Stuff to bring

[cgao]

We will highlight some of the items during the orientation, but here is a list to help ensure you have a better trip.

THINGS TO BRING

• One carry-on luggage and one personal item (purse, laptop bag, backpack, etc) 
• Lightweight clothing that you don’t need to iron and are easy to wash by hand. Think casual, but still appropriate for government visits
  • women: we suggest skirts and dresses for convenience
  • men: we suggest khaki shorts or lightweight breathable pants
• Travel laundry detergent
• VERY comfortable walking shoes 
• One presentable outfit – high heels or patent leather shoes are not necessary
• Cardigan/light jacket for heavily air-conditioned buildings/buses
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Hat or umbrella for sun/rain protection
• Travel tissue or toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellant
• Any prescription medications you use and enough to last the entire trip
• Any over-the-counter medications (cold, flu, Imodium, allergies, etc.) you prefer as the brands you are used to may not necessarily be available for purchase in China or Taiwan
• Women: bring your own feminine products 
• Contact lens solution for the duration of the trip
• Shampoo/soap/conditioner – there may be a few hotels that may not supply these so bring a travel sized supply
• Hairdryer – only if you absolutely need one – some hotels may not have these, so you might want to bring a small travel sized one from home
• A book about your state to give as a gift
• 30 small items from your school (i.e. pencils, stickers, bookmarks, etc) to give as gifts
• portable charger for phones and other electronics 
• universal outlet adapter
• travel pillow
• cash
• credit card - you won't be able to use it everywhere we go, but it would be a good idea to bring one for emergencies. Many credit cards waive the international exchange fee. It's a good idea to let the credit card company that you might be using the card overseas during that time.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

• Halter tops, tube tops, sheer tops, etc – unless you plan on putting a sweater on over it
• Daisy dukes and mini-skirts
• Shirts with controversial logos/slogans/pictures
• Avoid denim – it gets hot and doesn’t dry fast enough
• Too much luggage! You will need to carry your own luggage wherever we go 

​Please note: If there is a baggage check fee anywhere we travel, you will be responsible for paying the fee. 

[clay dube]

Catherine's emphasized the need to pack light. While most international flights have generous baggage limits, the domestic flights we'll have in China do not. 20 kg (44 lbs) is the limit. Take less stuff. Think hard before you buy that big jade Buddha. You are responsible for paying any excess baggage fees incurred.

Also, you will need to be able to carry whatever luggage you bring. Most of the time you'll be able to roll your luggage, but there will likely be several times when you need to pick it up for curbs, steps, and all manner of obstacles.

[Barbara Miller]

I am thinking about which liquids to pack and wondering if we will be checking bags on the international flight.

[cgao]

You will have the option to check your bag for each of the flights, though please keep in mind that you will need to carry the bag on trains and buses. 

[Kristen Waltz]

Does "very comfortable walking shoes" include sneakers? Or should we bring something a bit dressier?

[cgao]

Yes, you will be able to wear sneakers on most days. I would bring one pair of flats for the more formal meetings. We will be walking 10+ miles on some days, which is why we stress the "very comfortable" part.

[Gabriel Valdez]

So can we bring a full size bag? I'm rarely above 25 lbs but would love the flexibility to purchase. My return is going to have me in Mexico and Central Americafor a few weeks afterwards. I know international you get two full sized bags, do you get one on the domestic in China? Or should we contact the airlines with our information? I have no problem in carrying my own bag.... But definitely trying to avoid fees . It will be lightweight just want the flexibility.

[Barbara Miller]

One of my Chinese-American friends has warned me to only drink soda or beer, as he says the water sold in bottles is often not pure. Will the water in all the hotels be potable?   Should I bring the collapsible potable water container and tablets that created safe drinking water for me in India? I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[cgao]

I wouldn't recommend drinking tap water in China, but I've never had problems with the bottled water. With that said, it wouldn't hurt to bring the tablets if you want to be extra safe. 

[Anthony Rodriguez]

Should we find a source to exchange American Dollar to Yuan before we leave? Would it be wise to enter the country alredy having cash on us? 

[cgao]

You could exchange a little bit before leaving and then exchange as we go at each of the hotels. I would at least bring American dollars since ATM machines, if available, tend to charge a hefty fee.

[Gabriel Valdez]

 I bought some compressed bags at Walmart the other day. Basically they are flat bags that you can compress with the panel, rolling or vacuum. 10 bucks for four bags.

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