Moving to China

What can I take with me?

Deciding what to take will, of course, depend on how long you will be in China and what sort of a shipping budget you are working with.

To get you started in your selection process, there are three broad categories that will help you decide what to pack: availability, an initial supply of necessities, and personal items. For everything else, try to leave it behind.

Most expats find their Chinese homes much smaller than their western homes, with very limited storage. Unless you are relocating with a long-term position in a corporation that provides a significant shipping budget, it's just not worth the cost and effort to bring too much.

There are a few things you will need to use immediately before you've had time to find where you can buy them. Items that you may find embarrassing to shop for (i.e. feminine hygiene products, condoms) are better brought with you in the beginning to help minimize the stress of the transition.

If you are moving with a small child, think through what you will need for the first month and be sure to bring enough diapers, wipes, rash ointment, formula, and anything else you normally keep in the diaper bag. While many popular brands of hygiene items, such as shampoos and soaps, are readily available, you may want to bring a small supply of your favourite brands until you can determine where to buy them in China.

All information on this website is given for guidance only, and although we believe it to be correct at the time of writing, we do not accept any liability for errors, omissions, inaccuracies or misinterpretation. All charges, regulations and procedures are liable to change without notice.

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