What to pack: The Essentials

​Travelling is something you always need to think twice about – have you packed everything you need? Have you forgotten anything? Is there something you never knew you needed? We’ll go over the essentials together to make sure you’re prepared when the big day arrives: here is what you need.

1. Skeleton 
The skeleton is all your basic needs – especially your medicines. Remember to pack according to the duration of your contract, be it 6 months or a year. Your skeleton packing needs would also include clothes, shoes, documents, passport, money and valuables.

2. Beauty
China has wonderful e-commerce platforms that deliver to every corner of China. The amount of things you can find on these sites rivals even Amazon and Ebay. But inevitably, there will be some goods and beauty products that you simply won’t be able to get your hands on. Do your research. If you are loyal to one brand, consider buying it in bulk to last. If not, do your research!

3. Guide
You will be moving to China to become a working part of society, not just a tourist passing through. However, it is in many cases a new experience for our candidates. You will spend the first week, after getting over the jetlag, rushing to visit all the noteworthy sites and monuments. Consider investing in a handheld guide. Not only would this save your battery for emergencies, printed guides tend to be more accurate and often hold nifty tips and notes to help you on your way.

4. Plug adaptor
Don’t spend the first few hours after you land without a way to charge your device! Plan ahead and purchase a universal adaptor to allow you to plug in the second you land.  You’ll most likely find yourself in transit and waiting for long stretches of time and your devices would eventually drain out of battery.

5. SIM card
We are aware that most people would not be able to get hold of a Chinese SIM card in their home countries, but a quick search online would usually yield results. SIM cards tend to sell at an extortionate rate in airports, as most things do, and if you want to avoid this cost, come prepared with your own SIM card.

6. Phrasebook
Not everyone might need a phrasebook, depending on your Mandarin skill, but one would not go amiss. Once again, this comes in useful when technology lets you down (as it tends to do) and you need to explain yourself – whether its to a taxi driver or the corner shop staff. Find yourself unable to pronounce the phrase you need? In most cases there will be a Chinese version of the phrase that you can show whomever you’re interacting with.
 
7. Converted Cash
Covert your cash beforehand. Not only will the rates be cheaper than those you find at the airport, but you would be avoiding the queues at the money conversion counters. Save yourself time and money and convert the cash you will need weeks before you travel!
We recommend you convert upwards of 5000 Yuan – to cover your needs and act as emergency cash.

8. Sun protection
Depending on when you’re flying in, be diligent! China is prone to very hot weather and many parts of the country are exposed to very harsh sun rays. Many parts of the country also experience prolonged summers. Do your research! Find out what the average temperature and weather exposure if for your town and city and prepare accordingly.

9. Insect repellent
We also highly recommend this when you are travelling here during the summer. Like any other place on earth, hot weathers also attract insects of the unsavoury kind. To avoid nasty bites and bruises, consider buying a strong insect repellent you can apply on your skin to keep you shielded while you’re out and about.

10. Power bank
You will most likely not find electricity sockets everywhere you go. A power bank allows you to charge on the go and not to have to constantly worry about your battery knowing you have a couple full-charges on hand. Don’t let being out and about stop you from getting the most of your device. And don’t let your device’s battery dictate how long you spend out and about. 

Can you think of other? Comment and let us know!