moving to china

Moving to China Checklist for 2022 – All the Things You’ll Need

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This my updated Moving to China Checklist with all the items I would recommend you bring. If you’re relocating from the US to China, this article should have all of the details you need. This post contains affiliate links.

Note that you might still be able to find some of these items abroad after moving to China. I just feel that having these things will make your conversion into Eastern life much smoother. Here's what to bring.

How to Move There from the USA

  1. Find a job through an agency or apply to organizations online.
  2. Start studying the language - discard advice that you don't need to.
  3. Buy your plane tickets months in advance.

What do I need to do Before Moving?

  1. Save up enough money to last you for three months (six months preferably).
  2. Check your passport expiration date and visa situation.
  3. Get a health examination from a professional.
  4. Organize your insurance.
  5. Sell of all of your unnecessary things.
  6. Get out of your current resident
  7. Research your destination thoroughly.
  8. Cancel subscriptions you will no longer use.

What Should I Pack when Moving to China?

Essential Items

These are the things you should have on hand when getting ready to leave for the airport when moving:

  • Passport Copies
  • ID Cards
  • ATM/Credit Cards
  • Cash
  • Pen – Remember to bring a black pen on your flights. You will need it to fill out in the entry card, and sometimes the airport doesn't furnish writing utensils! 
  • Neck Pillow – For a long flight, these are great to have.

Necessary Items

1) Smart Phone - iPhone, Android. After you get into the country, you can buy a China Unicom SIM card for local service. Living in China, understand that using your smartphone might not be as simple as I'm describing it here. You might not be able to use your iPhone. You could run into compatibility issues, and there are other things you need to account for. So be careful, and do your research before you move.


2) Waterproof Phone Case - This is a good thing to have when you have expensive electronics. If you're like me, a phone is one of the most essential items to your life. Using one of these kinds of cases you can prevent your phone from scratches, dirt, and water damage. Depending on the region you're going to, it might rain frequently.


3) Universal Power Adapter – Don’t let this part of living in abroad catch you by surprise. China uses 220 Volt, 50 Hz AC electrical outlets. If you’re wondering which configurations this includes, this is Type I, B, and C. You can buy a universal adapter at any airport. This will come in especially useful when you need to charge your devices, be they tablets or laptops.

Universal Power Adapter

4) Subscribe to a VPN – What is a Virtual Private Network? Many websites are blocked in China. This works as a server that allows you to sidestep the Chinese firewall that keeps China's citizens from accessing foreign-hosted propagators of information such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. If you want to access these sites, you need a service. Check my guide for information on the Best VPN for China.


5) Pollution Masks or 3M Dust Masks - Might want to bring along a pack of these for when pollution levels are too high. Living in China, this is mandatory. If you can find more fashionable or comfortable solutions, bring those instead. If you’re going to an area known for dense pollution, try to find a high-quality, comfortable mask before you go.


6) Toiletries

  • Shampoo
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  • Razor – You might avoid packing shaving cream and buy it in China; in my experience, Chinese security doesn’t like shaving cream cans in luggage and might confiscate them.
  • Deodorant - You should be able to find deodorant, but there doesn’t seem to be very many different kinds of effective antiperspirant. If you have a favorite brand (like a stick antiperspirant), you might want to bring a fair amount, as it only products available in China seem to be roll-ons and sprays.
  • Floss - Personally I prefer the kind that comes in a roll as opposed to those plastic frames with a length of floss in the prongs. If you're like me, you might want to bring plenty of your own. I don't know why rolls of floss are challenging to find. It might stem from a cultural aversion to having their fingers in their mouths.
  • Travel Toilet Paper – Toilets in China aren't always stocked with toilet paper. Why? Because they worry that people will steal it and their fears are not misplaced. Sometimes people DO steal toilet paper. People in China tend to carry little packs of tissue they like to call weishengzhi (卫生纸). You can buy this cheaply at any convenience store, but because you’re going to find tissue useful in more than one situation, I recommend a bigger pack before you move.

7) Laptop or Tablet Computer - Contrary to what some may believe, China isn't exactly swimming in cheap tech, despite being the place where most of this technology is manufactured. You can get a more affordable, higher-quality computer in the West, so snag a one before you go. Don't worry about the authorities trying to scope your adult data. They don't care.


8) Antacids - Snag a few containers of chewable Tums. You’re gonna need them, and you probably won't find them anywhere.


9) Imodium or Activated Charcoal - Living in China, you will get the runs as your body adjusts to the different microbes. I guarantee it. It doesn't help that when many foreigners come to the country, they gorge themselves on too much alcohol, spicy food, and oily, greasy shit. So, do yourself a favor and bring along a few boxes of anti-diarrheal medicine. And drink plenty of water.


10) Get Your Shots - This isn't precisely "something to pack" but I still think it warrants mentioning. Before going to China, make sure you get vaccinated for possible health risks in the region you're going to go to. 

I went to a place called Passport Health where they monitor health information from around the globe and sell you vaccinations for possible illnesses depending on the region.

Take note, this service is costly. You will be thanking yourself though, once you get to China and the people who didn't pay for all their shots get deathly ill while you carry on healthy as a horse: www.passporthealth.com


11) Immunity Boosters  

  • Echinacea – This helps treat cold and flu symptoms as well as sinus infections that some people might experience when moving abroad.
  • Zinc Spray – This helps prevent colds and will also help to soothe a throat irritated by polluted air. If you get a sore throat when you come to China, this spray is recommended.
  • Probiotics – This provides your body with the good bacteria it requires to fight infection. This will keep you from getting the constant runs that most experience when they first come to China.

12) Rolling Suitcase – These come especially useful as you’ll be doing lots of walking in China. You’ll want to fund a sturdy model as they’ll be dragged behind you on uneven roads and pavement. If you can find one with four wheels, even better. Don’t cheap out on luggage.

rolling suitcase

13) Packing​​ Cubes – Shacke Pack packing cubes can be one way to keep your shit organized. You can put your socks in one, your ties in another, your shirts and pants in another. If you’ve ever been traveling and wanted a more organized way to keep your dirty clothes separated from your clean items, I recommend a set of these.

Shacke Pack packing cubes

14) Pass​​port Wallet – I love these. These keep your personal documents and cash safe and secure from a cord hanging around your neck and under your clothes. It would be tough for a pickpocket to try and lift one of these things off of you. You might also want to invest in a model with RFID blocking.

passport wallet

17) Mosquito Repelling Wristbands – You can use these during the summer when the mosquitos come out full force. Dengue Fever and Malaria still outbreaks in specific regions. Using these wristbands in tandem with mosquito repelling spray is one way to make sure you won't get bit.

Mosquito Repellent

18) Travel BackpackIf you're going to do any hiking, you're going to want one of these kinds of backpacks. They allow for different modes of travel and terrain.

Travel Backpack

19) Daypack - I recommend one of these for bringing your laptop and other electronics when moving to China. Make sure that your backpack is sturdy and durable. Some of the features you'll want are padded shoulder straps, a computer sleeve, and pockets for water bottles.


20) Bring a Wardrobe - Clothes aren't much less expensive in China, and I have found the quality to typically be lacking; pants and jackets fall apart after only a few months. Also, if you're tall, good luck finding items in your size.

To help you think about what kind of clothes you might need to be included, here is a list of what I believe makes up a complete wardrobe with the essential items you’ll need to live comfortably.


21) Travel Insurance – I recommend getting a policy to cover loss or damage to personal possessions. You would go driving in the West without an insurance policy, I recommend not doing the same in China.

travel insurance for china

Men’s Wardrobe Checklist - What to Bring to China

China has an exceptionally varied climate and terrains, so depending on where you’re going, you’ll want to prepare accordingly. The north experiences relatively extreme seasons, hot and humid in the summer, cold and dry in the winter.

In South China, summers are unbelievably humid while winters can be frigid. Inland China, areas such as Xinjiang or Tibet, due to their elevation and mountainous landscape, have much lower temperatures during the year.

Because of the incredibly diverse climates, from alpine to tropical, I recommend you pack a variety of clothes. For example, you wouldn't want to go to the Harbin Ice Festival wearing a pair of flip-flops. First, I’ll provide a well-rounded list of items you should bring, then I’ll describe how to make adjustments depending on which region you’re going to. You need:

  • Suit of some kind: Trust me, you’ll want to bring one. You might get approached to be on television or get invited to a banquet with Chinese government officials. I’m not joking.
  • Peacoat or Trenchcoat: Something you can wear over your suit.
  • A few pairs of jeans
  • A windbreaker
  • A couple pairs of slacks or dress pants
  • Track pants
  • Belts
  • A few ties
  • Hoodie Wife beaters or White T’s
  • Sweatshirt Thermal Underwear - a couple pairs of tops and bottoms
  • A few button-down shirts
  • T-shirt
  • Sweater
  • White collared shirt
  • Socks
  • Boxers or Underwear

Shoes for China

You’re definitely going to want a comfortable pair of sneakers, as you’re likely to do much more walking than you’re using to in China.

  • A durable pair of scandals for extremely humid days
  • Comfortable Sneakers
  • Waterproof boots
  • Dress shoes to match your suit

China Packing List: Winter

North

Thanks to central heating, your time in Northern China won’t be too terrible. Still, if you’re wondering what to wear in Beijing during the winter, you’ll want to pack the following items.

  • Three Long sleeve shirts
  • Two to Three Sweaters
  • Two to Three Pairs of Long Underwear
  • Wool blend socks
  • Boots
  • Thick winter coat
  • Thick Hat, gloves, and scarf

South

While you’re not likely to experience snow while living in Southern China, winters can still be pretty cold.

  • Add another long sleeve shirt
  • Add another sweater
  • Light hat, gloves, and scarf

West

  • Remove all summer clothing from your wardrobe.
  • Snow boots with treads that don’t slip
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Synthetic blend jacket with a hood
  • Add more sweaters
  • Waterproof pants
  • Hat, gloves, and scarf

China Packing List: Spring

Get ready for the rain. Here’s a list of what to wear in China through May into Summer.

North 

  • Bring a face mask for sure. Aside from general pollution, you may also experience dust storms.
  • Add an extra pair of long underwear.
  • Light hat, gloves, and scarf

South

The things you should pack isn’t much different than what you’ll need for Northern China during the Spring.

West

Because of the high altitude, you’re still going to want good sunglasses. Springs tend to be dry in Western China.

  • Bring a light jacket or sweater
  • Bring a hat, scarf, and gloves
  • Sandals
  • And don't forget UV-protective sunglasses

Packing List: Summer

Get ready to be uncomfortable. Summertime in China is hot and sticky, and you're going to sweat a lot.

North

  • Add some shorts to your wardrobe
  • Bring more short sleeve shirts
  • You might want to take an umbrella

South

  • Make sure you have sandals or another kind of waterproof shoes
  • Just like previously mentioned, you’ll need shorts
  • Short sleeve shirts
  • An umbrella

West

  • Bring some shades with UV protection
  • Add an extra pair of shorts
  • You don’t need long sleeves at this time

Packing List: Fall

North

  • You’ll want some wool socks
  • A windbreaker will come in handy
  • Add a sweater

South

  • You’re going to want a warm jacket to wear
  • A pair of wool socks
  • Forget the sandals

Western

  • Thick coat
  • Thick boots
  • Winter hat, scarf, and gloves
  • Sunglasses

clothes for china

How to Dress

In China, casual clothing will generally be acceptable. If you have tattoos, you might want to cover them to be polite as they are still relatively unusual. But it depends on how well you want to fit in.

What kind of clothes you select will mostly weigh on the occasion. For example, if you're going to be teaching, blue jeans are considered inappropriate for a teacher. So you'll want some slacks or a more formal appearance depending on the impression you want to give the people that look at you.

Colors Not to Wear

Green. A green hat means “being cuckolded” in China. So don’t wear one unless you want people to think you agree with people sleeping with your wife.


What Not to take on Travel

  • Don't bring politically sensitive items like maps. If it does not show Taiwan as the property of China, then it is illegal.
  • Don’t bring too many clothes. Only take the things you need as you will be able to buy additional clothes in the country.
  • Don’t bring lots of cash. This will be unnecessary as you can pay for everything in China with software on your smartphone, granted you have a Chinese bank account.

moving to china - china travel scenery

FAQs

1) What’s the best time of year to visit?

It depends on what kind of climate you prefer and what types of occasions you want to see. For example, the Ice Festival in Harbin takes place in January.

2) How safe is it to travel?

Pretty safe in comparison to a Western country, very little street crime or violence. You still want to have your wits about you, or you will get robbed.

3) Do I need a visa to visit?

Yes.

4) How prevalent is English?

Not very prevalent. Most people know a few words but will be far from conversational.

5) Is the tap water safe to drink?

No, don’t do drink it. Go for bottled water instead.


And there you have it! Is there anything else you think I should've included in this list, but didn't? Please leave a comment below.