What should I pack for teaching English in China?

Packing for a trip is tough. Who hasn’t had a moment of panic on their way to the airport realizing, “I forgot to pack a charger!” It seems that regardless of how many times you double-check, something always seems to get left out, even if you are only gone for a weekend.

Now, imagine you are leaving for a year and will be living on the other side of the world. Don’t panic. This article is for you. As you prepare for your adventure teaching English abroad, consider this checklist so you don’t forget anything on your way there. 

Documents

Documents are key to have when living in China, and most other countries, because they require you to have original documents. Copies are helpful to have but often not accepted by government offices or schools. Some key documents to have are:

• Original Diploma/Degree
• Original TEFL certificate
• Passport 
• Additional passport photos (these come in handy)
• Copies of your debit/credit cards
• Copies of your passport and other identification documents for an emergency passport kit.

Technology

Technology is important to have while living abroad. It will keep you entertained, help you get around, and keep you in touch with friends and family back home. Here are some of the basics you will need and some tips to remember:

• Unlocked smartphone: most smartphones are locked and only allow sim cards from your provider. You can either buy an unlocked smartphone from a manufacturer or get your provider to unlock it for you. If your phone is locked, you will not be able to use a Chinese SIM. 
• Laptop
• A VPN: this is a virtual private network that will bypass the “great firewall of China,” allowing you to access all of your favorite online sites and help keep your browsing secure. There are lots of free and paid apps you can use, so you technically don’t pack this.  
• Chargers: don’t forget chargers. Finding a replacement can be complicated, especially if you are using a less common or older device. 
• Battery pack: having a rechargeable battery pack is crucial. If your phone is low, it can be complicated to find a place to charge it if you are on the move. Your phone is your lifeline for communication and directions, so don’t get lost because of a dead battery.
• Adapter: China may have different sockets than your home country rendering your traditional charging cords useless without an adapter.  

Toiletries

While you can get most of your standard toiletries in China, there will be a different selection and some products are very limited. As you will note below, this list is particularly relevant for women. 

• Deodorant: many expats struggle to find deodorant they like in China and other Asian countries. It may seem silly, but you won’t regret packing a few sticks of your preferred brand. 
• Women’s razors: most razors are designed for men. If you are cool with using men’s razors, then no worries. 
• Tampons: It is very hard to find these in China and other Asian countries. They mostly sell large, old school pads. You will feel like you are stepping back in time. Do yourself a favor and bring your own stash. 
• Birth control: You can find it in certain high-end expat hospitals, but it is rare and expensive. It is better to stock up on your supply before you leave, assuring you have exactly what you need. 
• Cold and Flu medicine: It’s hard to find Dayquil and NyQuil, or the like, in China. They use their own traditional remedies. So, if you want to suffer sickness with your usual meds, then you will have to bring them yourself. 
• Shampoo for curly or dyed hair: While there are a wide variety of products available in China, if you use specific hair products for dyed hair (balayage) or curly hair, then you will want to pack some. The same brands are often different in quality in different countries. So even if you can find your preferred brand, it may not be the same quality you are used to.  

Clothes

For the most part, you can pack what you normally would wear for work in a school context and recreation. Although, there are several important factors and specifics to know about moving to live in Thailand. 

• Casual clothes, but not too casual: the culture in china is less casual then other places. you will be able to wear casual clothes at home, while hiking, and at the gym, but otherwise it is better to be a bit more refined. It’s better to have more business casual and streetwear to help you blend in. 
• Seasonal clothes: Remember China has seasons. So, this means you will need a range of clothes appropriate for the whether and climate you will be living in all year round. 
• Delicates: you know, bras and underwear, especially for women. Finding more progressive choices (i.e. not briefs) in China or home country sizing can be difficult. It’s better to bring an excess of your delicates to avoid any ill-fitting or uncomfortable solutions. 
• Shoes: finding larger shoe sizes in China can be difficult, especially for men. And the term “large” is relative. It can be hard to find sizes higher than men’s 9.5 US or 9 UK.

Sentimental items

These are by no means required, but often help get you through the patches of homesickness. It doesn’t take a lot to bring you home, even if you are a thousand miles away. 

• Photos: yes, old school, printed photographs. Hang them up, put them on your fridge, litter them around your apartment. You won’t regret seeing the faces of your family and friends each and every day. 
• A special blanket or pillow: having something familiar can make a cozy evening in even more special. When you have a personal item to snuggle when you are watching your favorite TV feels like you are right at home. 
• Food: bring a box of Mac and Cheese, or a Cupa soup, or candy from home. When you get really homesick, bust out your emergency supply to feel right at home. 

Be prepared 

This might sound like a lot to pack but preparing well for your time teaching abroad is pivotal. If you set yourself up well, then your time living in China will be that much more enjoyable. 

👋 Take your next steps:

Have your pick your next destination yet, ready to have a look at what’s available?