China Essentials

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Essentials

Highly recommended list of items to bring:

1) Travel guide book - useful to have info on hand as most information in China is in Mandarin

2) Phrase book (especially if your guide book doesn't have basics in the back) - a must have. Even in big cities. Unless you understand Mandarin you will need a phrase book to show to people and read signs. Or give pronouncing the Pinyin a go! 

3)Camera (preferably digital) - sounds obvious but even the most photo phobic person will find numerous pictures that they will want to take home with them. China has iconic images and breathtaking scenery amongst other 'must have' shots.

4)Appropiate clothing:

Summer - light layers, kaftans etc. Cotton and natural fibres fare best in the humidity.

Winter - layers, warm ones! A windproof jacket/fleeces would be helpful.

In both cases, good comfortable walking shoes/sandals needed as there are many sights to see in China which involve walking!

5)Bug repellent - lots of mosquitos in summer so cover up in the evening and spray yourself. Avoid using perfume.

6)Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses - Summer clearly is the most relevant here. Take the usual advice.

7)Sim card - mobile phones are really cheap in China so you can buy a new one out there and dump it when you are done if you are out there for any substantial amount of time. You will have to find someone to unlock the sim for you though, not that easy to do if you can not explain this in Mandarin. Maybe getting it done in England before you go would be easier.

8)Music playing device (Mp3, CD player) - useful on long journeys or to block out the chaos that can be found in the big cities.

9)Medikit - pack the usual stuff: paracetemol, lemsip, Anti Diarroels, blister plasters, antiseptic cream, anti hestimines, plasters/bandages, medical tape etc. These can be bought as a full kit with sterile needles amongst other useful items if you find yourself in a situation where a proper hospital is unavailable. The phrase book should help with getting hold of anti biotics etc in a pharmacy.

10) Waterproof enclosure for important documents -  insurance docs, passport, visa, tickets etc.

 

Other Tips

Visa - check if you need one (embassy websites are helpful) and then apply well in advance! Usually cost about £40.