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China Travel Checklist

China Travel Checklist

Written by Ruru ZhouUpdated Aug. 1, 2023

What should you prepare and bring with you to China? Take a look at our China Travel Checklist for some guidance.

Arrange Well in Advance

Pet Arrange pet care
  • Passport and visa(s) or travel documents
  • Foreign currency of your destination country
  • Credit cards
  • Travelers checks or ATM card
  • Insurance cover: trip cancellation/medical/travel
  • Photocopies of documentation
  • Medical check, doctor's notes for medication, vaccinations
  • Birth certificate (if necessary)
  • Marriage license (if necessary)
  • Buy any guide books and maps

Home Checklist

  • Arrange for pet and plant care
  • Stop routine deliveries
  • Make your home seem lived-in while away by
    putting lights and a radio on timers
  • Turn down thermostat
  • Leave keys, your itinerary, and your
    contact information with family or friends
  • Lock windows, garage, and doors

Basic Essentials

Luggage
  • All documents etc. arranged in advance (see top of list)
  • Appropriate luggage (see specific destination information)
  • Luggage locks & ID tags (Locks are needed for checked baggage when flying inside China.)
  • Contact List with information of your travel advisor, tour guide, embassy, as well as your family and friends.

Clothing

  • Appropriate clothing for the weather and your activities
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Rain gear
  • Sun protection (hats, sunglasses)

Toiletries

Most of these things can be bought in China in a similar form to the West, but you may want to bring your own for your convenience/preference.

  • Comb/brush
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
  • Shampoo, shower gel, soap, towel, flannel
  • Blow dryer
  • Deodorant
  • Lotions, creams
  • Sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm
  • Towelettes
  • Shaver, shaving cream
  • Nail clippers, and other personal hygiene items

Medication

First Aid Kit
  • Small emergency first aid kit
  • Aspirin / pain reliever
  • Diarrhea medicine / laxative
  • Contact lens preparations, eye drops
  • Motion sickness medicine
  • Allergy medicine (see Travelling with Allergies in China)
  • Sleep medication
  • Personal prescriptions
  • Medical record (if necessary)
  • Contact information of doctor or medical adviser

Electronics

  • (Video) camera, with batteries and charger
  • Cellphone and charger
  • Laptop/tablet with power adapter

Other Suggestions

  • Small flashlight
  • Reading materials
  • Guide books, maps, dictionary/phrasebook
  • Games/music (PSP, media player)
  • Ziplock plastic bags
  • Insect repellent
  • Snacks, water bottle, flask
  • Alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer
  • Umbrella

Read senior travelerswomen travelersstudents travelers, and traveling with kids, and our how to plan your trip information for each destination, for more helpful tips.

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