Moving to Shanghai Packing List

Here's a list I've made for American friends moving to Shanghai. 

    Stock up on OTC drugs – and don’t forget to check expiration dates.  They have a lot here, but I still worry if the pharmacy has counterfeit drugs.  And it’s MUCH cheaper in the US to buy a box of 100 ibuprofen (here they sell by 10 tablets).  Children’s character bandaids.  Complete first aid kit (even if they have it, sometimes difficult to find)

    Children's clothes -- they have a lot, but quality is hit and miss, and a lot of the styles are overly embellished (i.e., ruffles, sparkles and a character on girls clothes).  Many schools have a uniform so you won't need a lot of clothes.  A few nice basic outfits is all you need.  Stock up on basic underwear and socks – their styles and sizes are very different and washing destroys them quicker.

    Children’s shoes – occasionally can buy good shoes, but most are poor quality at relatively high price.  Not a bad idea to bring a size or two ahead in favorite styles.  Athletic shoes are easy to get at Decathlon. 

    Adult clothes -- difficult to find unless you are petite and thin.  Decathlon carries sporting goods and clothes in Western sizes, so casual clothes and sport shoes are available for the whole family, and at good prices.  You can also have clothes made at the fabric market – works best for simple styles or copying existing clothing.  Bring lots of underwear & socks – ayi & washing machines really beat them up and they don’t last as long.

    Books - more and more English bookstores open now, but it’s still expensive.  It’s worth stocking up a grade level ahead if your children like to read. 

    Amercan Food -- A lot of US products are available, but some are not consistently available, and often quite expensive.   I usually bring back the following when I go to US – chocolate chips, vanilla, Annie’s macaroni & cheese, favorite marinades & sauce mixes (I also bought a marinade cookbook so I can make them from scratch), maple syrup, favorite spices – particularly for baking, coffee (expensive here)

    Toiletries.  Bring deodorant, razors (expensive here), specialty lotions or shampoos (ie, not P&G brand), makeup, toothpaste, travel-sized toiletries for business travel, tampons if you don’t use OB.

    Prescription fluoride for the children.  Ask your doctor or dentist for a prescription.

    Housewares – bring any favorite cooking utensils, particularly baking pans or any specialty items.  More and more is available now, but not always when you want it or the same quality or price.   Basic pots, spatulas, wooden spoons, etc are available at IKEA.  We shipped a few favorite serving dishes and cooking utensils and bought everything else new (plates, silverware, Tupperware, etc) when we first arrived.

    Linens – we brought some high quality towels with us.  You can easily buy towels here in a range of colors and quality, but I’m glad I brought our nice thick towels.  Sheets you are probably better buying here if you are using landlord’s beds, since US ones might not fit.  Its also easy to have them made at the market.

    Furniture – most places come furnished.  But, I suggest you bring your bed unless you like REALLY HARD mattresses (they all are here).  Almost everything else you can buy or have made here. (depending on your contract and personal finances, it might be better to bring or buy).

    Sports equipment. Its easy to buy bikes, roller blades, scooters, etc at Decathlon.  Have seen almost everything here except ice hockey and baseball. 

    Toys.  Bring what you have and love.  You won’t find the same quality toys here as easily.  Suggest bring outdoor plastic playset if you have one, since its very expensive here.  Bring Crayola washable markers & paints – they are REALLY expensive here.  It’s easy to buy paper, stickers and all sorts of crafts supplies here.  Its also nice to bring a few US toys or books for birthday party gifts.

    Holidays.  Bring your favorite items. You can buy a live or fake (not very nice quality) Christmas tree in Shanghai.  It’s possible to buy a few decorations for all major holidays, but limited selection. 



Bring in air shipment
    A few favorite toys and books (be careful of books – they are heavy)
    Clothes for next 2 months – particularly jackets or sweaters if chance it could get cold or rainy
    Favorite foods – helps children’s transition if they can eat some of their old favorites
    Computer – you’ll want to be connected “home” ASAP to help your transition. 
    Favorite music and/or DVDs
    Basic OTC drugs – people tend to get sick more often first few months.  A combination of the stress of moving and new germs.