Packing list for China
From Peace Corps Wiki
| Packing List for China | ||
 | These lists has been compiled by Volunteers serving in China based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! |  See also: For information see Welcomebooks |
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in China and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight restriction on baggage. And remember, you can get many things you need in China.
Contents |
[edit] General Clothing
- Variety of socks (SmartWool, athletic, dress)
- Plenty of good-quality underwear and bras
- Two or three pairs of khakis and two/three pairs of comfortable pants for leisure and travel (with belts)
- Three to four business casual shirts (men should be clean shaven and wear collars and women should be modest showing no cleavage)
- One dressy outfit (a sports coat and a tie for men, a dress/skirt for women)
- A good raincoat (a light raincoat, since it rains more in the summer, but some PCVs prefer to use Chinese umbrellas)
- Two pairs of long underwear ( two different weights)
- Winter coat, gloves, hat, and scarf (all can be bought/made in-country, but not at all sites)
- Two to three heavy sweaters
- Two or three long-sleeved shirts for layering
- Shorts for sports/leisure
- Two to four casual shirts for travel/leisure (spandex is great since your clothes will stretch out)
- One or two easy-care skirts (not too short, at least knee-length)
- One or two short-sleeved or sleeveless dresses (no spaghetti straps) for summer
- One or two (no spaghetti straps) tank tops for summer
- Modest bathing suit
[edit] Shoes
Notes: Shoes are available in China, but only in smaller sizes (up to size 8 for women and up to size 9 for men). In addition, having at least one pair of waterproof shoes is a necessity for rain.
- One pair of sneakers (brand names are available locally, but American prices)
- One pair of dress shoes (sturdy, comfortable, warm for winter)
- One pair of sturdy sandals (leather is recommended) to wear in the warm season
- One pair of "casual" shoes
[edit] Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
- Deodorant (spray and aerosol can be found, but stick/gel is difficult)
- A three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take (to have while the medical office orders your medication)
- Contact lens solutions (available locally; note that the Peace Corps does not recommend wearing contact lenses, but most Volunteers who choose to have been able to wear them. You should still bring two pairs of glasses)
- Any makeup, facial soaps, or lotions you use (most local products have whitening bleach in them)
- Tampons (hard to find in-country)
- Razor and replacement blades
[edit] Kitchen
Most cooking supplies are available in-country, including eating and cooking utensils.
- A French press and coffee grounds (can be bought in Chengdu and at other sites)
- Measuring cups (If you love to bake and want to buy a toaster oven in Chengdu-or maybe a former Volunteer left you one- you might need some supplies!)
[edit] Technology
Note: Most technology is not absolutely necessary, but useful luxury items.
- Laptop
- External hard drive
- iPod or mp3 player (iPod Touch apps can be useful translators)
- e-Reader
- Contact information for former employers, references, schools, election office (to request an absentee ballot), bank
- ATM card tied to account
- Credit card
- Electronic copies of resume, your diploma and teaching certificates, and documents from home (if you are considering a future move such as graduate school, etc. It will make your life much easier if you bring certain documents or copies from home [e.g., GRE scores, an unofficial transcript]; if you own a house and are renting, bring a copy of your lease, and if you may sell your house, pack a copy of deed information)
- Power of attorney
[edit] Miscellaneous
- Locks for travel
- Money belt or neck pouch
- Sleeping bag that packs small for travel/warmth in winter
- Swiss army knife or Leatherman tool
- Watch (durable, water-resistant)
- Camera; batteries are available locally but may be difficult to find
- Small gifts such as stickers, stamps, coins, maps, key chains, etc.
- Duct tape
- Musical instruments if you play (also available locally at fairly reasonable prices)
- Stain sticks for laundry (clothes will get filthy so bring a few)
- Earplugs (useful for overnight travel)
- Cards and games (Scrabble, Catchphrase, etc.)
- Frisbee
- Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to China
- Pictures or slides of your family, hometown, and "typical" America (supermarkets, schools, street scenes, historical sites, weddings and other celebrations)
- World atlas and maps of the world, United States, your state, etc.
- Calendar and/or planner (hard to find in-country)
Note: Books are really heavy to pack. The Peace Corps Information and Resource Center (IRC) is a great resource, in addition to the Book Aid International program. Many reference materials are also available online. It may be more effective to bring a flash disk with your favorite handouts and lessons, and to print those things in-country. Family and friends can also send books from home if needed.
You may consider having some things, like heavy and bulky winter clothing, sent to you after you have arrived at your site, or you may consider bringing funds to purchase clothing (depending on your size). The key is to bring what you love and don’t bring too much!