Things I Wish I Brought With Me Overseas to China

Alright guys, this post is mostly written for some friends of ours that are moving to China soon!  Three years ago, we moved to China.  We sold all of our stuff, including our two cars, and we left!  Most of the stuff stored at my parents’ house are musical instruments.  I’m a music teacher, can’t give those up!  With only 2 large suitcases and a carryon per person, we had to prioritize what to bring.  So, after living here 3 years, these are the things I would bring to China if you’re moving there.  Also, keep in mind that this is a lady’s perspective (sorry guys!):

1. Hair products.  I have curly hair, and it is a nightmare if I don’t put any product in it.  Chinese people don’t have frizzy hair.  It is quite difficult to find good mousse or hairspray in China.  I can find super strong gel or some weird cream, but it just isn’t the same as my good ‘ole Treseme.
2. Deodorant.  Apparently Chinese people don’t really wear it.  I can sometimes find it at import stores like Jenny Lou’s or DMart, but if I don’t want to leave that up to chance.
3. Italian Dressing (or if you are Mr. Turner, Ranch).  Yes, there is Italian Dressing in China, but there’s only one brand: Kuhne.  It doesn’t really taste like Italian Dressing.  I LOVE to put italian on my salads, marinate my chicken with it, dip things into it, put it on sandwiches…yes.  I love italian dressing.  You can replace all of that with Ranch if you’re Mr. Turner.  My friend literally bought me a gallon bottle of Italian dressing from Costco.  And yes, Italian Dressing stays good for a year.  That may or may not be concerning…ps Ranch and/or Italian seasoning packets are also a good way to go.  That way you have the taste without the weight!
4. Ortega Taco Sauce.  This is another one of those great things from home that I just really miss in China.  This is probably just a “me” thing, but I think tacos just aren’t the same without Ortega Taco Sauce.
5. Dress shoes.  I wear a size 9.5-10 ladies in US sizes (a 42 in Chinese sizes).  Women’s shoes pretty much stop at 39 here.  I always buy shoes when I am in the US.  Also, I have never worn out shoes as much as I do in China.  The ground is harder maybe, or I just walk a lot more.  Either way, come prepared with shoes.  Actually, for gym shoes I have a really awesome connect on WeChat that has a lot of Nikes and Adidas shoes even in large sizes, so I don’t worry too much about athletic shoes.
6. Underwear.  Yes.  They do sell underwear in China.  But if you have the least bit of a butt and you’re over a size small, then underwear just doesn’t fit!  The same goes for swimsuits.
7. Airborne.  Especially if you are a teacher, you know that Airborne is amazing.  I always take Airborne when I start to feel sick.  It may taste absolutely horrifying, but it works.  Whenever I come back to the US I stock up on Airborne
8. While I’m on the medicine train of thought, I would also bring Tylenol, Nyquil, and allergy medicine.  I feel like “common cold” medicine and “headache” medicine just isn’t quite up to par here.
9. Makeup.  I’m not a huge makeup-wearer, but makeup is really expensive in China, and I always feel the need to buy imported makeup because a lot of the makeup in China contains skin whitening chemicals, which, if you’ve ever seen me, I really don’t need that (not to mention it’s pretty bad for your skin).
10. Vitamins.  I mean, there are probably good vitamins here, but I like knowing exactly what’s in my vitamins, as well as a brand I know and trust.
11. Tampons.  This really only goes for if you don’t use OB tampons.  My recommendation is figure out how to use OB tampons and then you have nothing to worry about.  I feel like it’s a little harder to find other brands.
12. Classroom Decorations.  If you are one of those teachers I mentioned in a previous post that like to decorate your classroom like a rainforest-come-to-life, then you should bring your own classroom decorations.  They don’t have teacher stores like they do in the US.  Some things like stickers, postits, colored paper, etc are pretty easily findable, but classroom decor is pretty difficult to find.

Maybe in a few days I’ll make another list, “Things You Really Don’t Need to Bring to China” with a list of things that maybe you think you might need, but actually it’s really not necessary.  If this was helpful to you please let me know in the comments or like the post on Facebook!  Thanks!

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