Packing List
The essential items you MUST pack for China. Forget these and you'll regret it.
Last updated: April 2026
Electronics & Power
Universal Power Adapter (Type A/C/I)
China uses Type A (flat 2-pin, same as US) and Type I (angled 3-pin, like Australia). Most hotels have both, but many budget hotels only have Type A. A universal adapter covers you everywhere.
Portable Power Bank (充电宝)
This is critical. Your phone IS your wallet, your map, your translator, and your taxi. If it dies, you are stranded. Bring a 10,000+ mAh power bank. Note: China has shared power banks everywhere (街电/来电), but you need Alipay to rent them — which you can’t use if your phone is dead.
Type-C Cable + Lightning Cable
Bring at least two charging cables. Losing one cable in China means hunting for a convenience store that sells your specific type.
Airline Rules: Power banks MUST go in your carry-on luggage, NOT checked bags. Chinese domestic flights are strict about this — they will make you unload your checked bag at the gate if they detect one.
Hygiene & Toiletries
Pocket Tissues (MANY)
90% of public restrooms have NO toilet paper. Buy a 10-pack of pocket tissues before you go. This is the #1 item that tourists regret not bringing.
Hand Sanitizer
Many public restrooms also lack soap. Carry a small bottle at all times.
Deodorant
Hard to find your preferred brand. Available at Watsons or premium supermarkets in major cities, but selection is limited. Bring enough for your entire trip to be safe.
Medicine
Ibuprofen / Paracetamol
Chinese pharmacies sell different brands you won’t recognize. Bring your own pain/fever relievers.
Anti-Diarrhea Medicine (Imodium)
Your stomach WILL encounter unfamiliar bacteria. This is not a “maybe” — it’s a “when.”
Allergy Medicine (Antihistamine)
If you have known allergies, bring extra. Chinese pharmacies require a Chinese ID to purchase many medications.
Prescription Medications
Bring your full supply + a doctor’s letter in English explaining what it is. Chinese customs may question unmarked pills.
Chinese pharmacies (药店, yàodiàn) are everywhere and very cheap, but everything is labeled in Chinese only. If you need something specific, use Google Translate’s camera to scan the shelf or show the pharmacist the Chinese name of your medicine.
Documents
Passport (6+ months validity)
Obvious, but double-check the expiration date NOW.
Passport Copies (2-3 printed)
Hotels, police registration, and train stations may ask for copies. Having printed copies saves you from scrambling to find a printer.
Passport Photos (4 copies)
Needed if you lose your passport and need an emergency replacement at the embassy.
Physical Credit Card
As backup. While 95% of transactions are mobile, you might need a physical card for hotel deposits or emergencies.
Small Amount of Cash (¥500-1000)
For the rare vendor who doesn’t accept mobile payment, or as a last resort if your phone dies.
What NOT to Pack
Drone
Consumer drones are allowed but MUST be registered online with the CAAC (UOM system) before you fly. Flying an unregistered drone can lead to heavy fines and confiscation.
VPN Hardware (Dedicated Router)
While VPN apps on your phone are generally fine, physical VPN devices can attract attention at customs.
Large Amounts of Cash
You will use mobile payment for 99% of things. Over $5,000 USD equivalent must be declared at customs.