While you are with SSN in China,our staff will do their very best to make your stay comfortable and productive. SSN’s Chinese project manager is available whenever needed to translate,act as a guide,assist with shopping and meals,and help with negotiations.
What to Bring with You
Almost everything you may think you need to bring with you is readily available in China and very reasonably priced,so there is no need to over pack. You can spend a month in country with only a carry-on bag. Some things we do recommend bringing,however,are:
Credit cards/debit cards – make sure to notify the credit card companies that you will be traveling to China,otherwise you might run into a situation where they shut off your charge card once you try to use it when overseas. You can use a debit card to get Chinese currency from cash machines in China but –once again –be sure to notify your bank that you’ll be traveling in China for the same reason as above. Credit cards can be used to pay for hotels and also for making purchases in some stores in large cities but often cash is required. There are places at the airport where you can change unused Chinese currency back to U.S. dollars before you return.
Passport and Visa – you should make two copies of your passport and visa. Leave one at home and take the other with you in case you lose your passport while in China. You’ll need your passport to check into hotels,for getting from Hong Kong to China and,of course,for getting out of China and back into the US.
Luggage – keep in mind that you might be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Pack light,two small suit cases or one large and one small are better than one very large one. As you travel around,you can leave one at the airport hotel and put purchases into that one when you return. All hotels have a secure area where you can leave luggage. If you have a smaller roller case or computer case it is very handy to take that one to trade shows to carry brochures that you’ll be picking up. It doesn’t take long to collect 25 pounds of brochures and you’ll tire quickly if you carry them in the shoulder bag the trade shows hand out. There are special areas at the airport where brochures can be put in a box for you to check in for the return trip.
Sunglasses – One thing that we often forget when leaving on a cloudy day or before the sun comes up.
Rain Gear – You won’t need it because umbrellas can be purchased anywhere for about 50 cents. Also hotels loan them out and usually put a courtesy umbrella in your room.
Clothing – Check the temperature in the area of China you will be in before leaving home. Keep in mind that hotels will wash your clothing and return it the next day for a very small fee. Business attire is casual so don’t bring too much. Remember you’ll have to carry it from time to time. The Chinese normally wear the same outfit for an entire week and wash their underwear every night. They are very puzzled by the amount of stuff westerners carry around
Shoes – Think comfort. You’ll mostly be doing walking and more walking. The Chinese think nothing of walking a mile yet say “Oh,it’s just 10 minutes away”. Don’t choose style over comfort,you’ll find you may regret it.
Toiletries – Most things are available at the local Watsons (the Chinese version of Walgreens). Women’s sanitary pads are available but tampons are nonexistent. Take along deodorant/antiperspirant because these are not used by the Chinese and are difficult to find. Bring enough to last you throughout your stay. Hotel rooms come supplied with shampoo,cream rinse,toothpaste,toothbrush,cotton pads,nail file,sewing kit,and ear buds. The shampoo is adequate,but if there’s a particular brand you prefer you might want to pack it. We suggest bringing your own toothpaste. It’s also not a bad idea to pack an anti acid although if you don’t,you can always visit Watsons.
Electrical items – The hotels SSN uses supply us with hair dryers but curling irons and such will need to be able to operate on 220 voltage or you’ll need a convertor. If you are bringing a convertor you’ll need one that operates in China as well as in Hong Kong. The plugs are different between the two. If you require an iron it will either be supplied in your room or one can be requested.
Water – The hotels supply bottled water and it is common for factories to also give bottled water or hot tea to visitors. Although the water from the faucet should be fine,it’s best to brush your teeth with bottled water to avoid any problems.
Bathroom Facilities – Hotel and trade show bathrooms will be pretty much what westerners are used to,however,it’s a good idea to pick up or bring small packages of tissue with you in case it’s necessary to use a bath room on one of the factory visits. Some factory bathrooms are of Chinese design that is flush with the floor.
Camera – There will be many opportunities to take pictures so don’t forget to bring a camera and charger. Although it’s nice to have the high tech larger camera,it will get very heavy after a few hours. A small digital one is best. Almost all chargers will work on either 110 or 220 voltage. Don’t forget to bring the cable so you can transfer photos onto your laptop or you can off load them to one at SSN and we will be happy to burn a CD for you.
Computer – Don’t bring your computer unless it’s absolutely necessary. You’ll just have to bring it everywhere with you. All hotels will provide Internet access if you decide to bring a laptop. Some charge a nominal fee and others do not. All the hotels SSN uses have a business center where you can get online and access email.
Note Book – Bring a small note book for taking notes at factories.
Business Cards – Bring lots of business cards as you will go through them during factory visits and at the trade shows.
A Note About Security and Safety
As in most countries,there are issues with pick pockets and thieves in China especially in the street markets. Thieves on bicycles can race by and grab a purse or shoulder bag. They may also take them when you’re seated in a restaurant or other public place and preoccupied. It’s a good idea to leave your passport and valuables in your room safe when going out and only carry enough cash to make planned purchases. It is perfectly normal for you to lock your luggage while traveling in China. Make sure to bring small luggage locks with you to secure each piece.
