What to bring, to Beijing?
Advice from a sister who spent a semester with a host family in Beijing: For packing, I went on my airline’s site and found the dimensions of the largest carry-on they’d allow. I then went and bought a hiking/climbing pack that was that size. Try to get a sturdy one (assuming you do not already have one), because trust me, they take one hell of a beating when you’re traveling or even just riding the subway around Beijing. All airlines also allow a laptop in addition to your carry-on, so take your laptop case and fill it with any other junk you can put in it. Besides that, I took one huge duffle bag (for checked luggage) and I was fine. You can, however, have TWO checked bags on international flights (for most airlines), so feel free to bring another, if you feel you need it. I bought a second giant duffle in China and filled it with gifts and things I bought for myself, so I was able to check that one for free. You’ll want a small bag for everyday use on campus and the like, but buy th
Alright, I just moved back from BJ. Do not bring Ketchup chips, coffee or bourbon. Do bring books, deodorant, underwear and lotions. Books are hard to come by (though the Friendship store actually has a decent, greatly overpriced selection surprizingly, and there is the Bookworm). Deodorant is pretty tough to find. Lotions are near impossible unless they are whitening, yikes! Undies come in a variety of cheaply made grippies so if this is not your style, bring some. You will need to buy long undies there, which are awesome and I can’t believe I did without them before! Coffee, ketchup chips and borbon are available (they sell Jack Daniels at every 7-11 and ketchup chips at Carrefour). The Yunnan coffee is decent and cheap. Ikea also has decent cheap European brands in their grocery section so stock up when you buy your household goods. Do not buy special clothes and size does not matter for men’s clothes, Beijinger men are generally comprable to Westerners in size. Women may find some
