Setup Guide

What to Bring Before Moving to China

A practical packing guide for moving to Shenzhen: documents, electronics, medication, work setup, banking, clothes, adapter, backup cards, and what not to bring.

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What to Bring Before Moving to China guide image

What to bring before moving to Shenzhen

Pack for the first month here, not for your old life.

Bring

  • passport and visa documents;
  • digital and paper copies of key documents;
  • backup bank cards;
  • some cash;
  • unlocked phone;
  • laptop and chargers;
  • plug adapters;
  • power bank;
  • medicine and prescriptions, where legal;
  • glasses or contacts prescription;
  • work hardware that is hard to replace quickly;
  • clothes that fit your work and climate needs;
  • small comfort items.

Do not overpack

Shenzhen has good shopping and same-day delivery. Buy household goods locally. Bring what is hard to replace, regulated, personal, or mission critical.

Be careful with

  • restricted medicines;
  • drones and batteries;
  • large electronics;
  • specialty foods;
  • documents you cannot replace;
  • anything your airline or customs rules restrict.

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Get the pre-arrival packing checklist