What to Bring to Ningbo

There are many foreign items that are not available in China. You are advised to buy them before coming. New residents are often surprised by the lack of goods in stores. Things are getting better these days, though. You can always order foreign goods by airmail or express mail, but the shipping charge is excessive. Many goods can be purchased on taobao.com, China's ebay.  A shopping trip to Shanghai can also cure many needs.

Some things you will need:

• Ethnic foods. Any special foods or spices from your homeland. You cannot find them here. If you can, the quality is usually not good.
• Deodorant. This is usually not sold in China, and it is essential in the summer months.
• Cold medicine. Aspirin, Sudafed, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ny-Quil, and other medicines are not usually available. However, antibiotics are available over-the-counter. Antibiotics will not cure colds, but are effective against bacterial infections.
• Emetic. Medicine to induce vomiting is not available, even at hospital pharmacies.  Bring syrup of Ipecac - in case of poisoning, hospitals will just shrug and say that they have medicines to stop vomiting, not induce it.
• Shoes. Difficult to find in foreigner sizes.
• Clothes. Also difficult to find larger sizes. But you can have clothes custom-made by a tailor for a very reasonable price.
• Chinese language books. There are a few English-language Chinese textbooks in bookstores, but the quality is terrible. Buy anything you need from your homeland before coming to China.
• U.S. Dollars. You can always find an ATM or use your credit card to withdraw RMB, but it's always nice to have an emergency stash of $100-$500 in hard currency.
• Liquor. Many foreign brands are not available. However, the more common brands, such as Jack Daniels, Chivas Regal, Jim Beam, Absolut, and Johnny Walker are in stores.
• Cigarettes. Any Marlboro or Camel cigarettes you see are fake. Genuine Virginia tobacco makes a nice gift for your local colleagues, even if you don't smoke.
• Coffee. If you drink it, bring it. Coffee grinder, too.
• Mosquito Repellent. Not an aerosol can, but a topical ointment or liquid. You'll need it. Also some ointment containing diphenhydramine hydrochloride for mosquito bites.
• Swimsuit. Chinese styles are not attractive. For women, think "Beach Party 1950", for men, think "marble sack".
• Clock Radio. You might not find one in China, only regular alarm clocks. Bring one that works with 220 volt power.
• Feminine Necessities. Tampax and other brands are not available. Bring a year's supply.
• Waterproof Boots. It rains really hard here sometimes
  and your feet can get soaked under the umbrella and raincoat. Maybe Gor-Tex or some boots from www.galls.com.

Have some more ideas? Please send them to us! If you could go back and add ONE extra thing to your suitcase that you DID NOT bring, what would it be?