Luggage Tips

In addition to essential gear like comfortable shoes, clothing, and sunglasses, there are a few important items you should prepare in advance for your trip to China.

1. Toiletries:

You can skip bringing toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, and shampoo. These items are standard in Chinese hotels and guesthouses. If your room doesn't have them, you can request them for free at the hotel front desk. Unless you have specific preferences, there's no need to pack these items.

2. Power Bank:

In China, your phone will be essential for payments, navigation, and communication. A full day of travel can significantly drain your phone's battery, so a power bank with a capacity of at least 5000mAh is highly recommended. If power banks are expensive in your country, you can purchase one in China for around 100 RMB.

Recommended brands include: Xiaomi, Huawei, UGREEN, ROMOSS, Yoobao, Baseus, Aigo, and Pisen.

3. Selfie Stick & Tripod:

These can greatly expand your photo-taking options and help you capture many wonderful moments. However, be aware that in some important tourist spots, especially in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, Military Museum, and National Museum, selfie sticks and tripods may need to be checked in. If you plan to visit these places, it's best to check the regulations in advance and decide whether to bring them.

4. Disposable Underwear & Socks:

Unlike in Europe and the US, many hotels in China do not have convenient laundry rooms and dryers. Air-drying can be challenging, especially in the short term. This is particularly problematic in southern China during the winter when "rainy season" weather can make drying clothes difficult. Therefore, disposable underwear and socks are very practical. You can search for "一次性内裤" (disposable underwear) on Meituan (a food and general merchandise delivery app) for many quick delivery options.

5. Medications:

Some foreign medications, such as antibiotics and allergy medicines, can be difficult to find in China. Bring any medications you regularly use, but ensure they are for personal use and in reasonable quantities. Keep them in their original packaging with the instructions.

6. Travel Adapter:

China's power plug and voltage standards are:

Voltage: 220V, 50Hz (same as Europe and Australia, but different from the 110V used in the US, Canada, and Japan)

Plug Types: Mainly uses Type A (two flat pins), Type I (three flat pins), and Type C (two round pins). European Type C plugs can usually be used directly, but American and British plugs will need an adapter.

Recommendation: Travelers from the US, UK, Japan, and other countries should bring a universal travel adapter that supports 220V to avoid damaging your devices.

7. Pocket Tissues & Hand Sanitizer:

Most public restrooms in China do not provide toilet paper (see the "Cultural Differences & Daily Etiquette" chapter), so please carry a small pack of tissues with you. It is also recommended to bring hand sanitizer, as restaurant washbasins sometimes do not have soap.

8. Collapsible Water Bottle or Bottled Water Budget:

Tap water in China is not directly drinkable. Even in big cities, it is advisable to buy bottled water (mineral or purified water, about 2-5 RMB per bottle). Hotels usually provide electric kettles for boiling tap water. If you are sensitive to water quality, you can bring your own collapsible water bottle.