Bring along some items that are hard to find in China, but that many Westerners consider essential. A suggested packing list should include cold and flu medications, fever and pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofin, allergy medications such as Zyrtec or Benedryl, and daily vitamins. Hygiene items that might be hard to find or different from those manufactured in the United States include deodorants and feminine hygiene products.
Gaining a rudimentary understanding of Mandarin is your first step toward feeling at ease in the country. Incredibly complex, this tonal language is defined by its ability to have the same spelling translate into different meanings depending on the pronunciation. As with all languages, reading and writing are easier to master than speaking and listening. An immersion course, along with a Chinese-English dictionary, are a must for anyone preparing to move to China.
Learning social and business etiquette is essential to fitting into your new country. Etiquette rules are quite different in China from what you may be used to, and behavior you deem appropriate might be considered rude. For example, to introduce yourself in a group is considered disrespectful. Instead, etiquette dictates you should smile and wait until you are introduced before shaking hands. And did you know that you should never eat all of the food on your plate at a banquet-type meal? You will give the host the impression that the food was insufficient. Avoid embarrassing situations like this by purchasing an etiquette book, or information garnered through online research about Chinese customs and proper situational behavior, to help you navigate social pitfalls.
