especially if you're going to be off the beaten track, not spending much time in big cities with big expat communities such as Beijing or Shanghai, you'll want to make sure you have these items along with you when you come.
- • Deodorant with anti-perspirant Deodorant can sometimes be found in supermarkets or drug-stores like Watson's, but I've yet to find anti-perspirant.
- • Shampoo and conditioner You can find some foreign brands such as L'oreal and Finesse, but the formula seems different. If you're picky, bring it from home.
- • Other hair supplies Again, some products are available but formulas vary from country to country so you should bring your preferred mousse, gel, hairspray, etc. with you.
- • Moisturizers
- • Sunscreen Its availability is limited and only in certain SPF factors.
- • Insect repellent I haven't found any local brand that's very effective.
- • Tampons Pads are widely available but tampons are only available at expat supermarkets in limited supply.
- • Medications Many similar medications are available in China but you don't want to have to spend time trying to figure out a local pharmacy when you just want some aspirin. Bring allergy, headache, nausea/diarrhea, birth control and other medications with you.
- • Vitamins
- • Shoes If you have the time or the need, you can have just about any piece of clothing tailor-made for you but shoes, if your feet are large, will be hard to find.
- First Aid Kit Packing List• Your prescription medication - you should bring an ample supply with you for the entire duration of your trip. Bring along the prescriptions, just in case you are questioned (highly doubtful) in customs. See your physician before you go to China to ensure you have all the prescriptions you need before you begin your travel.
- • Headache medication such as Tylenol or Advil. Tylenol is good too especially if you end up with a fever.
- • Diarrhea/nausea medication is essential as even if the food you eat is fine - it could upset your stomach because you aren't used to it. For bad cases of diarrhea, it's great to have Cypro along with you. Ask your physician about prescribing it for you.
- • Diamox or other altitude sickness medication if you plan on going to Tibet or other high-altitude locations.
- • Bandaids for the occasional blister from long walks.
- • Anti-bacterial ointment
- • Alcohol swabs
- • Cotton swabs
