When preparing your packing list for expat China, focus less on quantity and more on specificity. While you can buy almost anything here, the crucial items to bring from home are those that are brand-specific, regulated, or difficult to find in Western sizes and formulations. Your packing space is best used for specific medications, personal care products, and essential electronics rather than clothes or household goods you can easily purchase upon arrival.
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications
This is the most critical category. While China has excellent pharmacies, called 药店 (yàodiàn), they may not carry the exact brands or formulations you rely on. Bring at least a three-month supply of any prescription medications, complete with a doctor’s note and the original packaging. Some medications, particularly for mental health or complex conditions, can be very difficult to get prescribed locally. For over-the-counter items, consider bringing your preferred brands of pain relievers, allergy pills (especially specific non-drowsy formulas), and cold remedies. While you can find ibuprofen, you might not find your go-to 24-hour allergy relief. Things you can't buy in China easily include stronger painkillers, certain sleeping aids, and specific types of birth control, so plan accordingly.
Specific Deodorants and Personal Care Products
This is a frequent challenge for newcomers. While deodorant is sold in China, the selection is limited. Stick-style antiperspirants are extremely rare and expensive when found in import shops. The vast majority of local options are roll-on or spray deodorants, often with skin-whitening agents. If you have a preferred brand of antiperspirant, pack a multi-month supply. Other items in this category include sunscreen (local varieties often contain whiteners), makeup for darker skin tones, and specialized hair care products for non-Asian hair types, such as treatments for curly or very fine hair. While major international brands are available in big cities, they come with a significant markup.
Electronics and Digital Access
Bring your primary electronics like your laptop and smartphone with you. A phone purchased in China will not have Google services pre-installed, making it difficult to use Gmail, Maps, and the Play Store. The most important digital tool to prepare is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). You must install and subscribe to a reliable VPN service on all your devices before you enter the country, as the websites of most major VPN providers are blocked. Also, pack a universal power strip and a few plug adapters. China primarily uses Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (three angled pins) sockets, and the standard voltage is 220V at 50Hz.
Clothing and Footwear for Larger Sizes
While China is a global hub for manufacturing, finding larger clothing and shoe sizes in physical retail stores can be frustrating. For men, shoes above a size EU 44 (US 10.5) are scarce, and for women, finding sizes above EU 39 (US 8.5) can be a challenge. The same applies to clothing, where a Western ‘large’ might be an ‘XXL’ or larger in local sizing, and often cut differently. You can find more options online on platforms like 淘宝 (Taobao), but it's wise to pack a good supply of well-fitting basics, business attire, and especially shoes to get you started.
Ultimately, a successful packing strategy involves prioritizing items for your personal health, unique comfort needs, and digital connectivity over things that are easily replaceable.
For the long-term expats here, what’s one surprising item you found you couldn’t easily buy in China?
Quick Takeaways:
- Bring a 3-6 month supply of any prescription medicine with a doctor's note.
- Pack stick deodorant and specific skincare; they are expensive or unavailable locally.
- Install a reliable VPN on all your devices before you leave for China.
- Pack larger-sized shoes and clothes, as they are hard to find in retail stores.
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