What should you prepare and bring with you to China? Take a look at our China Travel Checklist for some guidance.
Arrange Well in Advance
- Passport and visa(s) or travel documents
- Foreign currency of your destination country
- Credit cards
- Travelers checks or ATM card
- Insurance cover: trip cancellation/medical/travel
- Photocopies of documentation
- Medical check, doctor's notes for medication, vaccinations
- Birth certificate (if necessary)
- Marriage license (if necessary)
- Buy any guide books and maps
Home Checklist
- Arrange for pet and plant care
- Stop routine deliveries
- Make your home seem lived-in while away by
putting lights and a radio on timers - Turn down thermostat
- Leave keys, your itinerary, and your
contact information with family or friends - Lock windows, garage, and doors
Basic Essentials
- All documents etc. arranged in advance (see top of list)
- Appropriate luggage (see specific destination information)
- Luggage locks & ID tags (Locks are needed for checked baggage when flying inside China.)
- Contact List with information of your travel advisor, tour guide, embassy, as well as your family and friends.
Clothing
- Appropriate clothing for the weather and your activities
- Comfortable footwear
- Rain gear
- Sun protection (hats, sunglasses)
Toiletries
Most of these things can be bought in China in a similar form to the West, but you may want to bring your own for your convenience/preference.
- Comb/brush
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
- Shampoo, shower gel, soap, towel, flannel
- Blow dryer
- Deodorant
- Lotions, creams
- Sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm
- Towelettes
- Shaver, shaving cream
- Nail clippers, and other personal hygiene items
Medication
- Small emergency first aid kit
- Aspirin / pain reliever
- Diarrhea medicine / laxative
- Contact lens preparations, eye drops
- Motion sickness medicine
- Allergy medicine (see Travelling with Allergies in China)
- Sleep medication
- Personal prescriptions
- Medical record (if necessary)
- Contact information of doctor or medical adviser
Electronics
- (Video) camera, with batteries and charger
- Cellphone and charger
- Laptop/tablet with power adapter
Other Suggestions
- Small flashlight
- Reading materials
- Guide books, maps, dictionary/phrasebook
- Games/music (PSP, media player)
- Ziplock plastic bags
- Insect repellent
- Snacks, water bottle, flask
- Alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer
- Umbrella
Read senior travelers, women travelers, and traveling with kids, and our how to plan your trip information for each destination, for more helpful tips.