If my last post on Chinese toilets hasn't put the country on your black list or alternatively, you're more excited than ever to try your hand at exploring China, then good for you, you little adventurer you! Now that your mind's made up, I'm here to tell you what you're going to need to navigate China with the least amount of frustration possible.
I know I might sound like I'm making China out to be some sort of forest or mountain with rough terrain and exotic animals, but truthfully, its cities are very similar to any you might find in the west. There's concrete, buildings, people, and house pets (with the occasional monkey on a leash). But let's face it, most of us Americans are used to living a very comfortable life. We like our AC/heat, over stuffed furniture, overly clean surfaces, our own car etc. etc. etc. In China, however, you're not likely to have constant access to or money for those things. And honestly, I like it that way...now. It took time for me to get used to walking to get (every)where I needed to go, or not having a bed that I could bounce on before I realized that those things were really just conveniences, not necessities.
So unless you plan on bringing all your own furniture, buying your own car/taking a taxi everywhere, bringing Lysol wipes and your AC, then get ready for some change. But here are few things to make you feel a little more at home and will actually fit in your suitcase or can be easily procured in China:
I know I might sound like I'm making China out to be some sort of forest or mountain with rough terrain and exotic animals, but truthfully, its cities are very similar to any you might find in the west. There's concrete, buildings, people, and house pets (with the occasional monkey on a leash). But let's face it, most of us Americans are used to living a very comfortable life. We like our AC/heat, over stuffed furniture, overly clean surfaces, our own car etc. etc. etc. In China, however, you're not likely to have constant access to or money for those things. And honestly, I like it that way...now. It took time for me to get used to walking to get (every)where I needed to go, or not having a bed that I could bounce on before I realized that those things were really just conveniences, not necessities.
So unless you plan on bringing all your own furniture, buying your own car/taking a taxi everywhere, bringing Lysol wipes and your AC, then get ready for some change. But here are few things to make you feel a little more at home and will actually fit in your suitcase or can be easily procured in China:
Here's my China Survival Kit "short" list.
These are things I take out with me every time I leave the house.
1. Phone/Chinese SIM card - Most of us have no issues remembering to bring this handy little device and when you travel here, it should be no exception. Unless you're with a very generous phone company back home, you will need to purchase a SIM card for your world phone in order to keep using it without racking up a phone bill the likes of which could compared to that of A Nightmare on Elm Street. You'll also need to make sure your phone is unlocked and able to accept other phone carrier's SIM cards. Check with your carrier to be sure. SIM cards can literally be bought anywhere here. The supermarket, a cigarette shop, the guy on the side of the street with a little wooden table, or an actual phone company.
2. Passport - The police can ask for an ID at any time. Despite the small chances of this happening, the time where it does and you don't have it could mean a monetary fine. You'll need it for random other things anyway, such as buying that SIM card.
3. Bottled Water- China's water is also heavily polluted. Do not drink it out of a tap without boiling it. Perhaps because of this or maybe it's just a cultural reason, they don't have water fountains so stock up on the bottles or a reusable container.
4. Hand sanitizer- As mentioned in my previous post, it can be hard to find a bathroom with adequately stocked soap, so sanitizer is the next best thing. You may have to buy it several times if you plan to fly around China or Asia though. I made it from America to China with my less than 3 oz bottle but I nearly missed my flight to another city because of it. Anti-sanitation much, China?
5. A mini notebook - During my first time living here, I was constantly writing down thoughts and places I wanted to go. It's also handy for writing addresses of where I lived and needed to go on a regular basis as well as important phrases in both pinyin so I could read it, as well as with characters (written by a local friend) so a taxi driver could read it.
6. Mask - Ok actually it depends on the AQI (Air Quality Index) for the day. Believe or not, China does have sunny days with blue skies. The government has been actively combating the air pollution and I feel like it has gotten a little better than when I was here last, but until it has completely ceased to exist as a problem, I will keep watch on the handy app listed below.
7. Cash - More and more places are accepting debit and credit cards but many places still accept cash only. Keep it handy and in a secure spot.
8. Subway Card - Seeing as it is my preferred mode of transportation for it's speed and cleanliness, this is a must have. It also works for paying for a bus or taxi fare.
9. Portable phone charger - Unless you plan on sitting at a coffee shop and sitting at one of the few tables that has an outlet, you're going to need it. Taking a million pictures and videos uses a lot of battery.
10. Tissues - Another throwback to my previous post about how useful these little guys are; Invaluable I tell you. Napkins, tissues, and toilet paper. Need I say more?
Depending on where in China you go, you may need to alter this list. Most cities do not have a subway, for instance, so you wouldn't need the subway card.
These are things I take out with me every time I leave the house.
1. Phone/Chinese SIM card - Most of us have no issues remembering to bring this handy little device and when you travel here, it should be no exception. Unless you're with a very generous phone company back home, you will need to purchase a SIM card for your world phone in order to keep using it without racking up a phone bill the likes of which could compared to that of A Nightmare on Elm Street. You'll also need to make sure your phone is unlocked and able to accept other phone carrier's SIM cards. Check with your carrier to be sure. SIM cards can literally be bought anywhere here. The supermarket, a cigarette shop, the guy on the side of the street with a little wooden table, or an actual phone company.
2. Passport - The police can ask for an ID at any time. Despite the small chances of this happening, the time where it does and you don't have it could mean a monetary fine. You'll need it for random other things anyway, such as buying that SIM card.
3. Bottled Water- China's water is also heavily polluted. Do not drink it out of a tap without boiling it. Perhaps because of this or maybe it's just a cultural reason, they don't have water fountains so stock up on the bottles or a reusable container.
4. Hand sanitizer- As mentioned in my previous post, it can be hard to find a bathroom with adequately stocked soap, so sanitizer is the next best thing. You may have to buy it several times if you plan to fly around China or Asia though. I made it from America to China with my less than 3 oz bottle but I nearly missed my flight to another city because of it. Anti-sanitation much, China?
5. A mini notebook - During my first time living here, I was constantly writing down thoughts and places I wanted to go. It's also handy for writing addresses of where I lived and needed to go on a regular basis as well as important phrases in both pinyin so I could read it, as well as with characters (written by a local friend) so a taxi driver could read it.
6. Mask - Ok actually it depends on the AQI (Air Quality Index) for the day. Believe or not, China does have sunny days with blue skies. The government has been actively combating the air pollution and I feel like it has gotten a little better than when I was here last, but until it has completely ceased to exist as a problem, I will keep watch on the handy app listed below.
7. Cash - More and more places are accepting debit and credit cards but many places still accept cash only. Keep it handy and in a secure spot.
8. Subway Card - Seeing as it is my preferred mode of transportation for it's speed and cleanliness, this is a must have. It also works for paying for a bus or taxi fare.
9. Portable phone charger - Unless you plan on sitting at a coffee shop and sitting at one of the few tables that has an outlet, you're going to need it. Taking a million pictures and videos uses a lot of battery.
10. Tissues - Another throwback to my previous post about how useful these little guys are; Invaluable I tell you. Napkins, tissues, and toilet paper. Need I say more?
Depending on where in China you go, you may need to alter this list. Most cities do not have a subway, for instance, so you wouldn't need the subway card.
Things That Can't Be Easily Acquired
While the above things can be found in China, the following cannot; at least not easily.
VPN - A Virtual Private Network allows for access to Facebook, Twitter and the multitude of other websites blocked that Americans thrive on (including the reason why I'm able to write this post.) I have personally used VyperVPN and ExpressVPN (current) and both have worked well. I also use Onavo Protect for my phone (more info below).
Adapter for Electronics - China runs on 220V while America runs on 110-130V so the adapter will allow your American electronics to charge safely and effectively. Also, if you have any charger that's 3 pronged, it won't fit into the Chinese sockets. Using an adapter will let your 3 pronged items charge with in a two pronged socket.
First Aid Cream - I'm not sure why I haven't even run into a Chinese version of this.
Rubbing Alcohol - Their alternative is a brown, foul smelling, concentrated liquid, called Dettol, that has to be diluted with water.
Women's Razors/Shaving Cream - Chinese women do not have much, if any, hair nor do they find it necessary to judge others on what they do have. So unless you don't want to shave or don't mind using a black or blue men's razor, go ahead and pack that sparkly pink one.
Tampons - China's women prefer pads and you will find a whole wall of different brands and sizes, most of them a lot thinner, and even some a lot longer, than what you usually find in America.
String dental floss - I have no idea what they have against string, but the plastic toothpick-esque ones with the inch of string on one side and the pick on the other is found everywhere.
Sunscreen - They have started selling more of this stuff since I moved here, but I remember it being scarce on my first visit in 2011. It could be because they preferred to use umbrellas to protect themselves instead. Now that they've discovered sunscreen, you're next problem is to figure out which one isn't designed to make your skin whiter. In this country, the paler, the better. (Yay for me!)
Face Mask (cream/mud) - At most of the common places to buy local/commonly imported products (such as Watson's or Carrefour), you can only find thin paper masks that are very popular in Asia. So unless you're ok with trying a more expensive imported cream mask from another country, bring your own. (Brands include South Korean Innisfree and Skin Food, or Germany's Stenders)
Most Medications: Ibuprofen/Aleve/Imodium/Mucinex. Tylenol and the doctor prescribed Z-pack are some of the few exceptions found but you're still going to have to go to a pharmacy or doctor and know the Chinese name for it, so best bring your own.
Most of all, bring a Sense of Humor/Open Mind - You're not in the Western Hemisphere anymore, but I've seen a lot of foreigners get mad at the natives for not acting more "civilized" or "courteous". You have to remember though that this isn't your country and their definitions of these terms are different than yours in some ways. This country definitely isn't for everyone and if it isn't for you, it's best to shrug it off as a cultural difference and move on. The world's diversity is what makes traveling so much fun. It can give you new thoughts and experiences the likes of staying in your own country never could. It's amazing how open we feel we are in America with all our freedoms and diverse cultures, but traveling outside you realize just how much of a bubble we really live in.
While the above things can be found in China, the following cannot; at least not easily.
VPN - A Virtual Private Network allows for access to Facebook, Twitter and the multitude of other websites blocked that Americans thrive on (including the reason why I'm able to write this post.) I have personally used VyperVPN and ExpressVPN (current) and both have worked well. I also use Onavo Protect for my phone (more info below).
Adapter for Electronics - China runs on 220V while America runs on 110-130V so the adapter will allow your American electronics to charge safely and effectively. Also, if you have any charger that's 3 pronged, it won't fit into the Chinese sockets. Using an adapter will let your 3 pronged items charge with in a two pronged socket.
First Aid Cream - I'm not sure why I haven't even run into a Chinese version of this.
Rubbing Alcohol - Their alternative is a brown, foul smelling, concentrated liquid, called Dettol, that has to be diluted with water.
Women's Razors/Shaving Cream - Chinese women do not have much, if any, hair nor do they find it necessary to judge others on what they do have. So unless you don't want to shave or don't mind using a black or blue men's razor, go ahead and pack that sparkly pink one.
Tampons - China's women prefer pads and you will find a whole wall of different brands and sizes, most of them a lot thinner, and even some a lot longer, than what you usually find in America.
String dental floss - I have no idea what they have against string, but the plastic toothpick-esque ones with the inch of string on one side and the pick on the other is found everywhere.
Sunscreen - They have started selling more of this stuff since I moved here, but I remember it being scarce on my first visit in 2011. It could be because they preferred to use umbrellas to protect themselves instead. Now that they've discovered sunscreen, you're next problem is to figure out which one isn't designed to make your skin whiter. In this country, the paler, the better. (Yay for me!)
Face Mask (cream/mud) - At most of the common places to buy local/commonly imported products (such as Watson's or Carrefour), you can only find thin paper masks that are very popular in Asia. So unless you're ok with trying a more expensive imported cream mask from another country, bring your own. (Brands include South Korean Innisfree and Skin Food, or Germany's Stenders)
Most Medications: Ibuprofen/Aleve/Imodium/Mucinex. Tylenol and the doctor prescribed Z-pack are some of the few exceptions found but you're still going to have to go to a pharmacy or doctor and know the Chinese name for it, so best bring your own.
Most of all, bring a Sense of Humor/Open Mind - You're not in the Western Hemisphere anymore, but I've seen a lot of foreigners get mad at the natives for not acting more "civilized" or "courteous". You have to remember though that this isn't your country and their definitions of these terms are different than yours in some ways. This country definitely isn't for everyone and if it isn't for you, it's best to shrug it off as a cultural difference and move on. The world's diversity is what makes traveling so much fun. It can give you new thoughts and experiences the likes of staying in your own country never could. It's amazing how open we feel we are in America with all our freedoms and diverse cultures, but traveling outside you realize just how much of a bubble we really live in.
Handy Apps:
I love a good book, but let's face it, if I can find a way to quicken my airport security stay and lighten my luggage, I'm going to do it. So instead of carrying a book full of helpful phrases and bus/subway/city maps, try out these handy apps for your phone and then all you'll have to worry about is keeping it charged long enough to figure out how to ask for a bathroom.
1. Onavo Protect - A great VPN for Apple products. Free
2. Language Learning Software/News - Amanda gives you some of the latest news that's trending around the country. You can read it in all English or Mandarin. You can even click on individual words or phrases to turn them from English to Mandarin to help you learn. Also speaks the words to you. Free.
3. A Translator - I really like Pleco. It has English and pinyin/character input and will even speak the words to you. Free
4. Shanghai Metro - A great map of the subway system in Shanghai. Free
Air Quality China - Shows the air quality for many cities. I also like the app, 5. Shanghai Air. Free
Shanghai Stops - If you prefer to figure out the bus system, you may find this app useful. I still have yet to make complete sense of it or the buses of Shanghai. I have also not tried any of other bus apps. Small fee
WeChat - The #1 social media app in China. This functions a lot like MSN messenger used to. You have your contact conversations as your main function but you can also post news, music and pictures for all of your contacts to see. It's great for anyone who plans to make and stay in touch with friends in China. Free
Kindle/Solitare/Other Entertianment - My Kindle app is one of my best friends when traveling because China is filled with excess time to yourself. The bus to work, the subway ride to a historic part of China or in a taxi stuck in traffic, you'll need something to quicken the endless downtime. I also like to think up blog topics that will gross people out and keep them from coming to visit me. It seems to have worked, except that all of you keep reading for some reason. Free or small fee
I love a good book, but let's face it, if I can find a way to quicken my airport security stay and lighten my luggage, I'm going to do it. So instead of carrying a book full of helpful phrases and bus/subway/city maps, try out these handy apps for your phone and then all you'll have to worry about is keeping it charged long enough to figure out how to ask for a bathroom.
1. Onavo Protect - A great VPN for Apple products. Free
2. Language Learning Software/News - Amanda gives you some of the latest news that's trending around the country. You can read it in all English or Mandarin. You can even click on individual words or phrases to turn them from English to Mandarin to help you learn. Also speaks the words to you. Free.
3. A Translator - I really like Pleco. It has English and pinyin/character input and will even speak the words to you. Free
4. Shanghai Metro - A great map of the subway system in Shanghai. Free
Air Quality China - Shows the air quality for many cities. I also like the app, 5. Shanghai Air. Free
Shanghai Stops - If you prefer to figure out the bus system, you may find this app useful. I still have yet to make complete sense of it or the buses of Shanghai. I have also not tried any of other bus apps. Small fee
WeChat - The #1 social media app in China. This functions a lot like MSN messenger used to. You have your contact conversations as your main function but you can also post news, music and pictures for all of your contacts to see. It's great for anyone who plans to make and stay in touch with friends in China. Free
Kindle/Solitare/Other Entertianment - My Kindle app is one of my best friends when traveling because China is filled with excess time to yourself. The bus to work, the subway ride to a historic part of China or in a taxi stuck in traffic, you'll need something to quicken the endless downtime. I also like to think up blog topics that will gross people out and keep them from coming to visit me. It seems to have worked, except that all of you keep reading for some reason. Free or small fee