whattopack

Knowing what to bring is essential to your travels. China is modernizing at an impressive rate but there are those things that may be difficult or impossible to find that you normally use in your everyday life. It can give you a peace of mind to know that you will not be caught unprepared. For those of you adopting your adoption company should give you a list of do's and don'ts but just in case here is our list...

Aside from making sure you pack your toothbrush here are some essentials:

Triple Antibiotic Cream: You never know when you may cut yourself. To avoid infection carry some of this over the counter preventative.

Bandaids: They go together good with antibiotic cream.

Pain Reliever/allergy med: Your favorite brand of course. Western medicines are difficult but not impossible to find in China but its best to be prepared for a headache or incase you eat something you might be allergic to.

Feminine supplies: These are available in China but having some will prevent you having to go out for them and read labels to find whats right for you.

Facial masks: Due to current health advisories about traveling to Asia it is recommended by the U.S. Government that all travelers bring protective masks to protect against SARS.

Baby food/formula: Bringing even a small supply of these items may save you a lot of money if you are adopting and infant or toddler. Western brand baby food is available in China but is very expensive. When you find it the price can be as high as 500% more than what you are use to. Most shops on Shamian Island have stopped stocking baby food because it is simply too expensive.

Diapers: Having a supply is a good idea to prevent having to hunt for some later.

Stroller: Jennifer's Place offers the use of one of our strollers for free while you are in Guangzhou just for stopping in. However when you are in one of your earlier stops such as the city where you are to pick up your child you may want one. A colapsable umbrella stroller may be the best choice.

Emergency information: This can be a long list but here are our suggestions. Bank information to cancel your credit cards in case they are lost. Travelers check cancelation numbers for the same reason. Also have on you contact numbers incase of injury. This is a good idea when travelng anywhere in the world. These can be your adoption facilitator in the current city, and a responsible party back home.

Hand sanitizing wipes: Preferably the disinfecting kind. You never know when you might go out to eat and not find an adequate place to wash your hands.

For diabetics: Be sure to bring plenty of supplies. You should also wear your bracelet or necklace. Some adoption companies have recommended that you bring documentation from your doctor to prove that you should be in possession of syringes.

Note: If you have forgotten something or run out, bear in mind that Jennifer's Place in Guangzhou has recieved many supplies from departing adopting families. These include and are not limited to the above list. Please stop by if you find yourself in need. We MIGHT have what you need. See link on main page.

A note about taking pictures:

Whether you are using a standard camera, digital, or video be sure not to take pictures of government buildings. This is not allowed and may result in someone confiscating your film, etc. Also ask permission before taking anyone's picture. But don't be surprised if people come up to you and want a picture with you. This is not uncommon in outlying areas with less western contact. Besides it could be fun and it would make their day. Taking scenery, buildings, etc, where there happens to be people in the background is ussually acceptable. There are a few places on Shamian Island that offer film developing. A few of them are cheap and produce high quality results.

Medication precaution:

If you are taking medication or want to be prepared for a stomach bug it is acceptable to bring some antibiotics with you. However they must be labeled for personal use. In other words in a prescription bottle. Avoid bringing any medication or even pain reliever in ziploc plastic bags or other type package even if it is labeled. Packing in this manner may result in medications being confiscated at customs.

Recorded and printed media:

Everyone wants to bring their favorite CDs or tapes to listen to on the way or when they are relaxing. Avoid bringing music that may be inappropriate. The list includes but may not be limited to the following: Anything that demonstrates anti ethnic, religious, or political. This includes comedy that contains the same. At customs they will xray your bags. If they detect media of any kind they will examine it. You would be surprised how well they know and can read CD labels. Even though this material is for your use only, they do not want to risk it falling into the wrong hands.

A family has stated recently to avoid bringing handheld CB radios. I have not had a chance to investigate this.

If you are reading a western newspaper on the plane you should probably leave it there. They will probably take it if they see it at customs. The same goes for magazines that may have political commentary. Entertainment, and children's magazines are acceptable, as are many others. Comic books are believed to have the same rules as CD's and tapes.