This adoption will mark my husband’s and my third trip to China. Like they say, the third time really is the charm. I know what and what not to pack and exactly what I wish I had brought on the last trip. I traveled a bit internationally before we adopted Mr. Wu; however, I quickly learned that international travels with a toddler are a whole other ball game. With that in mind, here’s the list of must haves as you embark on your adoption journey to China:
1. Clothes for about 7 days
As for me, I brought about 5 pairs of pants (mostly dark jeans) and 7 shirts. We did laundry once, in Guangzhou. Some people just end up washing underwear and socks, while others may want to wash everything. I love to travel lightly, but I also like to not have to photoshop ketchup out of pictures or cut myself out altogether. Black does go a long way because you can easily mix things up with a jacket or a scarf.
For a child, its a little bit harder because everything seems to get dirty every day. So plan accordingly.
2. Comfortable shoes
I usually limit myself to two pairs of shoes when traveling. For fashionistas, this can be hard. But you will do a tremendous amount of walking in China and it’s simply not worth it to bother with heels. I brought a pair of flats and my Converse. I usually aim to bring two pairs of shoes to keep my feet from getting sore and blistered.
3. Basic toiletries and medications
Our agency kept a stash of familiar American pharmacy remedies in case of sickness. However, I would suggest bringing your own medicine cabinet of supplies whether it be essential oils or staples like Tums and aspirin. Unlike Europe, it is rather difficult to find familiar over-the-counter remedies when you’re in a pinch. Also, some hotels have shampoo and the basics (usually in bigger, more Westernized cities like Guangzhou) whereas others don’t (like in Nanjing and Wuhan). Be prepared either way.
4. A good Mandarin dictionary
Google Translate does not always cut it. We tried to order sweet and sour pork using Google translate and had to show our waiter the characters because he could not figure out what in the world we are talking about. You cannot just simply look up the words for “sweet and sour” and put that in front of pork. In China, food items have specific terms that are not direct translations. If you want to avoid public mocking, then equip yourself with a decent dictionary or at least a good app.
5. Baby and kid stuff
I would bring at least a few Pull-Ups because you will not know whether your child is potty-trained or not until you pick him or her up. Also, Johnson’s baby wash and lotion can be extremely expensive in China and wipes are harder than you would think to find. We brought a sippy cup, although those are extremely easy to find. Where we missed the mark was not bringing a bib or plastic utensils. You can just imagine how much fun a toddler has with the porcelain spoons and cups decorating every table in every restaurant.
6. A good camera
Don’t rely on your iPhone for pictures from this trip. The pictures you take will be treasures from this journey for both you and your adopted child. Take more pictures than you think you need because they will become priceless memories.
And the following is a list of what to skip:
1. Stroller
Unless you already have a sturdy, portable stroller and need it for an older child, wait to buy your stroller until you make it to China. We purchased an effectively $30 stroller that other parents were envying because it was sturdier and more portable than their $200 Chicco.
2. Umbrellas
If you need one on a rainy day, umbrellas are probably the easiest thing to find in China.
3. US currency
A lot of families brought thousands of dollars of US currency to exchange at the hotels. I would really advise against this. Not only is the exchange rate mediocre at most hotels, there is also the unnecessary headache of worrying about thousands of dollars of cash stashed in your room or pocket. I easily found ICBC banks or other Swiss banks that recognize Visa debit cards in every single city. Before each trip to China, I usually bring just a few hundred dollars converted to Chinese yuan as a precaution and to avoid the stress of making it from the airport to my hotel. This is even less necessary when traveling to China for an adoption since your agency will likely arrange all transportation beforehand.
4. Food and snacks
I shouldn’t have to tell you that Chinese food is amazing, especially in China. Besides, 7-Elevens and Pizza Huts are everywhere if you get desperate for something familiar. Unless you have food allergies, I would skip wasting precious luggage space for food. Often, the orphanage also sends your child with bags of snacks as something familiar.
Best of luck in your China preparations. Pack lightly and smartly, and most of all, enjoy the journey!
