When figuring out what to pack moving to China, focus less on basic necessities and more on specific items that are hard to find, expensive, or of a different quality here. While you can buy almost anything online, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration by packing personal comfort items that can’t be easily substituted. Think of your suitcase space as a premium for things like your favorite brand-name medicines, specific toiletries, and clothing in larger sizes, rather than filling it with items you can easily purchase on 淘宝 (Taobao).
Medications and Personal Care Items
This is the most critical category. Bring at least a six-month supply, ideally a year’s worth, of any prescription medications, along with a doctor’s note. For over-the-counter items, specifics matter. Brands like Advil, DayQuil, or Pepto-Bismol are not sold here; while you can find local equivalents with similar active ingredients like ibuprofen, the formulas and dosages might differ. The most talked-about item is deodorant in China. The local market overwhelmingly favors lightly-scented, whitening roll-on liquids. If you prefer a strong, solid stick antiperspirant, pack as much as you can. The same logic applies to specific skincare, haircare products, and women's hygiene products like tampons, which can be difficult to find outside major international supermarkets in Tier 1 cities.
Clothing and Footwear in Larger Sizes
Sizing is a common challenge for many foreigners. Generally, clothing sizes in China run one to two sizes smaller than in the USA. If you wear a US Large, you may need an XXL here, which might not be available in many stores. This is especially true for footwear. Finding shoes above a US men’s size 10 (European 44) or a US women’s size 8 (European 39) can be a frustrating search, often limited to a few specialty stores or expensive imported brands. If you have larger feet or require specific fits for professional wear or athletic shoes, bringing several pairs from home is one of the most practical essentials to bring to China.
Niche Kitchen and Food Staples
While China’s culinary landscape is vast, you might miss some specific tastes from home. These are often small items that make a big difference. Consider packing high-quality pure vanilla extract, specific baking ingredients like baking powder (the local kind can be inconsistent), or your favorite spice blends (e.g., taco seasoning, everything bagel seasoning). While you can find imported goods, they come with a significant markup. A few bags of your favorite ground coffee or a box of a specific brand of tea can also provide comfort as you settle in. These items aren't about survival; they are about making your new kitchen feel like your own without a stressful, expensive search.
Essential Electronics and Accessories
China operates on 220V electricity, unlike the 110V standard in the USA. Most modern electronics like laptops and phone chargers are dual voltage (check the label for “INPUT: 100-240V”), but items with motors or heating elements, like hair dryers or electric razors, may require a voltage converter. A more practical solution is to purchase those here. What you should bring is a high-quality, multi-socket power strip with universal plugs and built-in surge protection. This is far more convenient than carrying multiple individual plug adapters. Also, consider bringing any niche electronic devices, like a Kindle, already loaded with books and logged into your home-country account.
Ultimately, packing for China is a game of strategic selection, prioritizing personal, irreplaceable items over things that are merely different.
For those already here, what’s one item you wish you had packed more of, and what’s something you were surprised to find easily available?
Quick Takeaways:
- Pack a one-year supply of specific over-the-counter medicines and stick deodorant.
- Bring shoes if you are a US men's size 10+ or women's 8+.
- Small, hard-to-find food items like vanilla extract or special spices are worth the space.
- A universal power strip with surge protection is better than individual adapters.
- Most electronics are dual-voltage, but check the “100-240V” label to be sure.
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