The last few blog posts have been MIA as I switch focuses from Colorado to China. (Sorry about that).
Since making the decision to move back home to China for work, I have been frantically packing and getting everything in order to leave. The time I am allotted before leaving for China this time is significantly less than last time. Right now, it’s looking like I’ll be out of here in the next few weeks, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
My History With Traveling to China
Taking what I learned from my first trip abroad to China in 2014, I so optimistically said to my parents, “I’m only taking two suitcases this time with the bare necessities.”
Yeah. That is actually a lot harder than I thought it would be.
When I moved to China the first time I was not an expat and I was going to be living there for two years. I brought three suitcases bursting with my crap, mostly clothes that wouldn’t fit me in three months. Carrying that shit to four different places before settling in my permanent site was EXHAUSTING.
I learned my lesson on packing light for any trip no matter the duration.
Since that journey, I have learned a lot about what to take and what to not take. I can only speak for living in China, not other countries, unfortunately. Right now, My bags currently hold very little clothing and other things that are not easy to acquire in China.
The picture above is basically what I’ll be taking with me on my expat journey to China, and I still haven’t finalized what’s going and what’s not. Below is a list for expats going to China on what I’m taking with me during this next journey. My goal is to help other expats avoid simple mistakes like ones I made on my last journey as a Peace Corps Volunteer from 2014 – 2016.
Good Winter Clothes and Accessories are Important
In Peace Corps, people referred to China as Posh Corps China because it’s so much more urban than other countries of service. But just because they are urban doesn’t mean they have everything we have grown accustomed to in the states or elsewhere. Not to mention, you never know if the items you purchase are authentic or not. Some items are more expensive in China than they are here.
One of the things I didn’t prepare for was the winter weather climates and the lack of heating in homes China. If you plan to teach in China, plan for your students to have windows open all day long, even in the wintertime.
Having good winter boots and a decent winter coat is a MUST. I cannot stress that enough. Purchase good quality winter gear in the states before you go and make the room in your suitcase for it!
Bring Deodorant, Facial Care, Toothpaste!
I can’t remember being able to find deodorant in China. I am planning to stock up hard on deodorant when before going to China. This goes for toothpaste too. I use a specific kind of toothpaste I know I can’t find in China, so I won’t be making the mistake of leaving it at home. The same goes for body spray and perfume.
Save some bucks by bringing these items on your own.
One of the things I do want to stress about facial care is this. And I cannot stress this enough, my expat friends! Most facial care products in China have whitening agents in them designed to bleach your skin. No joke. If you don’t want super bleached skin from facial care products in China, bring your favorite products from home in country.
If you have someone coming to visit you in the near future, have them bring over extra if you feel like you may run out and want to lighten your suitcase.
Spices
Not that Chinese food isn’t delicious, it really and truly is, someday you’re just going to plat out want to eat a taco. Don’t make the mistake of leaving behind any spices you wouldn’t get in China thinking everything will be just fine. It won’t be. You need the spices.
If it’s your first as an expat in China, it’s hard to figure out what spices you might want to take, but as a fellow expat, here are some suggestions.
- Taco Season
- Gravy Mix
- Dried Basil
- Himalayan salt
- Rosemary
- Mrs. Dash
I swear, just these few items will be like taking your home with you to China.
Buying Computers, Cameras, and Other Electronics
I am always sort of skeptical with buying electronics in China. Unless it’s from a certified store, I find it hard justifying buying a computer or camera or even headphones because sometimes you just don’t know if it’s good quality or not. I’m not saying those items can’t be accessed or purchased in China, but you just need to be super careful when purchasing electronics. Especially if you don’t know Chinese just yet.
I’ve heard horror stories of people buying computers and getting scammed and have bought so many crappy headphones that die in a day. Some people in China like to scam foreigners. Shit happens.
I decided to get a computer, headphones, cameras and all that in the US because I’m confident that when I’m buying a product here, it’s a good one. If you have to purchase something in China, take a trusted local friend or another expat versed in the Chinese language with you to help sniff out any scamming bullshit.
Marie Kondo Packing Tip
If you’re wondering how you’re going to fit everything in your bag, I have just the advice for you.
I can’t tell you how much better packing has been for me since Marie Kondo came into my life. I have been able to pack more things in my bag than I’ll ever need. HA! But because of her space-saving methods, I’m allowed to utilize my suitcase space and bring even fewer suitcases than I planned to.
Still being optimistic there, but I swear it’s helping.
You can watch Marie Kondo on Netflix and observe her methods for packing and organizing, but her book is also a very helpful tool in organization.
Things To Leave Behind
The first thing I worried about bringing with me to China in 2014 was Shampoo and Conditioner. I legit worried about if I would be able to find shampoo and conditioner. It was stupid, I know.
Depending on where you live, you may have access to more than you think. Most large cities have import stores where you can find things like sriracha, olive oil, and cheese.
You will absolutely find many of the things you know and love from home. That’s the truth. Here are some things you shouldn’t worry about bringing.
- Shampoos
- Conditioners
- Body washes
- Too many clothing items (Forever 21 and H&M are available over there)
- A whole lot of American snacks (They have potato chips and Coca Cola y’all).
You will not have to worry about finding most things you need for the everyday.
What Do You Bring to China With You?
I know what is important or necessary to us is all relative. If you’ve been in expat in China before, what are some of the things you feel are necessary to bring to China?
