MORE THINGS TO BRING: (see packing list for more specifics)

- Chinese zippers and elastic are very poor.  Bring a variety of sizes if you are planning on having things made.
- Spray-n-wash stain sticks are GREAT - don't pack liquid stain bottles - they often leak or break.
- Shower curtain with clip-on rings.  They are available though.
- Children's books and videos, especially cool stuff.
- CHILDREN'S and BABY MEDICINES OF ALL KINDS! (for ear infections, pain, nose and throat infections,            dehydration, etc.)

  • A half-year's supply of basic toiletries is suggested (e.g. antiperspirant). You can actually buy everything including one brand of antiperspirant and deodorant now, but if you are particular about using a specific brand or need hypoallergenic supplies then you should bring your own.

  • NOTE: DON'T BRING!!! You can easily purchase Head 'n Shoulders, Pantene Pro shampoo, Crest, Colgate, Safeguard soap, good toothbrushes, good Gillette Razors and shaving cream, Tide (the Japanese Omo is better quality), soft tp, Mr. Muscle cleanser and many other things. One family wasted nearly an entire suitcase of space bringing this stuff over when it was already available here.

A Note to Parents:  Most parents of young children in the past have purchased disposable diapers in Hong Kong and had them shipped in.  Again, they are available in country (Huggies), but are much more expensive.  Prices seem to be dropping though. Baby wipes are also available in HK and Shanghai (through City Shopper) and are great to have in country if used sparingly.  Some have chosen to use cloth diapers, but this is even more of a hassle in China than in the U.S. because of laundry limitations. If you are staying several years, however, the cost of disposables may lead you toward cloth.  Several families use less expensive Chinese diapers during the day and reserve Pampers or Huggies at night as a money saving measure.  Chinese made diapers are good but not as absorbent as US brands. 

Try not to bring too many toys with you on the plane.  There are Toys R Us stores in HK.  You can also buy lots of toys in China (e.g. Play-Doh, wooden trains, etc), but be careful because Chinese brands do not have formal safety standards. Another great thing to bring is a light baby backpack.  These will prove a life-saver when travelling.  Good (Japanese joint venture) umbrella strollers are available in China at U.S. prices. A collapsible baby chair for eating in restaurants is also a great thing to bring and not available for purchase here (the type that sits in an adult chair with its own tray). The Evenflo Happy Camper baby travel baby bed is available at US prices, as are very nice high chairs and safe baby beds. Return 1st.