{
"title": "What should I pack when moving to China from the US?",
"tagName": "Living Guide",
"post": "When creating your expat packing list for China, focus less on bringing everything and more on items that are difficult or expensive to find locally. While you can buy most daily necessities on platforms like 淘宝 (Taobao), your top priorities should be specific medications, certain Western toiletries, and clothing or shoes if you wear larger sizes. Almost everything else, from furniture to kitchenware, is readily available and often cheaper in China. Overpacking with items you can easily buy here is a common and costly mistake.\n\n## Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications\nThis is the most critical category. While China has excellent pharmacies, they may not carry the exact formulation or brand you rely on. Bring at least a 3 to 6-month supply of any prescription medication, complete with a doctor’s note and the original prescription paperwork to avoid issues at customs. For over-the-counter (OTC) items, consider packing your preferred brands of pain relievers, allergy pills (e.g., Zyrtec, Claritin), and cold medicine. While you can find ibuprofen and acetaminophen, specific multi-symptom formulas are different. Vitamins and supplements from trusted US brands are also worth bringing, as the local market has had issues with authenticity in the past.\n\n## Specific Toiletries and Personal Care Products\nThis is where brand loyalty and personal needs matter. The single most-cited item expats wish they’d brought more of is stick deodorant, specifically antiperspirant. The market in China heavily favors roll-on or spray deodorants, which are often less effective. High-quality, Western-brand sunscreen can also be surprisingly expensive. If you have sensitive skin or use specific skincare products (like Cetaphil or certain acne treatments), pack a large supply. Furthermore, while tampons are becoming more common in Tier 1 cities like Shanghai and Beijing, those with cardboard or plastic applicators are still a rare find in many areas, so it’s wise to bring your own.\n\n## Clothing and Shoes in Larger Sizes\nSizing is a significant challenge for many foreigners. Chinese sizes run considerably smaller than American or European ones. If you wear a US men’s shoe size 10 (EU 44) or larger, or a US women’s size 8 (EU 39) or larger, you will struggle to find shoes in physical stores. The same applies to clothing. A US "Large" can often be an "XXL" or "XXXL" in China, and options for taller or broader body types are limited. Pack a solid professional wardrobe, plenty of underwear and socks, and at least two pairs of durable, comfortable shoes. While you can get clothes custom-tailored for a reasonable price, it’s best to arrive with enough to get you started.\n\n## Electronics and Niche Home Comforts\nBring your essential electronics like your laptop and phone, as buying them in China may come with a different operating system or warranty limitations. Don't forget the appropriate power adapters for China's Type A and I outlets. An e-reader like a Kindle is invaluable, as the selection of English-language books is limited and can be expensive. While you shouldn’t weigh yourself down with home goods, a few small things can make a big difference: your favorite brand of coffee beans, a specific hot sauce, or a hard-to-find spice mix. These small comforts can ease your transition before you discover local alternatives.\n\nThe most effective strategy for what to pack when moving to China is to prioritize personal health, fit, and comfort items that cannot be easily substituted. What’s one item you regret not bringing to China, or one you were pleasantly surprised to find easily?\n\n---\n\nQuick Takeaways:\n- Bring a 3-6 month supply of all prescription medicines with a doctor's note.\n- Pack stick deodorant and brand-specific skincare; they are hard to find locally.\n- Prioritize packing shoes and clothes if you wear larger US or European sizes.\n- An e-reader is essential for access to a wide variety of English books.\n\n---\n\n#movingtochina #expatlife #packinglist"
}
