Whether you are visiting China for work, studies, or just booked a homestay in China, Beijing for a long vacation; it helps to know what is available so that you can pack accordingly. Under-packing can be terribly uncomfortable, and over-packing can be quite a burden. As you pack your suitcase or bag for your visit, here are the things you should pack or know before taking your flight.
I have tried to ovoid the obvious and shared the most essential things that people tend to overlook when they visit China. Carefully read throughout my suggestions as you pack and prepare to make sure you don’t omit anything important.
1. Unlock your Cellphone
If you have a smartphone that has outlived its warranty, find out how you can unlock it so that you can use it while in China. Once you arrive, all you need to buy is a cheap SIM card, top up some credit and you can start communicating instantly. Major carriers include China Unicom, China Mobile and China Telecom.
2. Extra debit cards
The most important thing to note when it comes to debit cards and banking is that you should never tie yourself to one debit card or bank. Open up an extra account with a different bank, throw in the minimum balance and slide it in your suitcase just in case. Just be sure these cards are usable in china
3. Don’t forget to inform your bank
Make sure that your bank is aware that you are going to be using your card in China. As a security measure, most banks cancel or suspend debit cards when owners attempt to use them outside their country of registration. You do not want this to happen in the middle of your flight.
4. Carry your visa
You will need to have a Visa that reflects your mission of the visit. For home stay, you will only need a travelers or tourists Visa; however, if you are visiting for studies or work, you will need a student’s and working visa respectively.
5. Other important documents
Remember to double check that you have pack all your important documents including the passport, administration letter, letter of appointment, related health certificates, ID, reference letter with stamp and signature and map where applicable. As a precaution, make digital copies of all the documents and email them to yourself or store in a cloud.
6. Clothing
Carry appropriate clothing depending on the weather at the time of your visit. Summer in China can be quite hot and dry, while winter, as you would expect, is often cold with showers here and there. Washing machines are all over in China, however, driers are scarce. So if you can, carry plenty of quick-dry shirts and briefs.
7. Exchanging currency
Even though you have debits cards that can be used in hundreds of ATM’s across the country, it’s always advised to carry some cash as a precautionary measure should your cards fail. Something like $500 will do. However, you will need to change this into the Chinese Yuan, also known as RMB. It’s generally cheaper to exchange your foreign money while in China than in another country. You can easily do this in any local bank, even much cheaper if your bank has a presence in China.
8. Carry some gifts
Bring a small gift from your home country to your facilitator or host family. Anything unique to your country such as a branded bottle of wine, custom fashion item or football can make a great impression.
9. Medications
Remember to carry all the medications you are currently using and some extra for emergency use. Include Aspirin, anti-inflammatory, vitamins, anti-histamines, anti-diarrhea and antacid. However, do not carry so much as you may encounter problems with the Chinese Customs. If you need any medicine that you don’t have, do not worry, Robin Homestay coordinator will help you get them, and if you need any doctor suggestions they will also take you to local hospital
10. Don’t forget your medical records
Take along all your medical records and history in your first-aid kit including Blood Group, Allergies, known medical conditions, prescriptions and medical certificates. These can be very helpful when you are incapacitated.
11. Do not carry any spray, just in case the customs requires you to take it out.
12. Personal space: China is a very crowded place, and locals are accustomed to a much smaller personal space that you will typically get in the west. So do not be surprised if you get shoved or jostled when on the street or queues –it’s just part of the culture.
13. Expect delays: Be prepared to wait a little more than expected when flying from a Chinese airport. Same thing happens with inland public transport system.
14. Get a VPN for China: China has a firewall that blocks sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and You Tube. If you need to access these sites during your homestay in China, purchase a VPN.
15. When showering, do not get the shower water in your mouth, this may cause stomachache issues. In China tap water usually is not drinkable.
16. Entertainment: You will miss your music big time, unless you understand Chinese. So don’t forget to load your favorites in your MP3, smartphone or laptop
17. In most of the major cities like Beijing, Harbin, Shanghai, people prefer to pay everything though their smartphones by using Alipay, WeChat pay etc. You just need to download the app and then connect it with your bank card. With those apps you will be able to get by in Beijing without a wallet.
