Job Discussion Forums

[miss-l]

Hi!
I am coming to China in a couple of weeks and I was looking for some help on good things to bring with me. I have read through old posts and from what I can gather deoderant is a must! Anything else?
Thanks!

[xiaoyu]

depending on your complexion you might want to bring extra lipstick and foundation..... it is difficutl to find any that matches foreign complexions.....

[earth_dog]

Any personal care/beauty product you can't do without. If you can find it close to where you are, it will be very expensive. I've also found that a pocket tool with screwdrivers, plier, snips all in one to be very handy for mini-repairs. I bought a "Leatherman" before I came and have put it to good use since. Or a good Swiss Army knife, very handy.

[M3tt]

I've been here about 6 years and this is what I suggest to bring. The number one thing to remember is to PACK LIGHT!!! Traveling on trains and buses in China is not always comfortable and you don't want to be hauling a lot of luggage. Believe me, if you can't find something here you don't REALLY need it.

1. Thick Socks - The socks they sell here are very thin and people wear two or three pair in the winter. You can get heavy socks here but they are a little expensive and hard to find.

2. A laptop computer - Laptops are almost a necessity unless you have a DVD player in the apartment and access is very easy from anywhere. Hardware is expensive in China but software is dirt cheap. Almost every computer will take 110 or 220 volts but check to make sure as China is 220.

3. Reading material - Magazines or favorite books are best or a CD you can read on your laptop.

4. One heavy coat - Most clothes are very cheap so don't waste a lot of space on heavy things except for one good winter jacket.

5. Sunscreen if you spend time at the beach. It's almost nonexistent in China.

6. Two GOOD pairs of walking shoes. You'll do a lot of walking.

7. For women - blue jeans or pants. The female teachers constantly complain that the Chinese body style is not the same as the western women's and pants don't fit well if you buy them here.

8. A winter hat. Yes, of course they have hats here but even as a guy I know that the styles for women are, (shudder) may I use the word "horrific"?

9. Coins. Not only useful in the classroom but everyone in China loves things foreign. Coins are easy to carry and appreciated.

10. A large heavyduty carry-all bag. Great for overnight trips and carrying odds and ends you'll pick up every day.

As for toiletries, almost everything is available here in the larger department stores or specialty shops except for very specific brands of shampoos and soaps. There are lots of western products available.

Linens and such - I would wait until you're here as it's easy to find cheap sheets and things but do bring one or two good fluffy towels.

[arioch36]

Books, definitely. It is extremely difficult to but novels in China (except Jane Eyre and Oliver twist. I will carry the books next time. Well worth it.

I'm not a girl, but I have heard the same complaints about makeup for non-Chinese women being impossible to find, extremely expensive, or questionable quality/composition. This may not be true in bigger cities.

If you are in love with your laptop, bring it. Every school I have worked at provides internet modern computer in my home

[MartinK]

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[ChinaLady]

hair dye, if you use it, and you are blond. the stores carry brown to black and a couple really wild reds. but if you are light brown to blond, bring your own L'Oreal or Nice and Easy. yes, they carry the brands but not the light shades. although my students thought I made a great red head for a couple months until I got back to the states for the light brown stuff. and dental floss.
and any favorite vitamins, natural brands you depend on.
and any RX you are on. some of the stuff is easy to find over here but some is chancey. kinda fun buying valium over-the-counter, if you are so inclined.
and in the larger cities there is usually a western clinic that can help you out for serious medications.
panty hose and trouser socks, well, i just do not have the skinny Asian legs so I bring my own.
my German friends bring their own laundry soap. they think the Chinese stuff is worthless. to each his own?
bring photo's of home and friends, a university or high school year book (they cannot believe that people smile for photo's), a really dressy Western outfit, the most drop-dead outfit you own, (fun to wear for finals week - scare them silly.) and it comes in handy for the other assorted bashes around town.
shoes, if you are over a size 7 - women, and size 11 - men.
and have wonderful friends who will send you care packages just when you know you will NEVER find what you are looking for.
best of luck!!

[gerard]

Good luck---Silly little things at home are gold here. Like postcards and take-out menus. Any "real" stuff from home like trinkets.

If there a good EFL bookstore near you get some good books as there can be a dearth of materials here. And of course personal reading.

Aspirin or Tylenol maybe OH you can't get real antiseptic mouthwash although that is sort of heavy in the luggage. Listerine I have seen in HK only. The other stuff they sell is just candy drink.

And if you are so inclined go crazy at the duty free.

[miss-l]

Hi!
Thank you so much for all the tips! I would never have thought of lots of that stuff.