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Post by Jollyjunklass on Apr 15, 2005 22:22:21 GMT 7
Hi,
I realize this may seem trivial to many of you, however, it is a topic of concern to me. I have no idea what to pack up, how much to pack up, or really how to go about any of this.
When you decided to go, did you just grab the good ole' knapsack and boot it? If so, what did you take in that knapsack?
How much did you leave with, what do you regret not having taken, how much should I expect to purchase when arriving?
I have heard that they expect you to dress, somewhat, professional there, did you need to purchase new clothing, did you have things shipped to you, was it expensive? You get my drift.
Any advice?
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Post by George61 on Apr 16, 2005 4:25:53 GMT 7
'Ullo Millana. Pack your favourite Teddy Bear. I forgot mine and life has never been the same. If you like reading , bring some books. Everything else is available here....in most places, anyway. naturally, you will find those types who absolutely bitch about not being able to get Tim Horton's hamburgers, or Taco Bell waffles, but ignore them. They are just ultra-fussy. We do have clothing shops here, and real, actual, Chinese copies of supermarkets, with lotsa stuff in them. If my school tells me they want to dress-up, I find a clean(sort of) T-shirt and chuck a tie on. I have presumed you are female (from the first line of your post) so your needs will be somewhat different to mine, but I reckon you will manage. I don't need to wear make-up, but I have noticed that there seems to be a plentitude here. Some of the women here bitch about having no sex-life, so you might look into alternatives and pack a couple. I arrived in China with one suitcase. I now need a truck to move everything when I change schools. Welcome aboard!
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Post by Dr. Gonzo on Apr 16, 2005 7:12:09 GMT 7
Depends on lots of things. If you're going to be in the big smoke, there's not much you can't buy, albeit at inflated prices if its imported. Clothes? Just a few basic outfits. Get the rest in China, especially bulky winter gear. Rip off jeans and sportswear are everywhere at tiny prices. Jocks and socks are best bought from home, as are pharmecuticals. The places I worked at were fine with neat casual, even down to jeans and T's. You might want to dress up occasionally, but again, buy it in China. You might want a phrase/guide book unless you're in a big city with a decent bookshop: Shanghai is the best I've seen.
Essentially, come lightly loaded. Don't bring electrics except for a laptop[if essential; you'll probably get a PC provided] and camera. You're going to take home so much stuff, clothes mainly, that you want to have lots of kg.allowance to accommodate. I've had 2 stints in China, and both times took a lot of unnecessary stuff, especially the first time, possibly under the impression that China was still in the 1800's. It is, in some respects, but the provision of consumer goods is not one of them Some favorite music is essential as well. Chinese taste in Western music sux big time.
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woza17
SuperDuperBarfly!
Posts: 2,203
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Post by woza17 on Apr 16, 2005 7:40:03 GMT 7
A really good can opener and a potato masher. If you are a stong black tea drinker like me. Bring boxes of your favourite. Lipton teabags just don't do it for me. I have to use a full box to get it up to full strength. Cheers
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Post by hankuh on Apr 16, 2005 10:39:05 GMT 7
Coffee One of those old timey metal filter pots, or a drip kind. Cigarettes Books CDs,Cassettes, Mp3, Walkman Thongs Tampons Disposable Razors Your favorite software--computer games, poo like that Don't bring a lot of winter clothes because you can get very good quality coats here. Marijuana--if you don't smoke it, bring it for me. Western Alcohol--trust me, you will need this on those bad China days. In my own little opinion, clothing should be the least of your worries, except maybe for your trousers or pants. I've bought plenty of clothes here, cheap and fairly good quality.
Bring a pooload of cold medicine, alka seltzer, amodium AD, aspirin,and pepto bismal.
All of the above is based on my past experience of being in provinces, so it could vary depending where you are, so most of the above are available in large cities like Shanghai and Beijing.
All of the above should prepare you for hell on earth.
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Post by Dr. Gonzo on Apr 16, 2005 13:20:06 GMT 7
Chinese Customs officers are pretty slack, but marijuana? that's foolish. Duty free booze, yep, but I found the department stores had most of the basics cheaper than at home. Raoul has always got tequila: a WTO initiative, I think. And who could bring in enough for one or two years? Changyu brandy and some reasonable red table wines won't break the budget and are eminently drinkable. The country's awash with cigarettes. They all stink the same to me. Tampons, yes. Local ladies use pads. Local anti poo medicine - a grey powder you mix with water - is effective. And you're sure to need it until you acclimatise.
Best to find a local teacher or student to help you stock up: thermal underwear, worcestershire sauce, parmesan, egg rings, you name it, they got it. You've just gotta FIND it!
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Post by hankuh on Apr 16, 2005 13:35:35 GMT 7
Doc, I was just joking about the weed. Anyone with a lick of common sense--which I think is in small quantities today--knows that was tongue in cheek.
Chinese cigarettes suck--though you can get western ones in Shanghai and Beijing.
Chinese liquor sucks too--though you can get western liquor in larger more cosmopolitan cities.
And where ever you go in China, you can never have enough amodium ad.
If you're residing in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, or Suzhou, western amenities can be found, but those places are a world apart from the hinterland of East Central China, where I am, no Starbucks or MacDonalds, and no fancy smancy expat hang outs either--and that really does suck.
They do have tampons here, but they DO NOT have the applicator!!!!!
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Post by George61 on Apr 16, 2005 13:47:59 GMT 7
Aspirin, etc can be got here. Cold medicine can be got here. Disposable razors can be got here, but Chinese razors are not sharp. Thongs can be got here. Chinese cigarettes are OK. Can openers and potato mashers can be got here. I've never needed poo-powder, immodium, or anything else here. Chinese wine is very drinkable. I don't drink brandy. Yangguizi, WHERE THE m'kay ARE YOU?
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Post by hankuh on Apr 16, 2005 14:01:01 GMT 7
Huaibei, Northern Anhui Province--about five hours north by train from Hefei, 10 hours by train from Shanghai, and 12 hours by train from Beijing. We do have a KFC--just built 2 years ago. So, I am willing to concede my list can be somewhat limited depending on where I am, but I will always think Chinese cigarettes and Chinese wine suck, but I smoke and drink them anyway.....
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Lager
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Post by Lager on Apr 16, 2005 14:03:15 GMT 7
I am in Korea and returning soon to China. Based on past exp. here is what I plan to get.
I have already bought Advil books and spices and plan to get more.
I'll get some clothes ---the price is higher here but the quality is good. Not much else.
Oh yes a can opener and a corkscrew---the ones in China seemed to bust after opening 2 or 3 bottles of wine---several hours in other words. ;D
Books are the biggie---including ones for teaching.
XXX no need to worry unless you like something obscure.
PS -I took ganja across from Hong Kong but I doubt I would try from anywhere else. (But I wouldn't put it past me.)
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Post by burlives on Apr 16, 2005 14:38:39 GMT 7
Good boots, decent sunglasses, 30+ sunscreen, Panadol, bandaids, broad spectrum antibiotic, deodorant.
If you live near a Metro you can get spices, all four of them.
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woza17
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Post by woza17 on Apr 16, 2005 15:56:08 GMT 7
I keep thinking of things while you are packing. Four sets of monoply, take them out of the boxes then they won't take up much room. If you do decide to take them you will see me as some sort of oracle and if you don't you will keep saying to yourself. I wish I had listened to Carol. Blue tack. I'll get back to you if I think of anything else.
Cheers
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Newbs
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If you don't have your parents permission to be on this site, naughty, naughty. But Krusty forgives
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Post by Newbs on Apr 17, 2005 5:11:11 GMT 7
G'day Millana and welcome
All the above is really good advice and I can only think of one thing to add. If you come from the sunburnt country bring a few cans of eucalyptus spray. Good for 3 reasons. 1. Brings the great outdoors inside and can add an alternative aroma to your flat. 2. Great for removing stains, etc. 3. Gives the heathen here a chance to bag me for suggesting it.
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Post by George61 on Apr 17, 2005 6:06:30 GMT 7
Oh! An excellent suggestion, Mr. Newbs. Don't forget the Vegemite. Somehow I get the feeling from the helpless, hopeless tone of the OP, that she is not an Aussie......probably a Canadian. Or an American! YG, I have been to parts of Anhui and I thought it to be a pleasant enough place. I just checked my map, and you are close to the cultural centre of China....Shandong. Stop complaining!
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Post by hankuh on Apr 17, 2005 7:08:05 GMT 7
George,
Complaining? Forgive me.
Saturday must be a heavy drinking day for you, but
You are so right: this is the cultural center!
You forgot to mention that in my area we have a Club Med, Chinese Style of course, along with sparkling fresh rivers, foliage enriched valleys and mountains and clear blue skies.
In the winter, there are several ski slopes and chateaus.
Just recently, there was an 18 hole golf course built complete with a club house that served various mix drinks, as well as had an indoor bowling alley and racquet ball courts.
We also have 5 Olympian pools, containing crystal clear water which is changed everyday.
The natives here have all travelled to colleges and universities overseas where they all speak English fluently and engage in intellectually stimulating conversations.
Bring the kids and don't miss our 88 ride amusement theme park. Anhui Province is a gorgeous retreat from the cosmopolitan cares of Shanghai and Beijing. Air conditioning and heating systems are everywhere here of course.
No one spits; no one defecates along the streets; and most of all, all bathrooms are radiantly sanitized and purified; the hospitals offer the latest in liposuction and free tanning beds.
Heaven on earth!
Now, how's that?
Maybe when I get out of teaching, I can write nice promos for That's Bejing or That's Shanghai.
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Post by burlives on Apr 17, 2005 8:14:12 GMT 7
I forgot to add: eucalyptus oil!
Australian traditional medicine. I swear by it and into it with a towel over my head when I get the inevitable chest infection.
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Post by George61 on Apr 17, 2005 8:31:23 GMT 7
Much better YG. You see there is some good in every place, if you only look long and hard enough. I wish I was in Anhui. A round of golf here in Jinan costs 600Y.
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Post by Lotus Eater on Apr 17, 2005 16:00:12 GMT 7
Uno cards (a few sets) to go with the monopoly, and scrabble. Uno is great for taking on trains and teaching the rest of the compartment - makes train trips the best way to travel.
Don't worry about clothes - apart from buying them, the tailors are as cheap as hell and make stuff that you want that FITS!! Enough clothes for a week - one goodish set for dinner, the rest comfortable and casual. Walking/hiking shoes - there are plenty of cheap shoe shops here and given the dirt, dust and rubbish bringing other good shoes here will ruin them. (Unless you have big feet -then bring all of the shoes you can)
Best digital camera you can afford - you'll want to start taking photos the second you walk off the plane. You can get them here marginally cheaper, but all of the instructions are in Chinese!!
Books unless you are going to Shanghai or Beijing. Reading and resource. My last trip here I ditched almost everything to pack books - had a long talk to travel agent and plane company about my desperate need for books and wrangled them into letting me come back overweight with no penalty.
You can get most CDs and every DVD almost that you want here. Mobile phone if you can swap sim cards. New sim card will cost you about 35Y and you can easily buy refill cards.
China is actually pretty civilised unless you live way out in the boondocks. Xi'an has all of the foodstuff you could want to buy - apart from vegemite and ridgy-didge Timtams. Coffee beans and grinder available here as well as percolator and plunger. Pu'er tea is also available as well as other interesting teas.
Deodorant - although it is starting to come into supermarkets. Moisture lotion - the stuff here has whiteners added to it.
Small stuff to give away - duty free alcohol to your bosses and FAO (always good way to start), calendars, local Canadian stuff (small but interesting) - small stuff to say thank you when people do something nice for you - like taking you on trips or visiting officials. Post cards and a couple of books on Canada to show or give, a map of Canada.
Most medicines you will be able to get here, but some for the first couple of weeks in case you haven't sussed out the local area when the first sore throat or hit of Confucius Curse comes. Fishing pills are brilliant for CC and are available in the south. Not sure about further north.
Delicate subject - if you are overweight, well built, tall - underwear!! Chinese XL is still small!
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Post by hankuh on Apr 17, 2005 18:06:06 GMT 7
George, I forgot to mention there are a bevy of hot tubs here as well as a few five star casinos.
Next time you pass through, give me a rang and I'll take you out on my golf cart for a tour of this international business city.
If we're lucky, we might catch an early showing of the stage classic, "Oh Calcutta!" But, word has it, the nudity scenes have be struck out of the script and substituted with a recital of an award winning CCTV Outlook original classic of rhetoric called, "Mother--I Love You."
No matter, we can hit the Great Wall of Cheetah for a night cap and some adult entertainment if you're game (foreigners don't have to pay a cover charge!)
Who needs Vegas?
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Post by Raoul Duke on Apr 17, 2005 18:51:34 GMT 7
Interesting...almost everything listed here is available in China. I found coffee, deodorant, western liquor, etc. even in obscure places like Changchun. Metro stores and City Supermarket in Shanghai sell German-made can openers and corkscrews that will stop a tank.
The big ones: Books, books, books. Can't bring too many. Your favorite CDs. Selections here are spotty. Souvenirs of your home town, and rolls of coins. Make nice small gifts. Antacids. Relentlessly unavailable here. Imodium-type diarrhea medicine. Also not sold here. That grey powder poo is totally worthless. Tampoons, if you are so inclined. Many spices can be found here. I've had trouble finding Old Bay (a Chesapeake Bay specialty) and Mexican-style chili powder.
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Post by Lotus Eater on Apr 17, 2005 22:24:14 GMT 7
Dried herbs if you are into cooking - they use spices but not stuff like sage, rosemary, thyme (wasn't there a song....?) etc.
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Post by Jollyjunklass on Apr 17, 2005 22:25:00 GMT 7
Thanks guys and gals, I think I have my list , muchos gracias. I would like to travel as light as possible, so any feeback is desired. Feel free to X off anything on my list. In order of importance, it is as follows: Laptop+copies of valuable software, ie. OSX 10.3.8, ILife, which will eliminate my need for CD's, and other valuable software in case things screw up. Hamish, you can add your piece to this. My ex-husband (who is a good buddy) owns an Apple store and will, gladly, donate all the latest software at anytime, so we can share, if not in person, through mail. I would like to bring my CD burner, what do you think? it's not too heavy. I can make and mail music CD's for all. Digital camera with extra batteries. Rolaids, tylenol, Immodium, tampons (where is menopause when you need it), motion sickness pills, moisturizer, deodorant and razors, to last a year Phrase book Books, books, books. Any suggestions as to best teaching texts? Or should I try to get together a collection of exercises before I go, while I still have my high speed internet? Any favorites out there? Clothes= underware,bras, about 10 wrap skirts, just sqaure pieces of material that can have many uses and are easy to fold away. I'll buy tops there. No winter gear. However, how difficult is it going to be to get women's clothes that aren't Chinese-like small, all the way around. I prefer loose comfortable clothing, more like the style in India as opposed to China. Can't stand being smothered, and boob-wise, well I'm sure not, no, B cup, but don't have implants either. Scrabble, cards, uno, boggle, wouldn't have thought of it, but excellent choice. Some tacky, Canadian dollar store (made in China) souveniers. HA HA Don't smoke ganga, so I can leave that one off my list, plus it is a teaching "stint" I want, not a jail "stint". Some type of MP3 player, maybe an IPod, to block out excess noise. I think that's it, how does it sound? I have a few questions: Fishing pills, HUH? Don't get that one. Mobile Phone- Swap sim cards, not familiar with the meaning. I am, currently, not a cell phone user. What are sim cards and how do they work? Spices, can someone name the 4 spices, I am a spice freak, and definitely couldn't live without salt. I hope that is included on the 4 spice list. Can someone expand a bit please. Thanks. What about Malaria pills? What about stickers, for kids, can you get many there. I can get them real cheap here and I think kids love stickers. Lastly, I've noticed most Chinese people are brunettes, my hair is blonde, however in the last few years it needs its little touch-ups, is there blonde hair dye? I think that's all I can think of for now. Your help has been inspiring and has warmed my heart , and, maybe, if you keep up the good work I'll let you start filling out your CD orders. All joking aside, thanks a lot everyone, appreciated. Millana
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Post by Lotus Eater on Apr 17, 2005 22:50:39 GMT 7
Salt is all over, no problem - including seasoned salt. Sichuan pepper spice is very popular, as is Xinjiang spice - the markets have open bags of the most wonderful spices. Fantastic to walk past.
A sim card is a little doover thing that goes inside your mobile and connects you to a phone service (China Telecom etc) and gives you a phone number. It is easy to buy a mobile phone here, and the prices are relatively the same or a little cheaper here.
Fishing Pills are the name of a Chinese medicine I found for a friend with CC - kept her clean and dry while we were travelling -work quickly and effectively.
Very twee stickers - all cutsie and sweet are available. What age are you teaching? I would try to get Canadian animal stickers or something like that.
Hairdressers are also dead cheap and do colours - a cut costs around 12-15 Y; colour, with streaks/foils and cut is about 160Y. Not sure what your exchange rate is. You will see lots of university students with blonde (orange or red) hair - came across one the other day that wasn't blonde - pure yellow with a smooth crown and then really dodgy curls to the neck - a guy. He was too close for me to unobtrusively whip out the camera!
MP3 players are relatively cheap here, but they are pretty light so whatever you trust is fine. All of the students have them growing from their ears.
Talk to your Dr. re malaria pills - I don't use them at all. There is a really good insect repellant stuff in a green bottle here that I use come mozzie season.
Digital batteries are easily available here in proper camera shops - most reasonable size cities will have a few.
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Post by Raoul Duke on Apr 18, 2005 0:33:33 GMT 7
Millana, when you arrive in China, on your way in from the airport stop and buy a mobile phone. They are the best friend a foreigner can ever have here- especially if you are the non-Chinese-speaking sort of foreigner. The ability to call for help if you get lost or in some sort of jam is absolutely indispensible. I was a cell-phone Luddite until I came to China. I honestly don't know how I ever made it here without one.
Buy the MP3 player here. Cheap and ubiquitous. A CD Walkman is a better idea to bring along, if you want one.
You'll only need malaria pills if you're going to live down along the border with Vietnam, Thailand, etc. If you live in the Northeast, especially if you aren't in a large city, consider getting the Japanese Encephalitis shots even though they are expensive. There is more on all this in the Library...well worth a read. In general, mosquitos here are only a nuisance.
Don't overlook coins. Our paper money is common here, but our coins are a rarely-seen novelty and a nice gift for kids. For souvenirs, consider things like books and postcard sets that have pictures of the place you come from.
Blonde or red hair are all the rage here, and fully 40% of the population seems to be involved in the hairstyling industry. Don't sweat it.
Deodorant is really easy. Look for the Avon store...almost every town has at least one. If they don't carry deodorant on the shelf (most do) they can order it from the catalog. It's only available in roll-on but the quality is quite good. The lilac scent is nice but I think the rose matches the red of my eyes better. Just pantomime the act of rolling stuff under your arm and they will know exactly what you want.
No need to bring playing cards except perhaps as souvenir gifts. The Chinese are inveterate card players.
Fishing pills? Uh, what is CC? Do I really want to know?
Lotus, Shanghai has several specialty shops that sell a big variety of dried and fresh herbs!
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Post by Mr Nobody on Apr 18, 2005 4:19:15 GMT 7
Errrr perhaps lotus is referring to "fisherman's friends", an ozzie traditional remedy going way back into the dawn of our history, maybe last tuesday.
They are hideously vile and strong tasting throat thingies that reputedly work well. I do not know because i never have had the ability to taste more than one for a second, get a shocked look on my face, before i spit it out, remembering that is the reason i don't use them.
I highly recommend them to anyone who doesn't need their taste buds for anything useful for a while.
Edit : Read lotus' explanation AFTER i posted this. My bad. Sorry. I guess different fish.
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