What To Bring
It is difficult to describe what a person should bring because everybody has different things that are important to him or her. Nowadays most things can be found in Shanghai. However imported goods are in most cases more expensive than locally produced products. Please don’t forget to bring some personal items as well that will make your new house feel like your home, like family pictures, favorite paintings, special Christmas ornaments or your child’s favorite books/videos.
The following guidelines will give you an idea of what is available, what is substantially more expensive and what is more difficult to find in Shanghai.
Records and Paperwork
Bring any important records or paperwork that you may need. Do not bring the originals, but have certified copies made in your country of origin.
Certified Copies
Marriage Certificate
Birth Certificate/Adoption Decree
Custody Documents for Children
Diplomas
Additional Records & Paperwork
20 Passport photos (necessary for various permits and licenses)
School Records of your children (two latest years)
Bank Records
Income Tax Records
Driver’s License ( international )
Insurance Information
Blood Type/RH Classification
Medical Records
Dental Records
Employment Records/Letters of Reference
Medical Prescriptions-chemical or generic name
Moving Information/Inventory of Items both Shipped and Stored
Pet Shipping Information
Personal Items
Medical prescriptions Lack of availability/any medication to be taken on a regular basis should be brought in a large supply
Contact Lenses Lack of availability
Vitamins Limited variety/expensive
Hair color Limited variety, especially for light hair
Favorite cosmetics and Shampoo Limited variety/expensive
Thermometer Lack of availability (℉ not available in Shanghai)
Deodorant Limited variety
Special baby needs Expensive
First Aid Kit Expensive
Household Items
Baby car seats & play pens Lack of availability
Pet needs Limited variety
Sheets Limited variety/expensive
Blankets (light cotton) Limited variety
Down pillows Lack of availability/ can be custom-made
Bathmats Limited variety
Shower curtains Limited variety
Large bath/beach towels Limited variety/expensive
Cooking items Lack of availability, especially items such as oven thermometer (ovens have no ℉ readings), meat thermometer, specialty items etc.
Foreign Language Books Except for English, lack of availability for both adults and children.
Tools Expensive
Toys/ I . e . Lego Limited variety/Expensive
House protection items Lack of availability, especially items such as smoke detectors, home alarm devices
Craft supplies Limited variety/poor quality
Food Items
Special spices Lack of availability
Nowadays imported food items are available at several specialty stores. However you should keep in mind that most of these products are more expensive than in Western countries.
Local food items are reasonably priced.
Women’s clothes
Clothes Lack of availability of woman’s clothes larger than an American size 8/European size 42
Shoes Lack of availability of women’s shoes larger than an American size 7-8/European size 39
Maternity clothes Limited variety/size
Cotton socks Poor quality
Pantyhose, stockings Only small sizes are available
Lingerie Only small sizes are available
Men’s clothes
Clothes Lack of Availability of Men’s suits/clothing larger than an American size 42/European size 52
Shoes Lack of Availability of Men’s shoes larger than an American size 10/European size 43
Specialty footwear Expensive/small sizes, especially sport & fitness wear
Men’s pajamas Only small sizes are available
Men’s ties Too short
Children’s clothes
Cotton underwear Poor quality (except for babies)
Shoes Limited variety, especially good quality leather winter boots/summer sandals
Clothes Limited variety in styles and sizes. However it is available in department stores and markets and what you can find is reasonably priced.
Electronics/Electrical Items
The electrical voltage in Shanghai is 220 volt and 50-cycle power. Arrange for items that require special servicing.
Dual Voltage Option
It is best to bring dual voltage electronics and appliances.
Televisions
May brand names are available in Shanghai ( Sony , Panasonic, Philips etc.)
Telephones
May brand names are available.
Power Surges
Power surges are common In Shanghai. Stabilizers may be available in Shanghai and are widely used to correct this problem. Fuse protectors for electrical equipment are also available.
Things To Do
One of the most important and time-consuming tasks when you move to a new location is the preparation of an inventory of your personal items. Be sure to make photocopies of all documents such as passports, drivers licenses etc. Make additional copies of your checklist; keep one for yourself and leave others with the appropriate people.
Inventory
Here are some things to consider when preparing your inventory:
1. Take photographs or a make a video of all your furniture. This is the best way to prove damages in the event of a loss.
2. Your inventory should be very explicit (i.e.12 breakfast knives, 12 dinner spoons etc.) for items being imported into China.
3. Make your inventory and make room by room.
4. Date the inventory and make several copies.
5. Have your valuables appraised by a qualified person.
6. Leave a copy of your inventory with a family member.
7. Record all bank account information ( including credit card numbers ) and leave a copy with a family member.
Rent safe deposit box.
Banking
Banking in China gets easier and easier. In Shanghai, ATM’s are almost on every corner of the main streets in downtown area. You can use your foreign bank card. Chinese banks will not charge anything extra for the transaction and you receive the official exchange rate. Most foreign bank charge a small transaction fee for each withdrawal made in China.
Insurance
When informing your insurance companies of your move, check whether you are entitled to a refund for your car and household insurance. Check whether they will insure your goods in China and make sure your medical insurance includes emergency evacuation coverage. Insurance on personal items is available in China.
Will
If you have not prepared a will, now is a good time to do so. If you already have a will, you may want to review it with your legal counsel. Consider appointment a legal guardian for your children and write a letter of instruction. Remember to stipulate any funeral arrangements and provide any details on organ donation. Keep a copy for yourself and leave one with your legal counsel.
Packing Tips
Your designated moving company will arrive at your home and takes control of the packing process. Arrange for young children to spend the day away from the house with family or friends.
Young children not only are hard to keep track of, but can also find the experience extremely unsettling.
Arrange for teenagers to spend some time with friends during packing.
Colour code boxes according to the different rooms.
Colour code items for air shipment vs. ocean shipment.
∈ Chearly mark all items that need to be packed and those that are your hand luggage for on the airplane.
